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One of the most successful chassis series from Cooler Master was the HAF line, which appeared in 2008. Its trademark, as the name suggests, was an excellent ventilation scheme (mesh panels transparent to the air and no obstacles inside) and the use of 200 mm fans, which ensured component temperatures in places even lower than on an open bench. The series peaked in popularity in 2014, it received a number of modified models, but then “the concept suddenly changed again”, the line was discontinued and it almost disappeared from sale. Those enthusiasts who have seen the hero of our review, the MasterCase H500P, may have the feeling that it represents the legacy of the HAF series. Is it really? Let’s figure it out.
Characteristics
| Model | Cooler Master MasterCase H500P |
|---|---|
| Product page | www.coolermaster.com |
| Type of shell | Midi-Tower |
| Dimensions, mm | 542 (H) x 242 (W) x 544 (D) |
| Material | ABS plastic, Acrylic, Steel, Glass |
| Weight, kg | 11,3 |
| Color | Black gray |
| Form Factor | E-ATX (12″ x 10.7″), ATX, MicroATX, Mini-ITX |
| 5.25″ devices | – |
| Devices 3.5″ external | – |
| Devices 3.5″ / 2.5″ internal | 2 / 2 (2.5″ can be installed optionally in 3.5″ baskets) |
| Supported number of expansion slots | 7+2 |
| Fans | front – 3 x 120 / 140 mm or 2 x 200 mm (installed) upper – 3 x 120 / 140 mm or 2 x 200 mm (optional) rear – 1 x 120 / 140 mm (1 x 140 mm installed) |
| Interface connectors | 2 x USB 3.0, 2 x USB 2.0, mic in and headphone out |
| Other | 4mm tempered glass side window, removable bottom dust filter, RGB lighting for 200mm fans, modular PSU shroud design, removable drive cages and fan top bezel, transparent top and front panels, patch panels for improved cable management |
| Recommended cost, $ | 150 |
Packing and scope of delivery
The combination of black and purple colors has always been the hallmark of the Cooler Master brand, so their presence on the product box is more than expected. The case itself is depicted on the front, and on the back you can see it, but in reverse and without the right side panel. In the same place, in eight languages, all the main advantages of the product are described, and technical details can be found on the sidewall. Slotted carrying handles are present, which is good, since this box has a lot of weight.
The inner packaging consists of a large fabric bag with handles for easy removal of the case from the box and placed directly over the foam dampers and plastic bag. All acrylic transparent parts are covered with films.
The delivery set includes the following parts:
- case assembly instructions;
- brochure with information about the guarantee;
- half-frame for installing fans in front;
- ten reusable Velcro ties;
- a cloth for wiping transparent parts;
- pass-through adapter from Molex to a three-pin fan connector;
- eight long screws for mounting fans;
- seven racks for the motherboard;
- an adapter for a Phillips screwdriver for mounting motherboard racks;
- two medium screws for fixing 3.5″ hard drive cages;
- eight screws for fixing fans;
- 15 case screws for the fan frame, power supply and motherboard stands;
- eight small screws for attaching 2.5″ drives.
Appearance
Appearance of the MasterCase H500P is futuristic, with a slight touch of aggression. The frame of the front panel is made of gray plastic, and the relief of the details on it gives the impression that everything is suspended separately and does not touch each other. Behind a trapezoidal acrylic window, two 200mm front fans are clearly visible, which, thanks to the built-in RGB lighting, are the main feature in the appearance of this chassis. Slots for air intake in this projection are not visible, but they are on the sides, top and bottom.
External ports and buttons find their place on the sloping front of the top panel. There are two USB 3.0 (painted grey), two USB 2.0, two 3.5mm headphone and microphone jacks, a hexagonal system start button (with backlighting around the perimeter), a very small rectangular reset button, and a notched indicator that looks like a strip storage activity. Small inserts on the side faces are a decoration, although they look like keys. Why they were made here is unclear.
The left side panel is a solid tinted glass, with a thickness of 4 mm that has already become the standard. But what is not in it is the screws in the corners, since the mounting system here is more thoughtful. Ventilation openings in the form of a mesh grille are made in the sidewalls of the front and top panels.
The only external glass fixing element is located at the top in the middle and is a swivel washer with a transverse recess. It opens by turning 90 degrees in any direction, you can use a flat screwdriver or a coin of sufficient thickness as a key. Then the glass is simply tilted to the side and removed.
On the reverse side of the glass side panel, metal ribs are glued on top and bottom, which also play the role of mounting loops. The lock consists of a conventional rotary bolt, which engages in the closed position on the body frame. In general, the solution is not bad, but vibration may occur at the point of contact between metal and glass, because no rubber gaskets are provided here.
The right sidebar is already made in the classic way. It is one-piece, metal, rests on two knurled screws, has a handle to facilitate dismantling. Removed by sliding back, followed by tilting to the side. There are ventilation grilles in the front and top panels on this side as well.
On the reverse side there are rigid ribs that significantly increase the strength of the door. The screws are fixed in their mounting holes, so you won’t accidentally lose them. In the closed state, the fit of the door to the frame is not very tight, and therefore a slight play and vibration may occur.
The top panel consists of a plastic frame on the sides and a transparent acrylic window in the middle. It is assumed that beautiful multi-colored fans can also be placed under it, so that later you can admire them on long winter evenings. About how often it will be necessary to clean it from the accumulation of dust from the inside and outside, it is probably not worth mentioning separately.
The rear panel of the case looks relatively standard. On top there is a ventilation grill with a propeller pre-installed on the hood (suitable for 120 and 140 mm format). The mounting holes of the fan are oblong, approximately 30 mm long, which allows you to adjust the height of its mounting and is quite convenient when installing single-section air coolers. A little lower there are seven horizontal and two vertical PCI slots covered with reusable ventilated plugs. And even lower is a seat for a standard ATX-compatible power supply.
The mounting holes of the PSU allow you to orient it with the fan up or down. From below, the unit is protected from dust by an easily removable dust filter, consisting of a fine-mesh mesh glued to a plastic frame.
There is nothing particularly remarkable at the bottom of the case. The height of plastic legs with rubber stickers is 30 mm, which is more than enough for normal ventilation of the PSU.
I was especially touched by the fact that the hole in the back of the front panel is covered with a metal mesh screwed directly to the body between the front legs. It won’t save much from dust, but at least it will protect the case from penetration of small animals from this direction.
Let’s look at the internal structure of this chassis.
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