Cooler Master's Modular MasterCase 5 And MasterCase 5 Pro Cases Out Today

News
By Kevin Carbotte
published

Cooler Master's first two models in its new modular case series, MasterCase 5, are now available. These cases provide the ability to adapt as your build changes over time with modular parts and optional accessories.

Cooler Master announced the MasterCase 5 series at Computex in June, showcasing two different models during the event. According to the company, the MasterCase 5 and MasterCase 5 Pro are now available for purchase, and Cooler Master believes they are able to meet computer enthusiasts' needs by making these cases modular, with the ability to be adapted as your build changes. 

Throughout the lifespan of a computer enthusiast PC, parts will change and the build will evolve. For those of us who build our own computers, keeping a case through multiple builds is often a common occurrence. The problem with that plan is sometimes you don't have the space in your case to build the system you want. Adding water cooling parts, for example, can often be impossible simply because there isn't enough space, and when you don't have those parts, a chassis with that much space looks empty. 

The MasterCase 5 is meant to solve this problem by offering modular components that can be purchased separately. These parts will let you change the case to suit the needs of your build. Available parts include a larger top cover that can accommodate a 240mm radiator. The cover makes the top of the case match up with the permanent handles that are found at the top. The case comes with two HDD cages, but a two or three bay HDD caddy can be purchased to expand the storage capacity. Two SSD trays are found on the tray above the power supply, and two more can be purchased to mount on the motherboard tray as well. Finally, there is an option for a windowed side panel that can also be purchased separately. 

The MasterCase 5 Pro comes with most of these parts included and pre-installed. It has the top cover with radiator mount, as well as an extra 3-bay HDD cage. This case also includes the windowed side panel. The only extra purchase option available for this case are the extra SSD trays.

Cooler Master announced the availability of the cases today on Twitter and Facebook, but currently in North America, the cases are only found on Cooler Master's Amazon page where they are listed as temporarily out of stock. Cooler Master's U.S. webstore is currently down for maintenance and the European webstore has the accessories available for pre-order, but the cases are not listed there either.

The MasterCase 5 is listed on Amazon for $109.99, and the Pro model is priced at $139.99.

Follow Kevin Carbotte @pumcypuhoy. Follow us @tomshardware, on Facebook and on Google+.

Kevin Carbotte

 Kevin Carbotte is a contributing writer for Tom's Hardware who primarily covers VR and AR hardware. He has been writing for us for more than four years. 

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18 Comments Comment from the forums
  • AnimeMania
    Too bad the most important thing that should have been modular isn't, the front ports. Considering how quickly the standards are changing these days, easier access to the different types of ports becomes important. Relevant USB standards include 2.0, 3.0/3.1, and Type-C alone. Only you can know what ports you want/need on your front panel, yet that part of the case is not modular.
    Reply
  • wardwing
    I agree with you Anime. If your going to make a modular case, then make a fully modular case.

    with that said, this is a trend I would like to see expansion in, we spend so much time and money customizing the internals that the case should be part of that as well.
    Reply
  • CMRajiv
    Hey guys - the front panel is actually modular and we will add those accessories in the future :) What you'll notice when working inside the case is that we've made the cables very seamless and together rather than the typical 'spider web' of cables with most cases.

    Reply
  • childofthekorn
    Hey guys - the front panel is actually modular and we will add those accessories in the future :) What you'll notice when working inside the case is that we've made the cables very seamless and together rather than the typical 'spider web' of cables with most cases.


    So if we could upgrade those ports from USB 3.0 to USB 3.1 I have a reason to upgrade from my 932 haf. one of the only features I felt this case was lacking in. However, is there any FULL TOWER MasterCase in the works?
    Reply
  • AnimeMania
    Hey guys - the front panel is actually modular and we will add those accessories in the future :) What you'll notice when working inside the case is that we've made the cables very seamless and together rather than the typical 'spider web' of cables with most cases.

    My biggest hope would be that the front panel would be modular in the sense that you could add whatever combination of front panel connectors you want, not that there is another front panel you can put in that might have the connectors you are looking for.
    Reply
  • thundervore
    Not really modular!

    What if I don't want to use 5.25 bays and want to install 3x 140mm fans in the front?
    What if I want to loan up the entire case with 3.5 HDDs to make it a server?
    Why is it using the cheapo dust filters on the front intakes? That thin piece of dust filter sandwiched between the metal grill and the plastic frame is one of the worse to clean, I know this because I deal with it monthly on my Scout 2 Advanced.
    Reply
  • danny2000
    Not really modular!

    "That thin piece of dust filter sandwiched between the metal grill and the plastic frame is one of the worse to clean, I know this because I deal with it monthly on my Scout 2 Advanced.

    There's a dust filter in the front of the case? I have the CM Storm Scout 2 Advanced (white) also, but didn't know there is a dust filter there?
    Reply
  • acquire16
    Not really modular!

    What if I don't want to use 5.25 bays and want to install 3x 140mm fans in the front?
    What if I want to loan up the entire case with 3.5 HDDs to make it a server?
    Why is it using the cheapo dust filters on the front intakes? That thin piece of dust filter sandwiched between the metal grill and the plastic frame is one of the worse to clean, I know this because I deal with it monthly on my Scout 2 Advanced.

    You can remove the 5.25" bays and you can get as many HDD cages as you want to fill in the whole front side of it down into the PSU area.
    Reply
  • thundervore
    Not really modular!

    "That thin piece of dust filter sandwiched between the metal grill and the plastic frame is one of the worse to clean, I know this because I deal with it monthly on my Scout 2 Advanced.

    There's a dust filter in the front of the case? I have the CM Storm Scout 2 Advanced (white) also, but didn't know there is a dust filter there?

    Yes there is a thin dust filter between the metal frame and the plastic. Normally to clean it you have to take off the entire front panel. But to wash it to get it properly clean mean separating the metal from the plastic.
    Reply
  • firefoxx04
    Looks like they tried to take a page out of Phanteks' playbook.. Key word, tried. lol
    Reply