Cooler Master MasterBox Q500L Overview
The MasterBox Q500L looks pretty much identical to the Q300L except that it is a bit larger as it is made to accommodate ATX motherboards. The official dimensions are 386(L) x 230(W) x 381(H) mm and currently it is only available in black.
The first thing that really catches your eye when looking at the Q500L is the filters on the front and top of the case. These has a very cool design on them and just simply adding something like that brings so much more to this case. Cooler Master actually sent us custom ThinkComputers filters as well, let us know what you think of them in the comments. These filters are magnetic and can be easily removed. When you remove them you’ll find large ventilation holes in the top and front of the case. The top of the case supports either two 120 / 140 mm fans or radiators up to 240 mm.
On the side of the case there is a acrylic window, I really wish Cooler Master would have went with tempered glass here. While acrylic is good, it does not look as good as tempered glass and is more prone to getting scratched. Also on the side of the case you’ll find a few connections and buttons. You have two USB 3.0 ports, a large power button, HD audio connection, and a small reset button. One thing that is cool is that the section with the power button can be moved to the top, bottom, or even rear of the case.
The opposite side panel is plain and has four large thumbscrews that make taking it off quite easy, although they kind of look weird on a normal side panel.
Taking a look at the rear of the case there is a 120 mm fan, which is the only fan included with the case. Since this case supports ATX motherboards there are seven expansion slots, Cooler Master has implemented a lock system for you expansion cards, which is nice to see if you plan on taking this case to LAN parties. You will also notice a power connection towards the top of the case. This is an extension for the power supply mount inside of the case, which you’ll see on the next page.
Looking at the bottom of the case there are four rubber feet that keep it off the ground. There is a filter on the bottom of the case, but it is not as nice as the ones on the front and top of the case. The bottom of the case has the same ventilation as the top and front as well and supports two 120 mm fans.
