Page 2 - Physical Look - Outside
The Cooler Master TD500 MAX is based off the TD500 Mesh V2, which is a familiar chassis to us here at APH Networks. This means the TD500 MAX is an average-sized mid-tower case, and being the MAX model, integrates a power supply and all-in-one liquid cooling system. We will take a look at that in just a moment. Also specific to the MAX model is what Cooler Master refers to as the MAX Grey color scheme, as shown in the above photo. This is yet another airflow-focused case added to our collection, as we have looked at cases like the Antec DF700 FLUX, Antec P82 Flow, Cooler Master MasterBox TD300 Mesh, the previous TD500 Mesh, and of course, the aforementioned TD500 Mesh V2.
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 FineMesh. In my experience, a mesh panel does assist in dust filtration, but I would have appreciated an additional dust filtration layer. Despite this, the high airflow provided is a worthy tradeoff. 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 on the pre-installed radiator. 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 we have noted in our TD500 Mesh V2 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 towards you off the ball-and-socket joints at the top and the rail at the bottom. Unfortunately, this is not a captive thumbscrew.
The Cooler Master TD500 MAX measures in at a depth of 499mm, height of 500mm, and width of 210mm. This is exactly the same as the TD500 Mesh V2. While the exact number for the weight is not listed, a quick trip to the scale gave us 25 lbs, which is reasonable considering there is a power supply and 360mm AIO liquid cooler inside. 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, and blends in well with the overall look.
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 3.5mm audio jack. After that, we have the ARGB Fan Hub button. Finally, we have the USB 3.2 Type-C port. 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. However, this is a bit of a moot point, given it is a very slight additional reach.
The top of the case has a nice magnetic dust filter, likewise to many of the cases we have seen in the past while. It has accommodation for up to three 120mm or two 140mm fans or a radiator of equivalent size.
The back of the Cooler Master TD500 MAX is standard to any mid-tower case. At the top, we have the motherboard backplate cutout alongside a 120mm fan exhaust. 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 power supply is horizontally mounted at the bottom section of the chassis, which is a standard configuration.
The right side panel is quite generic, being made entirely out of metal and used to cover up cables. It is the same MAX Grey color and helps hide the cables perfectly. This panel is quite plain with no holes used for ventilation. It is a little more generic in removal, having two screws on the back to allow it to slide off. It is held on by two captive thumbscrews.
The bottom of the Cooler Master TD500 MAX 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 pre-installed PSU's 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.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. Physical Look - Outside
3. Physical Look - Inside
4. Installation
5. Cooling Test Results
6. Conclusion
