The Deepcool CC560 is a budget PC case priced around £49, featuring tempered glass and four fans. While it has a sleek design and decent build quality, it suffers from poor airflow due to its plastic front panel, leading to subpar thermal performance. It may be suitable for low-power builds but is not recommended for high-performance components due to potential overheating issues.
In the world of PC building, finding the right case can be a daunting task, especially when working with a budget. Recently, I came across the Deepcool CC560, a case priced under £50 that seemed to offer a lot for its price point. With features like tempered glass, four fans, and a reputable brand backing it, I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype. However, my experience revealed that the CC560 might not be the bargain it initially appeared to be.
The Deepcool CC560 is available in various configurations, with the black version priced at approximately £49. For an additional £10, you can opt for an ARGB version. Interestingly, the white variant is priced at £43, which is unusual since white cases typically cost more. However, there is no white version with ARGB fans, which would have been an attractive option.
Upon unboxing the CC560, my initial excitement was dampened when I encountered a problem with one of the thumb screws for the tempered glass panel. The thread for the standoff had stripped, making it impossible to secure. While this could have been a dealbreaker, I managed to fix it by relocating the standoff. This incident set the tone for my review, highlighting potential quality control issues.
The CC560 features a plastic front panel, which is acceptable at this price point, but the ventilation is severely lacking. A large black plastic strip in the middle restricts airflow, which is a significant drawback. In comparison, other cases in this price range have better-integrated mesh panels. The front panel's design could have been improved to enhance airflow without compromising structural integrity.
The front I/O panel includes a USB 3.0 Type-A port, a USB 2.0 Type-A port, and a combined microphone and audio jack. While functional, the buttons feel outdated. The magnetic dust filter is difficult to remove and replace, which could deter regular maintenance.
Inside the case, the layout is straightforward, but it lacks ventilation for the power supply shroud. The included fans are quiet at idle but do not perform well under load. The fans are turquoise, not the bright white they appear to be in promotional images, which may disappoint some users.
The CC560 supports a variety of hardware configurations. You can install a 120mm fan or radiator at the rear, a 240mm radiator at the top, and a 360mm radiator at the front. The maximum GPU length is 370mm, and CPU coolers can be up to 163mm tall. However, cable management options are limited, with no velcro straps or dedicated channels, making it challenging to achieve a clean build.
Thermals are where the CC560 struggles the most. In default configuration, the CPU temperature reached 81.8°C, and the GPU hit 67.7°C. Removing the top dust filter improved CPU temperatures by 3°C and GPU temperatures by 1.9°C. However, removing the front panel resulted in a significant drop of 6.8°C for the CPU and 4°C for the GPU. This indicates that the front panel severely restricts airflow, which could lead to overheating, especially with high-performance components.
In conclusion, the Deepcool CC560 presents a mixed bag of features and performance. While it offers a clean aesthetic and straightforward assembly, its airflow issues and thermal performance make it a tough sell for anyone looking to build a high-performance system.
If you plan to use low-power hardware and can find it closer to the £40 mark, the CC560 might be a reasonable choice. However, for mid to high-end components, I would recommend exploring other options that provide better airflow and thermal management. The CC560 may look appealing, but the compromises in performance could lead to frustration down the line.
