Review: Cooler Master MasterCase 5

Conclusion

Cooler Master is taking a risk in revamping its product portfolio to include a range of components that focus on modular customisation, but it's a risk worth taking.

In a marketplace brimming with formulaic enclosures, it's refreshing to see a Taiwanese manufacturer try something different and MasterCase 5 manages to balance the fundamental workings of a chassis with a sprinkling of intriguing extras that make this case more appealing than most.

"Make it yours" is the tagline and by offering optional modular components that can change the inner workings of the case, Cooler Master has created a customisable enclosure that's ultimately fun to build with. Rather than relying on modular parts to create a good chassis, MasterCase 5 succeeds by using a good chassis to facilitate modular modifications.

The base chassis, at £89.99, is a solid performer that looks great, is easy to build into and capable of housing a truly high-end build. Adding extras can alter the look of the case, open up more liquid-cooling possibilities, add a side window or increased storage capabilities, and there are other FreeForm upgrades in the pipeline.

Looking ahead, and conjecturing somewhat, we'd like to see Cooler Master expand the range with a mini-tower MasterCase 3 and a full-tower MasterCase 5. In order for the FreeForm concept to work, an array of modular components would need to maintain compatibility across the range, and if Cooler Master is serious about helping make it yours, why not create a community page where users can suggest and vote on which FreeForm parts they think should be manufactured next? Personally, I'd quite like a top section that includes a wireless charging pad, but what I want probably doesn't align with the needs of enthusiasts.

And that's the big question mark. Can Cooler Master create competitively priced modular add-ons that consumers actually want? And will there be enough demand to help ensure the product's success? That remains to be seen, but even without the upgrades, MasterCase 5 is a fine choice for a high-end build and certainly worthy of consideration.

Cooler Master MasterCase 5

HEXUS.where2buy*

The Cooler Master MasterCase 5 chassis is available to purchase from Scan Computers.

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