Cooler Master Silencio 550: The Virtues of Silence

[Apoptosis]

The Silencio 550: The Virtues of Silence

Chino, CA – May 20th, 2011 - With the introduction of the Silencio 550, Cooler Master ushers in a new era of silent towers by creatively combining smooth styling, strength, and stealth. A true marvel enveloped in a sleek black steel case, it holds the capacity to support the most elaborate computing configurations. The front panel adorns a mirrored high-gloss finish which speaks to the class and elegance only embraced by Cooler Master products.



Quiet Operation

Paramount to the Silencio 550, as the name suggests, are the barely audible tones at which it runs. Sound silencing foam padding deadens the slight reverberations of the fans and the whirrs and clicks of hard drives. Combine this with a solid-steel frame, rubber feet, two Cooler Master quiet-spinning fans and this chassis nearly sheds all forms of noise. It makes it the perfect tower for those who value a quiet computing environment.


Intelligent Interior

Within the Silencio 550s simply elegant exterior lays a clean, intuitive, and spacious interior. Three 5.25", seven 3.5", one 2.5" hard drive bays are set inside a solid steel frame. An easily-removable hard drive cage allows computer aficionados to mix and match various hard drives for maximum flexibility and drive space. Lying behind the front panel is an external hot-swappable drive dock for those quick changes on-the-fly. This slot, along with lightning-quick, backwards-compatible USB 3.0 ports and a versatile SD card reader provides the users with a veritable holy trinity of data connectivity options. A surprisingly efficient intake-exhaust cooling system throughout the interior provides for maximum airflow. Should users want to utilize liquid cooling alternatives, the Silencio 550 includes rear retaining holes for an optional water cooling radiator installation. Abundant cooling options, ingenuity, aesthetics, and a reasonable price make this chassis the perfect silent partner for any enthusiast.

[Tator Tot]

Been waiting for this case for awhile, I want to see the price on it, but it could be a solid contender if it's priced around $70 or so.

The excellent frame design of the HAF912/Storm Enforcer, but with the elegant and stylized look of the ATC/ATCS Series of cases from Cooler Master (along with a bit of Performance One from Antec, and Define from Factal Designs.)

[Apoptosis]

try $99.99 MSRP

[Tator Tot]

try $99.99 MSRP

I expected that to be fair, but the CM692-ADV often sells for less than it's $99 MSRP.

Though, I happen to feel that Cooler Master is competing a little hard with themselves in the case market. HAF912 Advanced, Storm Enforcer & Silencio 550 are all priced in the same bracket and more or less the same case with different styling.

Not exactly a bad move on their part, but when you throw in the CM692-ADV into the mix, you start to wonder if the different divisions of cooler master are not communicating with themselves well.

[bubba]

Nah, that's the point. Same internals that users want, then hit the various tastes with the outer skin changes.

HAF and Storm series are aimed at gamers. The Silencio aimed for people who want a little of the classy style to the look of their case.

I'd have a HAF for a LAN rig, and the Silencio type on my office. Cant tell you how many people I have heard want the internal features of a HAF, but can't stand the outer appearance of the cases.