Cooler Master MasterCase 5 Chassis Review

TECHNOLOGY X TEST BENCH

Today’s build of the Cooler Master MasterCase 5 consists of:

Today’s build was interesting. Given we weren’t equipped with the PRO components we still wanted to see what we could accomplish. First thing we noticed was the increased effort to install the PSU. First you have to unscrew four thumbscrews to remove the cover. Then you have to screw the cover onto the PSU, when doing this try to avoid tightening all the way as if you do your thumbscrews may not line up properly. Keep them a little loose so when you slide the PSU in there is wiggle room for the thumbscrews to secure to the chassis and then tighten the PSU to the frame. We removed the 2.5”/3.5” drive cage completely. The motherboard went on easily and the pass-throughs were a dream to work with cable management. Maximum VGA length is 412mm with the drive cage removed and 296mm with the cage in. The CPU cooler height will not be supported past 190mm. We decided to take personalizing the MasterCase by trying to install a cooling system without the top accessories, accomplished. It took a little extra effort and space was tight but with our OD in the lower of the two bays we were able to install Cooler Masters Nepton 240M cooler tightly in the top under the panel. A few of the screws are not in and the dust cover took a little roughing up but it was possible and works great. On the backside cable management was not difficult at all either and the Velcro straps work perfectly. Another issue we seem to keep running into with case reviews is how odd the CPU PSU cable always ends up. It is consistently the only cable that just seems to be hanging out dangling. All in all the build went great. It was easy, fun and unique due to our self-enlightening quest to install the Nepton 240M.

FINAL THOUGHTS & ANALYSIS

The MasterCase 5 is as cool as they come and if you splurge on the PRO you definitely will not be disappointed. Excellent cable management and great being modular makes the price tag of $140 and $175 for the Pro a little more justifiable. The case has very little downside maybe add some tie-down points for cable management and don’t send all the screws in one bag, separate them. That’s just us digging for points to improve. The drop-safe side panels are awesome. The handles on the top for easy carry and movement are great. The pass-throughs are spot on. The MasterCase 5 is all in all a great catch, landing Cooler Master our Silver Seal.

Check out Cooler Master’s MasterCase 5 on Amazon!