HTPC cases are becoming very common in todays digital media world. Today we are taking a look at one of Cooler Master's latest HTPC cases. The CM Media 280 (also available the CM Media 281 - without the Media Kit). What you will receive when purchasing the CM Media 280 is the standard CM Media 281 with a second box containing the Media Kit that includes the Remote, VFD, and hardware.

     As you can see in the photos above the CM Media 281 is well packed and utilizes the standard foam end caps to keep the case centered in the box and the case is also covered with plastic to protect it from any scratches.

     When I started unpacking the case I heard something moving around in the box. It had me a little concerned. Well during the shipment it appears that one of the thumb screws had come loose and was bouncing around in the container. As you can see, it was inside the bag area and could have potentially scratched the case. Thankfully we have no damage on the case to report.

     Here we have the case removed from the box. Slip the foam off and remove the protective bag and we can see that the CM Media 280 comes setup for the standard mid-tower configuration. This is where the CM Media 280/281 chassis shines, it can be used as a standard mid-tower or it can easily be converted to a HTPC case which will sit horizontal. All of the front doors (3 total) are secured shut with tape to keep them from being damaged in shipment.

     Looking from these angles you can see the side fan mount, while looking at the top you will see the fresh air intake for the PSU. This chassis does require the power supply to be installed upside down compared to the standard installation. It is also designed for a power supply that has a 120 - 140MM intake fan that exhausts out the rear of the unit. However a standard power supply that uses an 80MM (or dual 80MM) fan can still be used. It will simply pull its intake air from the inside of the case rather than the outside.

     Looking at the rear of the case you can see the fan mount for the lower 120MM fan (included). The I/O plate at the bottom, the expansion slots located in the middle and the PSU mounting at the top. On the right you will see the standard layout of the interior of the case. The CM Media 280/281 will accept three external 5.25" drives, one external 3.5" drive, and five internal 3.5" drives. The 3.5" mounts are also removable, while the five internal mounts also offer anti-vibration mounting for the hard drives to help reduce any unwanted noise.