Cooler Master MasterCase 5 Case Review

The Mastercase 5 is the product of several years of development, directly for the case and indirectly though “other” projects.  A notable example is the HAF Stacker which introduced modules to the Cooler Master lineup and allowed users to connect and reconnect them anyway they desired.

Some cases before that were the Storm Trooper which introduced integrated carrying handles and the entire HAF series focused on cooling performance which brings us to the current design, the Mastercase.

Mastercase 5 is a mid tower design featuring flat side panels and sleek 45 degree angle cuts along the top, front and bottom edges.  These cuts help disguise the panels making them appear smaller while still allowing for a larger interior space.

The back of the case is very traditional with a primary exhaust fan located over the I/O.  A total of 7 expansion slots are available with the bottom slot being occupied by the patented cable lock made popular during the Storm Gaming case series.

Front panel controls are very sparse with only two USB ports, two audio ports and buttons for power and reset.  This gives the front of the case a very clean look but might be a little light for some folks.

Cooler Master introduced the cable lock several years ago.  While it doesn’t make headlines much anymore it is a very simple and effective theft deterrent for when your PC is in a public space like a LAN Party or Dorm room.  It won’t prevent your PC from getting stolen but once you wrap a mouse, headphone and keyboard cable through the lock  it will prevent people from simply unplugging your gear and taking it.   

Of course the other benefit isn’t so much security related but, if you are a fan of 3-way SLI (or Crossfire) the cable lock in the 7th expansion slot can be removed making space for that, ever important, final video card.

At the bottom of the case you will find the power supply location with a removable panel allowing you to position the PSU with the fan facing up or down.

The location is protected by a removable dust filter and the whole case is lifted one inch off the ground by the removable case stands.