CoolerMaster MasterCase Maker 5 Review

Up Close:  Exterior

Before we get into the review in too much depth let’s just take a moment to remember that any of the features we discuss with regards to the maker 5 can be added to a Mastercase 5 or a Pro 5 to bring it up to Maker 5 specification.  At the moment it’s not clear how much these upgrades will cost, but it does at least offer the option of totally changing the aesthetics and to some degree functionality of your case.  With that said, we’re now just going to look at the Maker 5 as a stand alone case, but if you want to compare the versions take a look at the review we did last August.  So on with the review.  The maker 5 is a medium sized tower case with a steel chassis and substantial plastic paneling to the exterior.  It measures 528.6x235x548, giving a roughly square and quite balanced appearance.  Aesthetics wise, we’d put it in the stealth category, with just a hint of sci-fi, and in all honesty have to say we’re quite taken by it.

       

 

If the standard full length window isn’t too your liking you’ll be delighted to know that, the Maker 5 also comes with a 100% cover tempered glass side panel.  The panel drops in and is secured with a lockable tab at the top.  Perhaps the only thing that isn’t delightful about it is that the whole assembly is a smidge thicker than the recess it goes into, meaning that the panel actually stands proud by about 3mm from the case side.

        

 

The mirror black front I/O panel is also a thing of beauty, with the sockets and buttons back-lit with Red LED when the case is powered.

       

 

The front of the case is smooth and angled, bearing only a small CoolerMaster logo towards the bottom.  The front panel is also actually a door which is hinged at the bottom and is designed to open just enough that if you had an optical drive or fan controller in the top 5.25″ bays you’d be able to access them

       

 

The roof has a panel that is easily removable exposing the mesh beneath, allowing the user to choose between clean looks and additional cooling when required.