Cooler Master Elite 120 Advanced

Overview

TechSpot Metascore

Based on 13 expert reviews

Excellent:

5
Good:

5
Average:

2
Bad:

1

Pros:

Quite affordable MiniITX chassis.
Very good construction.
Simple, but effective interior.

Cons:

Only the most compact CPU coolers will fit.
Screwless system does not work that well for ODDs.

TechSpot is supported by its audience. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

Last revision on March 19, 2015

Reviewers Liked

Quite affordable MiniITX chassis
Very good construction
Simple, but effective interior
External frame, allowing for larger PSUs
Screwless design for drive bays
Long graphics cards will easily fit
Up to five hard drives may be installed
Uses standard ATX power supplies
Full sized 5.25" device bay
Three front USB ports (1 USB 3.0)
Excellent ventilation for hard drives
Lots of tie down points for cable management

Reviewers Didn't Like

Only the most compact CPU coolers will fit
Screwless system does not work that well for ODDs
No dust filter on some intake fan locations
I/O cables a bit too long
No real dust filter in the top vent for the PSU
Only one USB 3.0 plug
One USB 2.0 plug
No intake air filters
Very little clearance above motherboard
Limited ventilation for processor and motherboard
No integrated memory card reader

Expert reviews and ratings

At AU$59, it's hard to complain too much about the Elite 120 Advanced's lack of flexibility. A mid-ranged system should be perfectly happy inside it. Still, unless you're space challenged, it's worth springing more cash on BitFenix's Prodigy...

By CNET Australia on October 29, 2012

An excellent option if you’re looking to build a HTPC or compact gaming PC on a...

By Kitguru.net on October 15, 2012

The Cooler Master Elite 120 chassis may look like most other Mini-ITX form-factor cases out there, but it actually bears no surprises since the hard drive bays are located on the front and the full size ODD is placed above that. Cooler Master managed...

By techPowerUp! on October 08, 2012

Though our stress testing evidently proved too much for the Elite 120 Advanced to handle effectively, particularly in terms of CPU cooling, we feel it would be unfair to dismiss it entirely based solely on this as there are a number of things that...

By Bit-tech.net on September 14, 2012

The Cooler Master Elite 120 Advanced case is the result of solid design with a real sense of what system builders need. The fact that it's a mere $49.99 is a bonus. A min ITX case doesn't have the expansion capability of a full sized case, but a...

By Benchmark Reviews on September 11, 2012

100

If you are looking for a great HTPC or Gaming Rig that small in size but large in stature, The Cooler Master Elite 120 Advanced should definitely be on your short list...

By Pureoverclock on September 07, 2012

Cooler Master's latest mini-ITX chassis is the cheapest of all the wee PC boxes we've looked at in recent times. There are areas where this definitely shows, but for the most part this is an incredibly good value case for your mini build. There are...

By TechRadar on August 17, 2012

With a painted interior, simple and sleek exterior, and support for extended, high-end hardware the Elite 120 Advanced from Cooler Master is a perfect fit in either the HTPC or LAN party rig. No overly obnoxious lighting or loud fans mean the Elite 120...

By LanOC Reviews on February 19, 2013

Mini-ITX has existed for years now as form factor, but a more recent phenomenon is the appearance of more versatile and capable motherboards in this size. Those make it possible to assemble your own compact computers, if you can find the right chassis...

By uk.hardware.info on January 30, 2013

Today I am taking a look at the Elite 120 Advanced chassis from Cooler Master, and with over ten years experience in the computer industry providing us with a solid range of cooling components , computer chassis and even supporting the industrial...

By eTeknix on October 05, 2012

Load More Reviews…