Page 3 - Physical Look - Inside
Cooler Master’s MasterBox 5t side panels are relatively simple to remove, and can be accomplished by rotating the thumbscrews on either side and then slipping the panels off. This process of removing the panels was both seamless and effortless, and is something that I have not experienced with other types of cases. The screws do have to remain loose, so be careful with them, because it would be relatively easy to lose them inside the build due to their standard black finish. The panels for the case are non-identical in that the left side comprises a large black plastic finished window, while the right features the more standard solid panel found in the majority of computer cases. There are no extra bells and whistles used for the composition of the panel such as sound dampening material. That said, the Cooler Master MasterBox 5t has been the quietest case I have ever experienced, despite the fact it is the most heavily fanned and overworked build I have used to date. Maybe I just owned loud cases in the past, haha.
The interior of this case is standard in terms of the majority of computer cases, especially within the MasterBox line. The bottom of the case has been designed for the basics, such as the power supply and the hard drives, while the top of the case serves to hold the motherboard, graphics cards and other components desired for the build. The power supply itself is covered by a plastic divider, which is easy to both remove and replace, depending on the preferences of the user. The case can contain various motherboards sizes all the way from a mini-ITX to an Extended ATX unit. The Cooler Master MasterBox 5t design provides more flexibility in terms of build sizes, and with the more than ample space, allows for increased airflow throughout the entire build and cooler components.
The back of the MasterBox 5t is fairly well designed, and hosts the standard 120mm fan that Cooler Master has pre-installed. The motherboard opening near the bottom is very similar in size to the one found present in the Cooler Master MasterBox 5, and as mentioned above, may hold up to Extended ATX build sizes. Cooler Master’s versatility in case design is a plus in my mind as the larger motherboard opening allows for greater flexibility in changing the build as needed or desired. The interior space at the top is heavily ventilated with room for either a 120mm or 140 mm fan to be installed, or in certain builds, radiators. Cooler Master shipped with the case an additional mesh filter specifically for the purpose of preventing dust from entering this area. So far, it has worked wonders in my computer. Beyond functionality, the mesh provides a very tasteful accent to the overall look of the case.
Returning to the bottom of the case, one can see the seven expansion slots Cooler Master has provided in the case, including both the StormGuard cover to help with cord management, and the cover for the power supply. The maximum size of power supply that can fit this case is 180mm, which should be plenty for most builds. As I have mentioned earlier in the review, the case also features a removable power supply dust filter, which is easily removed and cleaned in order to keep the power supply running at its best condition.
Opportunity to customize the build is accommodated for the 5t at the front of the case, where the user can truly “Make it Yours”. Cooler Master has provided space for up to two additional drive bays for additional storage, and is suited best for two dual 3.5” drive bays, which can be placed in any of the three slots shown on the red back splash. The manual that comes with the case suggests for best storage space, only a 2.5” drive should be installed on the upper most slot. However, this is counterbalanced by the fact either of the other places where a drive can be mounted are capable of holding both 2.5” or 3.5” drives using Cooler Master's easy installation system. The top of the picture shows a nice dual 3.5” drive bay, which utilizes Cooler Master’s easy slide access allowing for ease of installation as previously mentioned. Either 3.5” or 2.5” drives can be installed in the drive bay, but for both, a screwdriver is needed. The dual 3.5” drive bay also has an extra slot on top for an additional 2.5” SSD, which is very convenient for quick installation and access. The cables that are included with the case include the power button connectors, HD audio header, USB 3.0 header, and LED connectors along with plug ins for the pre-installed fans and the LED strip at the bottom of the case.
Looking at the back of the Cooler Master MasterBox 5t, the strong resemblance to the Cooler Master MasterBox 5 is readily apparent. The major difference between the two cases is found in its color scheme, as the MasterBox 5t has a full red back inside panel for an accent. Minor drawbacks of the MasterBox 5t run parallel with those identified in the MasterBox 5. One such issue is the lack of rubber grommets for the routing holes, which help with cable management and overall aesthetics. The shroud over the power supply covers only about 2/3 of the bottom of the case, meaning some cords remain visible. However, this is an overall improvement on the MasterBox 5 in terms of front paneling cable management. A nice addition to the reverse side of the Cooler Master MasterBox 5t is a special cut-out made specifically for the CPU cable, which allows for easier installation. Cooler Master has addressed the lack of cable management in their provision of an ample provision of cable tie points. This allows the consumer to choose their own securing devices, whether they be Velcro, zip ties, or straps to secure and organize their cords with no damage to the cords resulting from the case itself. The other nice addition to the rear of this case is the amount of cable space given. The Cooler Master MasterBox 5t gives a full 25 mm in most places inside the case. Furthermore, in many places, this space has been extended to 35mm, which provides greater wiggle room during installing and enhanced flexibility when completing the build.
Cooler Master has done a great job with continuing their “Make it Yours” campaign, and this case is an excellent addition to those who seriously consider consumer choice. Just as in the Cooler Master MasterBox 5, the entire case is almost fully customizable. All the drive bays are removable, thus allowing for switching, removing, adding, or changing position depending on the desired build in terms of either the consumer or components to be included. This level of adaptability in the case is a huge selling point, and is something worth considering when looking for a long-term case that potentially will house multiple builds over time.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. Physical Look - Outside
3. Physical Look - Inside
4. Installation and Conclusion
