Performance Analysis

Default cooling won’t be relevant to most people, so we’ll keep this section short. The default fans appear to be fairly low-airflow, delivering worse performance than the C700P. Only full speed sees the GPU improve from the low/medium setting, which both deliver a delta T of 51°C. The CPU is more responsive to the fluctuations in airflow of the rear fan, but the low setting is definitely on the warm side.

We also tested with the GPU mounted vertically and the fans fixed at high speed. This had no real impact; the results were within the margin of error compared to the same test with the GPU mounted normally.

Conclusion

Cooler Master has long been pushing the idea of ‘Make It Yours’, and the C700M feels like the full expression of that idea. The fact that the core layout can be completely changed isn’t anything new, but the modularity of the case is more extreme than anything we’ve seen thus far. This will of course appeal to a very specific type of builder, especially as the cost of engineering such a case is integrated into the retail price, but we do rather like that a variety of GPU mounting locations are supported without the need for anything extra. The same is true for storage, RGB lighting, and water-cooling hardware; the only thing missing is a dual-system upgrade option, although we don’t doubt that it's possible within the given space.

The addressable RGB and fan hub is well integrated, and the external lighting is suitably punchy. The build quality throughout is top notch with only one or two minor exceptions, and the individual steps of the build process are all fairly easy – there just might be a lot more steps than you’re used to when switching layouts, but that’s to be expected.

Ultimately, the C700M is unique beast in terms of appeal, price, and design. With its Cosmos identity clearly maintained and a ridiculously modular interior, it’s a suitable mix of old and new, and a fitting flagship for Cooler Master.