The MasterCase 5 chassis Cooler Master Bringing modularity to a new level. Is it a promise of unique design for each user?
In recent years, the packaging market has been developing in a direction that allows interesting features in packages that used to belong only to those who dare to use special tools. Elements like Windows Side, anchoring of radiators and dismantling of drive cages have become commonplace when talking about Enclosures Are advancing today.
Today in the review there is a case I have been waiting for a long time since I first learned about it. After much planning, Koller Master launches the MasterCase 5 package, a package that gives users more freedom to decide how it looks and is arranged inside and out.
The MasterCase 5 is a mid-tower case, which means it fits standard motherboards ATX Or smaller (like mATX and mITX). This case comes with upgrade options and another, more advanced version called MasterCase Pro 5.
The Pro comes with a docking fitted to an additional radiator and fan, as well as additional hard drive docks. Accessories that you can buy separately are a transparent side window and cases hard drives. The Pro version you receive with these components will pay $ 140, while the simpler version only costs $ 110. The 25 will pay $ 3 on the side window, the 15 package will pay $ 2, and the 13 package will pay $ XNUMX.
The only advice I can give in advance is to climb to the Pro version where you get the extra drive case and side window along with the top radiator docking. You will get more value for your investment.
I received my MasterCase 5 standard together with all the components needed to upgrade it to Pro, so you will see the differences between the models even when it comes to building possibilities. The exterior design of the MasterCase 5 is my favorite. There are no plastics here in alien forms, and no strange bumps. Solid design that transmits progress.
The top of the case includes a large dust filter and two steel handles attached to its main chassis, so there is no risk of using them with heavy parts. The front of the chassis has two ports USB 3.0, ON button, REST, LEDs, and hard working status. Unfortunately there are no ports here USB More, and that's a bit of a shame. At a price and such a level, an addition of two exits USB 2.0 is standard.
Here's another difference between the Pro and normal versions. In the Pro version you will get a tool that serves as a radiator Cooling 280 millimeters in size, for two 140 millimeter fans of course. However, in the regular version, you only get a lid and a simple dust filter. Unfortunately the top that covers the roof slips out too easily. You do not even need force, just move your hand gently and the part slides out. There is no mechanism at all that will prevent it from slipping.
With the case you will also get a box of accessories needed to install the hardware. There are screws for anchoring the motherboard, hard drives and power adapters from the 3PIN to the 4PIN power supply to the power supply. There are also a few cuffs for arranging cable rests.
As a first step in mounting the computer, I put the motherboard (on which the processor is installed, the memory and the cooling) in the dock area. The processor has the TPC812, Cooling Excellent Collar Master herself. Note that even though this chassis is a mid-tower, it does not save an advanced partitioning arrangement in which the lower part is mostly dedicated to power supply and cables, as well as an optional dock of more hard drives. The main part of the motherboard is also designed for docking hard drives On the right.
The MasterCase 5 comes in its simplest version with a two-drive enclosure. This is in addition to two docking drives SSD On the partition below the motherboard. In most cases, there is no problem with this. The typical user typically goes on one standard hard drive with a volume of 1-3 terabyte and a drive SSD Added to the operating system and some games. The addition of more rigid and more SSD Would be possible in this case. If you plan to go for more storage hard drives, you might want to upgrade to the Pro version that comes with another 3 hard drive or 5.SSD.
Installing the power supply pack in a slightly different package is very familiar to me and reminds me a bit of what was in Cosmos II of the Collar Master a few years ago. There is a device with fixed screws to which the power supply is screwed, and then the supplier is put into its rail from the outside and bolts these screws. A fairly convenient way if you have a modular or at least semi-modular supply.
There's plenty of space at the bottom for the cables and everything to do with their arrangement. On the lower-right side you can even install one of the hard drives to the addition of 3 drives, which in some cases will drive their complete disappearance from the motherboard area and allow the installation of the number graphic cards Especially long.
The standard MasterCase 5 comes with this 140 millimeter-diameter fan on the front of the chassis. There is also an additional fan on the back of the case that exits the hot air. You can mount another fan in the front of the case, or like my previous recommendations you can simply purchase the Pro version and get an additional fan that will be installed in the front. There is also an upper hidden docking for a third fan that will allow an 420 or an 360 radiator if three 120 millimeters are used.
The chassis legs are similar to those found in computer cases Dark Certain. Simply a steel bow with rubber coasters to prevent vibration. Aesthetically pleasing, high enough and well built. I would not have chosen another option for the legs.
This is the second part of the case. The Collar Master was very concerned about enough cable signal options. Cable arrangement is simple, and there is a half-inch gap between the door and the motherboard on which the motherboard is installed. There is also a channel with all cables from the front panel of the chassis to the motherboard with Velcro straps, an excellent addition that can also be used for additional cables from the power supply.
