There comes a time when your case simply won't cut it anymore. Maybe you need more space for a graphics card, or perhaps you're thinking about taking the big leap to water cooling. Your current case might not have enough interior or even exterior space to fit all these features. However, Cooler Master thinks it can solve that problem by providing a new modular case series called the MasterCase 5.
At the heart of these cases is what the company called FreeForm, which claims to allow users to easily swap out certain parts of the case such as panels, doors and even a few interior components with what Cooler Master calls "unique click-and-clip components."
The new lineup comes in three versions: the MasterCase 5, MasterCase Pro 5 and the MasterCase Maker 5. However, only the first two models are currently on display at Computex.
The basic case is the MasterCase 5, measuring 460 mm in height. It comes with support for up to six 140 mm fans (three in the front, two at the top and one in the rear) and can carry up to three graphics cards, although it's unclear as to the specific length allowed for each card. The top of the case is covered by a grill and also features two handles for carrying.
The interior includes a partition near the bottom, so your PSU and cables can be stored without creating a tangled mess. There are also two small pockets placed above the partition, which serves as space for SSDs. Two additional SSDs can also be mounted behind the motherboard. The drive cage, featuring two slots, is located beneath two 5.25-inch external drive bays, but with the click-and-clip components it can be removed to make extra space for graphics cards or a reservoir for water cooling systems.
As for the MasterCase Pro 5, it looks almost identical to its little brother in terms of features, but it does have a few extra parts, namely for storage and cooling. The drive cage below the external drive bays now has room for three drives instead of two. Additionally, there is a second drive cage, which has room for two drives, located below the partition and placed towards the front of the case away from the PSU. The grill at the top of the case is also replaced with a larger covering panel and a water cooling bracket for a 240 mm radiator.
Cooler Master didn't announce a price or release date for these cases, but nevertheless it's an interesting idea that could appeal to a number of users. It doesn't really matter which case you choose to buy, because you can buy additional parts later if you're looking to upgrade your build. Of course, with customization comes demand, so we'll see if the company is also willing to create more components (if there's enough demand from customers) to work with its brand new MasterCase series.
Follow Rexly Peñaflorida II @Heirdeux. Follow us @tomshardware, on Facebook and on Google+.
