Cooler Master MasterCase Maker 5 Review
Category : Cases
Published by Luca Rocchi on 13.06.16
With the MasterCase Maker 5, Cooler Master introduces a new mid-tower case, which is compatible with high-end components. The MasterCase Maker 5 is the new flagship model which comes with a few interesting accessories like radiator brackets and additional HDD cages. In addition there are more goodies such as a modular HDD mounting system and a mid-plate to hide the power supply away. Overall this sounds like an interesting product and we're curious whether CoolerMaster is able to convice.
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| Cooling | Features | Layout | Build Quality | Value for Money | |
| Pros | + Good compatibility for watercooling + Numerous spots for fans + Fan/LED controller |
+ FreeForm Modular System + Extensive bundle + 25mm cable management + Dust filters + USB 3.1 Type-C |
+ Interior space | + Good build quality + Midplate PSU | + Good price |
| Cons | - Not compatible with 360mm radiator | ||||
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| Page 1 - Introduction | Page 5 - Installation |
| Page 2 - Preview | Page 6 - Ventilation options |
| Page 3 - Features | Page 7 - Temperatures |
| Page 4 - Product overview | Page 8 - Conclusion |
Preview
Specifications
| Model: | MasterCase Maker 5 | MasterCase 5 Pro | |
| Case Type: | Mid tower | Mid tower | |
| Dimensions: | 235mm (W) x 548 mm (H) x 526 mm (D), 12.3 Kg | 235mm (W) x 548 mm (H) x 512 mm (D), 10.6 Kg | |
| Material: | SECC Steel, Plastic |
SECC Steel, Plastic |
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| Color: | Black | Black | |
| Drive Bay: | 5.25": | 2 | 2 |
| 3.5": | 2 | 5 | |
| 2.5": | 2 + 5 | 2 + 5 | |
| Expansion slots: | 7 | 7 | |
| Form factors: | ATX, mATX, mini-ITX | ATX, mATX, mini-ITX | |
| Cooling: | Front: | 3x 120/140mm (2x 140mm included) | 3x 120/140mm (2x 140mm included) |
| Rear: | 1x 120/140mm (included) | 1x 120/140mm (included) | |
| Top: | 2x 120/140mm | 2x 120/140mm | |
| Bottom: | / | / | |
| Side: | / | / | |
| Link to the product: | MCZ-005M-KWN00 | MCY-005P-KWN00 | |
| Page 1 - Introduction | Page 5 - Installation |
| Page 2 - Preview | Page 6 - Ventilation options |
| Page 3 - Features | Page 7 - Temperatures |
| Page 4 - Product overview | Page 8 - Conclusion |
Features
Dust filtersThere are washable dust filters covering all big openings of the MasterCase Maker 5. Thanks to a quick release system they are very easy and convenient to remove. |
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Well-thought cable managmentOn the MasterCase Maker 5, Cooler Master used rubber grommets through which cables can be routed from one side of the motherboard tray to the other. The grommets fit very tightly and they don't come off easily. Also included in the delivery there are velcro straps right behind the motherboard tray. |
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Fan controllerIntegrated into the front of the case, there is a fan controller which supports a maximum of six fans and four LED strips. A single SATA power connector is required to provide power to all the 10 devices that can be attached. |
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FreeForm Modular SystemThe FreeForm Modular System allows you to install and change new parts inside and outside the case in order to match your needs. Due to this modular system, you can also change the amount of disks and/or fans installed inside the case. |
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Watercooling readyThe MasterCase Maker 5 is also ready for watercooling gear. If you wish to install a custom loop, there is the possibility to equip this case with up to three radiators. Two of them can measure 280mm or 240mm in lenght and the third one could be a 140mm model. |
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| Page 1 - Introduction | Page 5 - Installation |
| Page 2 - Preview | Page 6 - Ventilation options |
| Page 3 - Features | Page 7 - Temperatures |
| Page 4 - Product overview | Page 8 - Conclusion |
Product overview
Overview |
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| The Maker 5 is the upgraded and more sophisticated version of MasterCase 5 Pro we've reviewed previously here on Ocaholic. The dimensions of the new model remain mostly unchanged, only the front is slightly bigger due to the redesigned front. It features a large, V-shaped panel with a tilting release system, which is similar to the hood of a car. The front panel is a part of the case since it includes a sophisticated sound dampening panel on the inside. After removing the tilting mechanism, using the quick release system, you can access the large mesh and ventilation system. The upper part shares the same style as the front. There are large openings in the front area just behind the I/O connections. On the top there are two very solid handles, with metal core, well hidden and integrated into the case's structure. Regarding connectors we find two USB 2.0 ports, one USB 3.0 port and a single USB Type-C. Every button and label comes with a red backlight. Continuing we find compatibility with ATX motherboards, but despite that fact, this case is not too large. A quick look at the side panels shows they're rather simple but they still carry some weight. Cooler Master did well in choosing solid material for the side panels, since it contributes to the stability. The back panel is simple and you get seven PCI expansion slots, the opening for the motherboard I/O panel, a 140mm fan slot and the opening for the standard ATX power supply. The bottom of the case as well as the top part has been equipped with two plastic handles, which have been reinforced using metal. Apart from that there is an opening in the bottom of the case, which allows the PSU to breathe fresh air. |
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| Page 1 - Introduction | Page 5 - Installation |
| Page 2 - Preview | Page 6 - Ventilation options |
| Page 3 - Features | Page 7 - Temperatures |