This is how the computer looks after installing the rest of the hardware. For a graphics card I used R9 290 Tri-X Sapphire, Video card length 31.5 inches. I'm not hiding mountains and hills here. Installing the hardware in MasterCase 5 is very simple and results in a very clean result. In fact, it's one of the simplest installations, and one of the cleanest results I've ever seen in a web site review.
Koller Master did an exceptional job with designing the MasterCase and worrying about the end result. The holes in the center of the partition allow for a short and efficient transfer of power supply cables to the video card, instead of rotating behind the motherboard. The wiring holes on the side of the motherboard allow the cables to peek in with difficulty just to make an edge through their connection. In this case, the 24 PIN connection to the motherboard and theUSB 3.0 front of the chassis.
Thanks to holes attached to the bottom of the motherboard also a connection of USB 2.0 and front buttons is a clean job.
This is how the system looks after everything is connected and turned on. I must admit, I am very pleased with the Master Master's MasterCase 5. This is a step forward for the company in everything related to packaging design and possibilities. There are, however, a number of things that I must note before going into the summary.
"Make it yours" - Really?
When this case was launched a few days ago, Koller Master announced loudly the slogan "Make it yours" (or Make it yours). I can understand where this is coming from. Choker Master has chosen to give users freedom in the options and features in the chassis. Admittedly, the MasterCase is light years away from being the most modular or flexible chassis on the market. Different mooring options of cages hard drives And the choice between two types of doors is far from varied and interesting.
The very fact that the basic MasterCase 5 version does not include a window or the ability to mount an upper radiator makes it a much more basic and desirable package than the Pro. It comes with the possibility of anchoring the 2 hard drives Only 3.5 is available, and we are offered a host of costly upgrades at a total cost of over $ 40. This does not make it a platform of change and caste, but simply regret that we did not purchase the Pro.
To make a case for your own, you need to do a little more than download a few drawers of hard drives And change the filter on the roof. You need to cut, renovate, etch and paste. Where is Advanced Fans Control? Where are LED controllers in a variety of colors? These are options that should be prepared for those upgrading, not expensive things that are received with a more advanced version.
Here's the verdict for me. The MasterCase Pro 5 is a great case. It is great because it is the Pro and it contains the excellent window at the bottom is blackened enough. It is great that its hard drive options allow a home server and that it is possible to mount an 240 millimeter radiator in the roof, not just in front of the chassis.
It comes with a hardware worth of 50 dollars extra over a non-pro version and asks for just 30 more dollars. Its price is 140 USD and its main competitor is Enclosures Like the Air 540 that does not exactly fall into its category, but offers similar options for hardware compatibility and cooling.
The price is good. I would say even very well about the change. He 's far enough away from that Enclosures Such as the Obsidian 750D and gives competition in return for excellent building quality, solid appearance and good cooling compatibility. I would like to see the scene continue to expand even outside the small businesses that deal with custom packages for customers, but instead of offering things that exist in an advanced package to such less advanced, formal elements that will significantly change the chassis.
If I want to make a case for mine, I will take care of a unique color, unique elements. Here's a chance for a Master Collar to think of a truly inexpensive platform that plug-ins can be a real design enhancement.
Let's put aside modding and plug-ins and take MasterCase Pro 5 as a complete product. It is an advanced, clean and elegant package that provides excellent air flow, advanced hardware docking and a clean cable arrangement. All this comes at a fairly accessible price of 140 dollars. When he reaches the stores in September, he is expected to have a price tag of about NIS 700. The launch price is slightly higher, but is expected to drop slightly after launch.
For the budget you will get a well-built package with excellent airflow and good cable management. You can view your advanced hardware with the stylish side window and use advanced power supplies and high-temperature card drives. The MasrerCase Pro 5 is recommended for anyone who wants more than his Mid Tower. Those who do not plan to add hard drives Many are not interested in the window, even the non-Pro version is expected to come out during September and cost about NIS 600. I think this investment is definitely worth it.
Recommended - Cooler Master MasterCase Pro 5
the good
- Excellent construction quality
- Cable signal is very restless
- Spacious, suitable for the longest video cards
- A side window is designed with a geo tone on the bottom
- Flexibility in the anchors of the hard and airy anchors
- Front and front dust filters
- Support for 420 millimeters on the front, and 280 millimeters on the roof
The bad
- The non-pro version punishes too much for the extra price
- Does not contain fan controller
- A top cover is not well grasped, removed very easily
We will be happy to read in the comments your suggestions for a logical upgrade system for enclosures. Is the idea of choosing additional parts for a basic case feasible? How would you renovate your MasterCase 5 to make it truly yours?