MaximumPC 2007 09

 MAMAMAXIMXIMXIMXIMUUUUMMPPPCCSEPTEMBER 2007

C

ooler Master’s Cosmos ($200, http://www.coolermaster-usa.com) is one

of the nicest chassis we’ve ever tested, and that’s saying a lot,

considering the bounty of enclosures we get in the Lab every

month. CM certainly covered the bases with this one, as nearly every-

thing is customized or customizable.

The front panel’s smooth, black door gives way to fi ve grilled bay

covers, which pop out with ease. You don’t need a screwdriver to

install any 5.25-inch peripherals into the slots; the case’s proprietary

mechanisms—simple push-button locking devices—make the process

exceedingly simple.

Since we like our Dream Machine to look clean, we applaud Cooler

Master’s foresight when it comes to cable management. From the pull-

out hard drive bays to the design of the motherboard backboard, this

case is built to be neat and tidy. Heck, the Cosmos even comes with

handles on both the top and bottom that give the case a fresh style,

assist in transportation, and improve airfl ow (by lifting the case’s inlets

off your sweet shag carpet).

CASE

Cooler Master Cosmos

Simplicity meets sexy in Cooler Master’s chassis

INPUT DEVICES

W

e could have picked a newfangled wireless keyboard

for the ’07 Dream Machine and some sort of crazy

three-dimensional mouse, but instead we went back to

basics. With variable sensitivity, four easy-access buttons, and a

tilting scroll wheel, Logitech’s second-generation G5 ($70, http://www.

logitech.com) is the ultimate take-no-prisoners gaming mouse.

And our keyboard—the Keytronic Classic-U2, in black

($45, http://www.keytronic.com)—is just that, a classic. With superb

key action and an incredible lifetime warranty, it’s hard to

pass up. If we were weak-wristed and in need of ergonomic

support, we’d pick up Microsoft’s Natural Keyboard 4000

instead, which remains our favorite orthopedic model.

Keytronic Classic-U2 Keyboard

and Logitech G5 Version 2

Without kick-ass input devices, our Dream

Machine would be a wrist-crippling nightmare

OPERATING SYSTEMS

W

e’ve included Windows XP on every Dream

Machine since 2001 because it’s fast and reliable,

and we’re extremely comfortable with it. This year,

we’re including Vista on the second partition of our Dream

Machine in the hope that it will grow to fi ll Windows XP’s

mighty shoes during the course of this rig’s life.

Gaming is, of course, our main reason for dual-boot-

ing this year. While the meager selection of Vista-only

titles out now doesn’t inspire us—Shadowrun and Halo

2, pshaw—the future holds much promise. We can hardly

wait for the DirectX 10 goodness coming down the pike in

games like Crysis and Hellgate: London.

Windows XP Professional and

Windows Vista Ultimate

Vista’s not ready for full-time use, but a dual

boot means it’s ready when the time calls for it

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