Desktop gaming PCs have a status for being big, and, to be trustworthy, loads of them are. However, should you’re assured sufficient to dive into the twisted world of cable administration, then a compact construct might be a unbelievable problem that pays off as a space-saving monster rig. When the Cooler Master Qube 340 case appeared at Computex earlier this yr, I used to be instantly intrigued, even when I am unable to afford the total gamut of elements to construct within it simply but.
Ben Wilson
I’ve constructed customized desktop gaming PCs for my complete grownup life, regardless that it is turn out to be a lot tougher just lately as a result of broadly devastating reminiscence disaster. Nevertheless, I’m decided to lastly construct a compact rig.
Cooler Master offered a pattern however didn’t see the contents of my article earlier than publishing. I’m additionally refraining from assigning a conventional evaluate rating to this case till I can full a construct with a full set of parts.
How a lot does the Qube 340 value?
For now, the best place to buy the Cooler Master Qube 340 is Newegg at $54.99. It’s presently listed by Newegg itself, moderately than any third-party sellers, and is in inventory on the time of writing. A list for the Qube 340 in black on Amazon US lists “Newegg Business” as a reseller at $59.49, which is not price the additional cash. At the time of writing, the white variant of this case is “currently unavailable” on Amazon and is outright lacking from Newegg.
|
Component | Spec |
|---|---|
| Motherboard help | Mini-ITX |
| Power provide help | ATX |
| Fan help | 2x 120mm / 2x 140mm (prime/entrance) |
| Radiator help | 240mm/120mm (prime/entrance) |
| I/O | 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen1 |
| Clearances | CPU cooler: 178mm |
| Dimensions | 386.1 x 230 x 429.4 mm (together with handles, toes) |
What I like concerning the Qube 340
The removable handles (are) ideal for what I’ve planned: A desktop that I can set up and take away at a moment’s notice.
It came in a huge box, but it feels as compact in person as I’d hoped. The removable handles are also ideal for what I’ve planned: A desktop that I can set up and take away at a moment’s notice, rather than leaving something permanently underneath our TV. Sure, I’ll need to buy some more niche parts, like a compatible motherboard, but Cooler Master impressed me out of the box.
My most important consideration was whether the ASRock Challenger Radeon RX 9070 XT graphics card I have would fit, depending on my front-fan decisions. I could also use an AIO radiator, but the cheesegrater-esque design of the Qube 340 feels better suited to a traditional air cooler — even if only in aesthetics — plus there’s a 140mm ‘DF1402512RFLN’ fan pre-installed at the rear.
At a glance, there’s nothing to worry about, as the 290mm GPU fits with around 78mm to spare. My immediate idea is to have a single 140mm intake fan mounted at the top, pulling cool air into the case and pushing it through a CPU air cooler before exhausting it out the back. Still, I have options, including adding an even longer card, as long as everything is measured correctly.
Next up are cable management and routing options. Like most hobbyists, I prefer to take my time with my own builds and get everything as clean as possible, which is more of a mandatory requirement in a compact case than a preference. While there aren’t any dedicated trunking channels, there are a few mounting points for zip ties, so I just need to plan everything carefully.
The front-mounted I/O plate is also removable, so I can move it to the top of the case for easier access and re-route the attached cables from the start. It all depends on my motherboard of choice and how it determines the shortest route for each component, but it’s fantastic to have the option. I’ll always prefer my power button and front ports to be at the top of the case.
What I don’t like about the Qube 340
The build quality is generally great on the outside, with those sturdy carry handles and rubberized feet keeping it steady in a vertical position and similarly when laid flat for construction and upgrades. However, the metal on the inside — particularly around the motherboard tray — is quite thin with some flex, but I doubt I’d ever accidentally bend it in any permanent way.
Being mostly toolless also raises some concern about the glass side panel, which holds well but is secured only by a single protruding tab.
I found the removable 2.5/3.5-inch drive tray similarly skinny and flexible, but it hardly has to do anything beyond holding my storage in place, and it at least removes with a single thumbscrew. It would likely take a heavy dent from an accidental drop to twist this case out of shape, and though it’s well padded in its box, it’s still worth checking everything over as soon as you buy one.
Concerns about missing rubber grommets are tempered by the fact that this is a $55 PC case. Not to excuse any internal mishaps that might happen, but again, it feels unlikely given how solid the outer shell is overall. Otherwise, being mostly toolless also raises some concern about the glass side panel, which holds well but is secured only by a single protruding tab.
Should you buy the Qube 340?
You should buy this if …
✅ You want to build a portable mini ITX gaming PC
✅ You’re prioritizing airflow with dust protection
You should not buy this if …
❌ This is your first-ever rig; compact builds are tricky
You can go smaller, but for my first planned adventure into a mini-ITX build, the Qube 340 is exactly what I wanted it to be. If, like me, you’re toying with the idea of a compact gaming PC that’s easier to move around than a full-sized desktop, I think you’ll be quite happy with this incredibly affordable case. Some of my opinions might change once I have enough parts to build inside it, but that won’t affect the overall praise I have for Cooler Master on this occasion.