Cooler MasterMCM-M500-KG5N-S00 MasterCase MC500 Mid-Tower ATX Case w/Freeform Modular, Front Mesh Ventilation, Tempered Glass Side Panel, Carrying Handle & Cable Management Cover, MC500 Mid Tower

This is a terrific PC case once built, with plenty of room and a great design. It can handle just about anything you can throw at it, and is very good looking.Like anything else though, there are a few rough spots. Anyone attempting a build in this case should be aware of the following:1) The front panel I/O cables are short and hiding behind a non-removable rear panel cable-hiding plate. The molex power cable will need the extender power cable that comes with the PSU.2) the case comes with three USB 3.0 front panel connectors. Many MoBos only have one 3.0 header though. Use the USB splitter cable to connect the MoBo to two of the front panel 3.0s. If you want to use the third front panel connector you will need to buy a separate USB 3.0 to 2.0 adapter cable and that last front panel connector will thus become 2.0 by default.3) The CM RGB/fan control box in the rear panel compartment throws fan control and RGB control over to the front I/O panel switches. Since the 3 fans that come with the case are not PWM this is fine, but if you add additional fans you may want to purchase PWM types and plug them directly into the MoBo so the MoBo is in control of them. In addition, the RGB can only be controlled by the MoBo if you connect the MC control box (old-style 5 pin) to the MoBo RGB header (this will be 4 pin on newer MoBos). The only adapter for 5 to 4 pin is made by an Australian firm that won’t ship to the USA. The only other options are to solder your own adapter, use a 4 pin to 4 pin extender and cut the plug end going to the control box enough to jam it into the 5 plug side, leaving the 5th pin unplugged (the W color pin), or you can do what I did and plug all the RGB cables, including that from the RGB partition plate, into the MoBo RGB headers directly and let software control RGB, bypassing the front panel RGB control switch.4) If you install an ODD like a Blu-Ray player, you are supposed to lock the unit into the receptacle by throwing a lock switch and fixing it in place with a screw on the opposite side. You won’t be able to do the latter though, since the screw opening is behind a non-removable plate (for cable management) behind the back panel. Don’t try to remove the plate—just forget the screw.Despite these four issues it really is a nice case when done—just expect a little more frustration than usual while doing your build.

First let me put the warning that this is my first PC build, but 3rd pc case. Im not an expert. Theres your word of warning.Great case, honestly only 1 complaint and its just a defect thats not major so I didnt bother contacting them. The issue is that the power button light flickers. It does get annoying if its in my peripheral view, but when im gaming, I dont notice it. Heres my semi-quick bullet point review.1. Its massive, but its a full tower and shows the specs, you should be well aware of that2. Completely customizable, want a verticle gpu? u got it. Want your Hard drives next to MB? u got it, or u can put it under the drive bays next to the power supply. Dont like the red trim? Remove those panels and still have an extremely decent looking case. Filter cover over the PSU, thats a plus.3. Air flow seems extremely decent, considering its size, it would be hard to have bad airflow4. Can fit the Noctua double CPU cooler easily with no issues, I even have a radiator on the left of my noctua (with vertical placement on noctua, horizontal wouldn't have room with a radiator. )So I highly recommend this case for everyone, but specifically new pc builders. Its so big and customizable, it allows for mistakes from new builders and still look and perform almost to the parts maximum. And with a case this size, pros can do whatever they want inside this case.

The glass was and still is in perfect condition, the air flow is great the modularity is great. I use this for medium to high end CAD and simulation work, I was looking for something that wasn't too "gamer flashy" since I use it for work and it delivered. I Love the handles (reinforced aluminum with plastic overlays for some comfort, but very rigid)!!! any time I need to add or integrate anything into it the handles are extremely rigid and provide a great place to maneuver it to plug something into the back. I am currently running a water cooled 6C i7 OC: 4.4 ghz through the front 3 fans, a p4000 GPU with a rear exhaust fan and 2 exhaust to the top. Typically I would prefer to pull in through the top for the water cooler but with so much room for intake in the front and the magnetic filter that comes standard, I have not noticed any dust bunny problems (But every now and again I'm always hunting "wabbits" just to be safe at the front intake). I highly recommend this case both for its fantastic airflow (seriously, the fact that all the fans are stock ((very minor noise) and a top of the line water cooler)) and do heavy cad work without a single issue. Its great!!

There is no clearance to mount a top liquid cooling AIO on this case as advertised. Apparently, you need a special bracket (there wasn't one in my box) to raise the clearance... and... you can't find this bracket anywhere for sale online. More false advertising from cooler master. This is the second case, although reluctantly, that I've bought from cooler master and frankly, now that I've been burned twice, I was at the point that I would never buy one again. Communications, people! Reluctantly, I did end up putting the AIO fans in front, which fit fine (2x140) and put two 120 fans on top. Well? It keeps cool and looks great. This is a very heavy machine (@ 45 lbs) and the handles are a god-send. Why all cases don't have handles I don't know. But handles are a must. Here's the best part though. Look at the picture. An optical disk drive and a multicard reader fit (with some tinkering and extra parts buying) into the case even with the cooling fans in front. This is essential for an editing machine. So, overall, while it did take a lot of 'modifying', the case is, (if you are capable of modifying), pretty good. I'm just irritated that this company can't get its marketing communications straight.