| Page 4 - Product overview | Page 8 - Conclusion |
Installation
Overview |
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| The interior is simple and clean, and it features a most classic design with some noticeable features. With this case Cooler Master decided to use a midplate between the PSU area and the motherboard room; it's not the first time that we find this change in a case and in our opinion, this system allows for a much cleaner cable management. The MasterCase Maker 5 is a product for enthusiasts and for those who plan on creating a system with custom water cooling loop. There is space for radiators and thiss you can equip this case with up to five 3.5" HDDs and two 2.5" drives, whereas both can be installed using tool-less sledges. In addition, if the amount of HDDs is not enough, Cooler Master offers a modular solution that allows you to install additional cages on the modular rails. The motherboard tray is made from solid steel, and it features a big opening behind the socket, which allows the user to install aftermarket CPU coolers without taking the motherboard out. The tray features a few openings with rubber grommets to create a neat cable management. Between the motherboard tray and the right side panel there is enough space to hide plenty of cables. MasterCase Maker 5 is compatible with ATX motherboards and it's also compatible with a large amounts of coolers and radiators. For our test we used an ATX motherboard and a watercooling system with 120mm radiator. As you can see from the pictures there are plenty of slots for the fans and radiators. The MasterCase Maker 5 is able to accommodate a CPU cooler with a maximum height of 190mm and graphics cards can measure up to 412mm in length. In other words you can install any CPU cooler without checking the space available. |
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| Page 1 - Introduction | Page 5 - Installation |
| Page 2 - Preview | Page 6 - Ventilation options |
| Page 3 - Features | Page 7 - Temperatures |
| Page 4 - Product overview | Page 8 - Conclusion |
Ventilation options
Overview |
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| The MasterCase Maker 5 offers plenty of spots for fans but inside the delivery you will find two 140mm fans on front and one, of same size, on rear part. Overall, the case is able to accommodate three 120/140mm fans at the front and two in the top, and one 120/140mm at the rear part. As you could have guessed, this means there is enough space for a 280/240mm liquid cooling radiator at the top and on the front, despite the big size of the chassis there isn't room for a 360mm radiator on front. | |
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| Page 1 - Introduction | Page 5 - Installation |
| Page 2 - Preview | Page 6 - Ventilation options |
| Page 3 - Features | Page 7 - Temperatures |
| Page 4 - Product overview | Page 8 - Conclusion |
Temperatures
Overview |
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For testing purposes we're using an MSI Z170I Gaming Pro AC motherboard, an Intel Core i5-6600K CPU, which receives cooling through a SilentiumPC Fortis 3 HE1425 MCE cooler as well as a MSI GTX 970 Gaming 4G graphics card. To put the CPU under full load, we're running prime95 for 10 min and in the case of the GPU we use Furmark also for 10 minutes. After these ten minutes, we're going to write down the temperatures. The ambient temperature is close to 24°C. |
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| All noise dampening panels installed | Idle (°C) | Full (°C) |
| Intel Core i5-6600K | 28 / 28 / 28 / 29 | 52 / 52 / 51 / 53 |
| MSI GTX 970 Gaming 4G | 46 | 68 |
| Less is better | ||
| Page 1 - Introduction | Page 5 - Installation |
| Page 2 - Preview | Page 6 - Ventilation options |
| Page 3 - Features | Page 7 - Temperatures |
| Page 4 - Product overview | Page 8 - Conclusion |
Conclusion
The first version of the MasterCase was already an interesting case, since finally Cooler Master chose to go down a different route. Like with the previous model, the Maker 5 is suitable for high-end builds. Design is always a matter of taste but we believe that it's difficult to not like the looks of the Maker 5. Although the case is not made of premium materials such as aluminum, we can safely say that the build quality is perfect.
The MasterCase Maker 5 offers a good number of features as the FreeForm system allows to total modularity of the case. Removing elements is therefore pretty straight forward. The new front and top panels are great for users, like us, who appreciate silent rigs. The cooling department, however, remains unchanged denying once again the possibility of using 360mm radiators although there is the physically enough space to install three fans on the front. Despite this small downside we believe that the case offers the same good compatibility with high-end liquid cooling systems.
The Maker 5 from Cooler Master should soon be widely available and considering that it is the top model is quite obvious that the price will be higher than the MasterCase Pro 5 we reviewed a few months ago. We also have to remind you that the current price of MasterCase 5 and Pro 5 is significantly lower than when it was launched. In addition, on the official Cooler Master site, that we recommend visiting, there are some interesting accessories such as a tempered glass side panel for 49.95 Euro. The MasterCase Maker 5 is available on Geizhals at a price of 179 Euros excluding shipping costs. In our opinion, the price is perfectly in-line with the exceptional functionality and modularity of the case. If you are looking for a high-end case compatible with ATX motherboard and ready for custom water cooling gear we strongly suggest to consider this model.
The MasterCase Maker 5 earns 5 out of 5 stars.
| Page 1 - Introduction | Page 5 - Installation |
| Page 2 - Preview | Page 6 - Ventilation options |
| Page 3 - Features | Page 7 - Temperatures |
| Page 4 - Product overview | Page 8 - Conclusion |