Introduction
Cooler Master MasterBox Q500L review
Mini but still ATX compatible
It’s time to check out the new Cooler Master Masterbox Q500L mid-tower PC chassis. It’s another fresh product from this manufacturer, after the MasterBox NR600, but this time it’s something more compact. The product was announced officially on the 2nd of April:
“The latest addition to the Q Series further pushes the standards of a compact ATX chassis. The internal layout places the power supply on the top/front of the chassis to fully utilize space while offering ample component clearance. Even with an ATX power supply, clearance for the graphics card can reach up to 360mm. Paired with support for a 240mm radiator up top, the MasterBox Q500L fits fully-sized powerhouses like a glove.
- Minimized Dimensions for Standard ATX – The MasterBox Q500L supports standard ATX motherboards and PSUs, with a body depth and height of only 386 x 381mm.
- Fully Perforated Chassis – The top, front, rear, and bottom panels are fully perforated to offer airflow for various cooling configurations.
- Movable I/O Panel – Orientation for the chassis is versatile, with the option to move the I/O panel to retain accessibility.
- Vertical and Horizontal Position – The case can be oriented vertically or horizontally. Rubberized screws also function as feet to supplement horizontal orientation.
- Vertical PSU Placement – The PSU is positioned on the front of the chassis to fully utilize internal space. The bracket can be relocated depending on hardware configuration and motherboard form factor.
- Magnetic Dust Filters – The magnetic dust filters feature a unique design. Magnets allow for quick removal and installation for easy cleaning of the dust filters with rubber stompers to keep the filters in place.
- Clean Routing Space – Behind the motherboard tray, 27~30mm width of space is offered for cable management with the entire perimeter acting as a channel for cables.
- Edge-to-Edge Transparent Side Panel – The side panel displays system builds in full view.
A specialized bracket enables the power supply to be mounted in the top/front of the chassis. Since the bracket can also be mounted in various locations, different hardware configurations enjoy different benefits. For example, if a mini ITX motherboard is used instead of a standard ATX in the MasterBox Q500L, the power supply can be mounted in the conventional position of the bottom, rear to allow for increased front panel ventilation. For top radiator clearance, the power supply can be shifted to a lower position in the top/front to accommodate for radiators mounted on the top panel. Although cooling configurations can change depending on the build and form factor, the entire chassis is perforated to offer as many combinations as possible. All signature features of the Q Series are shared with the MasterBox Q500L, from the movable I/O panel to its capability of orienting horizontally or vertically. Since the entire Q Series shares one size, all accessories are backwards compatible. This includes the handles, feet, the I/O panel, and panels from its predecessors. The MasterBox Q500L takes the Q Series’ signature features and applies them to standard ATX, all in a deceptively small yet robust chassis.”
Only a black color version is available. The Cooler Master Masterbox Q500L is a rather small-sized chassis for an ATX one. It measures 381 (L) x 230 (W) x 386 (H) mm (which gives 33.8 l in total), and supports up to ATX-sized motherboards. In ATX and mATX configuration, the PSU needs to be mounted in the front, but for ITX systems you can place it on the bottom of the chassis. The Cooler Master Masterbox Q500L can house a maximum of one 3.5” drive and two 2.5” ones. The following ports are available on the front panel:
- USB 3.0 (2 x),
- 3.5 mm HD audio jacks
- Power and reset switches
There is up to 360mm of space for graphics cards (which is enough for all models currently available on the market), and 160mm for air coolers (the most effective ones won’t fit). The Cooler Master Masterbox Q500L has many cooling options, with support for up to 240mm radiators on the front. Dust filters have been installed on the top, front and in the bottom.
The case can be oriented vertically or horizontally. Rubberized screws also function as feet to support the horizontal orientation.
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| Type | Compact ATX |
| Motherboard Support | Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX |
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 15.19 x 9.05 x 15 inches (386 x 230 x 381mm) |
| Space Above Motherboard | .5 inches (12.7mm) |
| Card Length | 14.17 inches (360mm) |
| CPU Cooler Height | 6.23 inches (160mm) |
| Power Supply Format | ATX |
| Weight | 8.4 lbs (3.81 kg) |
| External Bays | n/a |
| Internal Bays | 2 bays, each holds 1x 3.5" / 2x 2.5” |
| Card Slots | 7x |
| Ports/Jacks | 2x USB 3.0, audio/mic jacks |
| Other | I/O panel, rubber coated thumbscrews that double as feet |
| Front Fans | n/a |
| Rear Fans | 1x 120mm |
| Top Fans | n/a (2x120mm / 2x140mm Max) |
| Bottom Fans | n/a (2x120mm / 2x140mm Max) |
| Side Fans | n/a |
| Damping | n/a |
| Warranty |
2 Years Limited |
The MSRP is $59.99/ €49.99, and the case is covered by a two-year warranty. Let’s have a closer look at the Masterbox Q500L. Please proceed to the next page.
