Cooler Master MasterCase Maker 5t Case Review

 In this review I looked at the Cooler Master MasterCase Maker 5t.  This is a Mid-Tower case built on the popular MasterCase Series chassis and really pushes the limit on factory modded PCs.  Normally a pre-mod might include a side window or maybe some decorative trim but with the 5t things have been pushed, just a little bit.

Normally I spend a good couple paragraphs and talk about the modding potential of a particular chassis and mention things like side windows and places to put watercooling components but with the Maker 5t that is proving to be a little difficult.  There really isn’t a traditional side window mod you can do considering that both sides of this case are clad in heavy tempered glass.  The glass is also shaded for extra style and that added low rider privacy look.  In terms of mods the best I can come up with is an old standby the window appliqué.  Though you’ll want to have it cut in reverse on dark vinyl and placed on the inside of the window. 

Another mod I bring up often is custom paint.  A quick browse around Hardware Asylum and you’ll find a bunch of modified computer cases with our signature pearl orange.  One in particular is the HAF Stacker I painted.  For that mod I painted the motherboard tray much in the same way that the Maker 5t is painted.  While I cannot claim credit for being the first to paint a motherboard tray the similarities are significant to say the least.  Given that any sort of color contract paint mod has already been done you can further accent your builds using a third complimentary color maybe with the fluid in water loop or LED fan color.

One of the most notable additions to the MasterCase Maker 5t is the addition of a carry handle and flip forward front panel.  For me these complete the look of the case and really show that a case can be more than a square and not look like total crap.  The design might not appeal to everyone however I fell it is a perfect combination of function and style and the built in LED and fan controller is just an added bonus.  I would have liked to have RGB LED control and more than two speeds on the fan controller but red LEDs in a red and black case makes sense and aside from PWM fan controls we really only need two speeds.

Of course you still get factory support from Cooler Master to customize your case beyond what is provided with the Maker 5t and is really the biggest benefit to any MasterCase 5 owner.  Combine that with the FreeForm Modular System and you unlock an infinite number of options allowing every case to be a little different and tailored to your specific need.

Needless to say I am very impressed with this case, the color combo is a perfect match for enthusiast level computer hardware and while some motherboards might not fit the color scheme you always have the option of an accent color.  Weight might be my biggest concern.  With the addition of tempered glass side panels the chassis weight is almost 30 pounds.  Add another 15 pounds in computer hardware and you have one heavy chassis.  Good thing is the carry handle supports up to 60 pounds which is borderline for carrying around a computer anyway.

Traditional Case Design
Tempered Glass Side Panels
Custom Paint
Clean Lines
Excellent Construction
Lots of Support for Watercooling
Ample Room for Cable Routing
FreeForm Modular Design
Single Carry Handle
Fan and LED Controller

Lots of weight to carry around with one hand
Would rather the LED controller be RGB
Fan controller isn’t PWM enabled