Page 2 - Physical Look - Outside
The Cooler Master MasterBox TD500 Mesh V2 is an average-sized mid-tower case. This is yet another airflow-focused case added to my collection, as I have looked at cases like the Antec DF700 FLUX, Antec P82 Flow, Cooler Master MasterBox TD300 Mesh, and of course, the previous Cooler Master MasterBox TD500 Mesh. As you may know from reading my past reviews, I am a big fan of white-colored components, and the MasterBox TD500 Mesh V2 does not disappoint. As this is the bigger brother to the MasterBox TD300 Mesh and the updated model to the MasterBox TD500 Mesh, I will reference these two cases throughout this review.
Starting from the front, we have a mostly mesh implementation that allows more airflow while doubling as a pseudo-dust filter. Cooler Master calls this a dust filter, but I would think of it as a mere mesh front panel. We see the diamond pattern on the mesh once again, adding more dimension to what is usually just a flat panel. Cooler Master has their simplified logo closer to the bottom half of the mesh, aligning well with the center of the bottom fan. This small attention to detail means so much, especially as you realize the logo does not hide any of the case fans' RGB LED lighting. The left side uses tempered glass to display the components within your system. The glass has a very clean appearance with gray borders. As I have noted in my MasterBox TD300 Mesh review, the tempered glass panel has a crystalline design to help transition between the front and side panel. This simply helps make the design feel complete. The panel is easy to remove with a single thumbscrew at the back to let it loose before pulling it up off the bottom and its clips. The right side panel is quite generic, being made entirely out of metal and used to cover up cables. There are no holes used for ventilation on this side. This panel is a little more generic in removal, having two screws on the back to allow it to slide off.
The Cooler Master MasterBox TD500 Mesh V2 measures in at a depth of 499mm, height of 500mm, and width of 210mm. Compared to the original MasterBox TD500 Mesh, this is ever so slightly thinner, but noticeably taller. While the exact number for the weight is not listed, we can approximate it similar to the previous model at a value of about 6.95kg, which is average for a mid-tower with tempered glass. I appreciate all the small considerations in the design to make this case feel more complete. The case is visually pleasing with its crystalline design. The branding is a decent size, but it blends in well with the overall design.
The I/O can be found on the front panel near the top of the case. From left to right, we have the two USB 3.2 Type-A ports and a white LED for storage drive activity. Following up these ports, we have the power button. As usual, the power button is shaped just like the Cooler Master logo and the perimeter illuminates white when turned on. Next, we have the audio jack. After that, we have the ARGB Fan Hub button. Finally, we have the USB 3.2 Type-C port. The follows a similar order to the previous model, but with slightly more updated ports. Having the audio jack on the right side may make headphone and mic cables tauter, given the slight additional distance required to travel, assuming your PC is placed on the right side, but this is a bit of a moot point, given it being a very slight reach. The top of the case has a nice magnetic dust filter, likewise to many of the cases we have been seeing in the past while.
The back of the Cooler Master MasterBox TD500 Mesh V2 is standard to any mid-tower case. At the top, we have the motherboard backplate cutout alongside a 120mm fan mount. Underneath, we have seven removable expansion slots. The expansion slots can be simply screwed off. Something nice I found with this area is the slight indent into the case for the motherboard and expansion slots. Although it might not seem like much, it makes the installation process slightly easier. This case does not have support for vertical GPU mounting. The right side panel is white in color and helps hide the cables perfectly. This panel is quite plain, but you will likely not look at it. It is held on with captive thumbscrews.
The bottom of the Cooler Master MasterBox TD500 Mesh V2 has four rectangular feet. When moving the case around, I found the case to be stable enough with all the components installed to add weight. The rubber pads on the feet are decently sized, measuring 35mm in length and 10mm in width for the front and 60mm in length and 10mm in width for the back. These feet provide about 20mm of clearance, which is enough space for the PSU airflow. There is a dust filter designed for the PSU. The dust filter is simple to remove as you can simply pull the tab from the back of the case. Might I say, this is exactly what I said they should do in my review of the MasterBox TD500 Mesh and I am glad to see it here.
Cooler Master threw in an accessory they call the MasterAccessory GEM, which is not normally included with the case, but can be purchased separately. This is an accessory to hang your peripherals like headphones, VR headsets, or game controllers and keep them neat and tidy. You can use this accessory to keep your cables tidy by wrapping it around the GEM and hanging whatever you want on it. It has a super strong magnet that can be attached to the side of your case. The magnet is strong enough to hold pretty much anything up to 2kg in place. If you plan to attach it with something a magnet does not normally stick to, the GEM has a magnetic base that can be removed and attached to the inside of the panel and held on by the included double-sided tape to make it magnetic. Overall, it is a nice addition and I found it very convenient to use with my MasterBox TD500 Mesh V2.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. Physical Look - Outside
3. Physical Look - Inside
4. Installation and Conclusion
