MasterCase Pro 5, how is it really?

[LNW]

I've been looking for the "perfect" case. Something that will last me many years to come. Starting out 3 years ago with the bare minimum, a cougar spike. Onto some gunmetal enermax, and now what I originally thought would be "the one", the CM Silencio 652S.

 

However, I have since decided I would like a window, more room for cable management, future watercooling support, possibility of mods, But not be to flashy. This is where I've decided almost completely on the Cooler Master MasterCase Pro 5. 

 

So have any of you had experience building/water cooling in this case? What's it like? Any warnings/cautions before going for it? I don't plan to water cool until Q4 of this year, but being a student on a budget, I have to buy everything piece by piece. So I'm starting with the case!!

[descrom93]

I'm also getting the case for those exact reasons. Plus I love the tempered glass panel, but need to transport my PC often, so being able to switch b/w it and the black panel seems awesome. 

[ThreePhaseLoad]

I just recently transplanted my system into the MasterCase Pro 5. It was a pleasure build in as the systems I typically build are in budget cases.

 

The basement is great, though the black panel is just a smoked panel and you can still see through it. I have my Hue Plus controller tucked away down there but the light is still noticeable if you are looking for it. The top grill attachment is not very secure and comes off quite easily.

 

For water cooling there is the 240mm on the top and you can probably fit a 360mm in the front with some clever mounting/routing, but you would have to measure and I make no promises there. You can also put a 120/140mm on the rear exhaust. I have not decided if I will mount my pump/res on top of the basement drive bay or to the case supports were drive bays are attached. Either way there is a lot of room for creativity if you put in the time and effort.

 

The drive bays upstairs were easily removed with no tools. SSD brackets/mounts are nice. I attached mine on top of the bracket rather than in as to show them off, but cabling to these was a pain as it is really close to the motherboard. 

 

Cable management was simple. I have a fully modular power supply so there aren't many cables to deal with. To be honest I think I only used the pre-installed cable management and one zip-tie (gpu power cables).

[LNW]

I just recently transplanted my system into the MasterCase Pro 5. It was a pleasure build in as the systems I typically build are in budget cases.

 

The basement is great, though the black panel is just a smoked panel and you can still see through it. I have my Hue Plus controller tucked away down there but the light is still noticeable if you are looking for it. The top grill attachment is not very secure and comes off quite easily.

 

For water cooling there is the 240mm on the top and you can probably fit a 360mm in the front with some clever mounting/routing, but you would have to measure and I make no promises there. You can also put a 120/140mm on the rear exhaust. I have not decided if I will mount my pump/res on top of the basement drive bay or to the case supports were drive bays are attached. Either way there is a lot of room for creativity if you put in the time and effort.

 

The drive bays upstairs were easily removed with no tools. SSD brackets/mounts are nice. I attached mine on top of the bracket rather than in as to show them off, but cabling to these was a pain as it is really close to the motherboard. 

 

Cable management was simple. I have a fully modular power supply so there aren't many cables to deal with. To be honest I think I only used the pre-installed cable management and one zip-tie (gpu power cables).

That's interesting. I definitely can't wait to get my hands on this case and build in it. The SSD mounts near the motherboard don't bother me, as I don't plan to use them (I don't like any drives showing at all). I will be getting a fully modular power supply, and hopefully sleeved cables or extensions. How much clearance is there behind the motherboard tray? That's my main concern.

[ThreePhaseLoad]

I don't have exact measurements at the moment, but I will check when I get home tonight for you. There is mounting for the SSD brackets right under the cutout.

 

Here is a picture to give you a rough idea:

 

 

Sorry for the potato quality, my phone had HDR on for some reason when I took this.

[LNW]

I don't have exact measurements at the moment, but I will check when I get home tonight for you. There is mounting for the SSD brackets right under the cutout.

 

Here is a picture to give you a rough idea:

 

 

Sorry for the potato quality, my phone had HDR on for some reason when I took this.

I thought there were SSD mounting brackets back there, which is a good indicator as to how much space there is. But thanks man, really appreciate it.

[ThreePhaseLoad]

I thought there were SSD mounting brackets back there, which is a good indicator as to how much space there is. But thanks man, really appreciate it.

 

Forgot to measure last night, but there is ~2cm from the back of the tray to the lip of the case. 

[LNW]

Forgot to measure last night, but there is ~2cm from the back of the tray to the lip of the case. 

Awesome, thanks again! That helps a lot.

[ThreePhaseLoad]

No problem!

[Bugs-bunny]

My mastercase ahs been a joy to work with and i recomend it highly. heavy as hell but all is worth it

[LNW]

My mastercase ahs been a joy to work with and i recomend it highly. heavy as hell but all is worth it

You haven't lifted the Silencio 652s have you? It's ridiculously heavy.