Cooler Master Masterbox 520 ARGB ATX PC Case (MB520-KGNN-S01) Review
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Cooler Master Masterbox 520 ARGB is a mid-tower ATX case designed to offer a balance of features, performance, and affordability. With its sleek black exterior, tempered glass side panel, and built-in ARGB lighting, the 520 ARGB aims to provide a visually appealing and functional chassis for PC enthusiasts and gamers. I’ve spent the past few weeks putting this case through its paces, and here’s my take on what it has to offer.
Features
The Masterbox 520 ARGB is packed with features that aim to enhance both the look and functionality of your PC build.
- Spacious Interior: With support for motherboards up to E-ATX, ample room for high-end graphics cards, and a 165mm clearance for CPU coolers, the 520 ARGB offers plenty of space to work with. This is especially useful for users who want to build powerful systems with top-tier components.
- Impressive Cooling: The case comes pre-installed with one MasterFan Lite 120mm and three CF120 ARGB fans, providing excellent airflow out of the box. It also supports up to seven fans and radiators up to 360mm in size, offering ample potential for further customization and improved cooling performance.
- ARGB Lighting: The 520 ARGB boasts built-in ARGB lighting on the included fans, which can be controlled via the included ARGB controller or synchronized with compatible motherboards. This allows for vibrant lighting effects and customization options, adding a visual flair to your build.
- Excellent Cable Management: The case features dedicated cable routing channels and tie-downs, making it easier to organize and hide cables, resulting in a clean and clutter-free build. This not only improves the aesthetics but also helps improve airflow and potentially lower temperatures.
Performance
In terms of performance, the Masterbox 520 ARGB delivers on its promises. I tested the case with a high-end Ryzen 9 processor, a powerful RTX 3080 graphics card, and several other high-performance components.
- Cooling: The case’s pre-installed fans and ample room for additional fans and radiators kept temperatures well within acceptable levels, even under heavy load. The airflow was excellent, and I never experienced any overheating issues with any of my components.
- Noise Levels: The included fans were reasonably quiet, even at full speed. While they were noticeable under load, they were far from intrusive. The case also does a decent job of isolating the noise from components inside the case.
- Build Quality: The Masterbox 520 ARGB is solidly built, with a sturdy steel frame and tempered glass side panel that provides excellent visibility into your build. The materials feel premium and should stand up to the test of time.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Spacious interior with excellent component compatibility
- Pre-installed fans provide good airflow and cooling performance
- ARGB lighting enhances the aesthetic appeal of your build
- Excellent cable management system simplifies build process
- Sturdy construction and high-quality materials
- Affordable price point compared to other cases with similar features
Cons:
- The front I/O panel is somewhat limited, with only one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port
- The case’s design can make it slightly challenging to access the rear fan and PSU area
- Some users might prefer more RGB lighting options on the case itself
Final Verdict
The Cooler Master Masterbox 520 ARGB is an excellent mid-tower ATX case that strikes a solid balance between features, performance, and value. It offers a spacious interior, impressive cooling, and a clean aesthetic, making it a great choice for gamers, enthusiasts, and anyone looking to build a high-performance PC. While some minor drawbacks exist, like the limited I/O panel, these are outweighed by the overall benefits and features offered. If you’re in the market for a well-rounded and stylish case, I highly recommend checking out the Masterbox 520 ARGB.
Specifications
| Radiator Support – Rear | 120mm |
| Dust Filters – Top | Yes |
| Materials – Left Side Panel | Tempered Glass |
| Materials – Exterior | Steel, ABS Plastic, Tempered Glass |
| Included Accessories | ARGB Fans Hub, Dust Filters |
| Dust Filters – Front | Yes |
| Exterior Color | Black |
| 3.5″ Drive Bays | 2 |
| Radiator Support – Front | 360mm, 280mm, 240mm, 140mm, 120mm |
| Series | MasterBox Series |
| Size | Mid Tower |
| Radiator Support – Top | 360mm, 280mm, 240mm, 140mm, 120mm |
| Dust Filters – Bottom | Yes |
| Motherboard Support | SSI CEB, E-ATX*, ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITX |
| Power Supply Support | ATX |
| Fan Support – Rear | 1x 120mm |
| Fan Support – Front | 2x 140mm, 3x 120mm |
| Clearance – PSU | 200mm, Recommended up to 170mm |
| Expansion Slots | 7 |
| Clearance – CPU Cooler | 165mm/6.49″ |
| Fan Support – Top | 2x 140mm, 3x 120mm |
| 2.5″ Drive Bays | 3 |
| Motherboard Support (Detailed) | *up to 12″ x 10.7″ motherboards, may impact cable management feature |
| Radiator Support – Top (Detailed) | recommended maximum thickness -55mm |
| Pre-installed Fans – Rear | 1x MasterFan Lite 120 |
| Clearance – GFX | 410mm/16.1″ |
| I/O Panel | 1x 3.5mm Headset Jack (Audio+Mic), 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, 1x Reset/ARGB button, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 499 x 210 x 498mm (Incl. Protrusions), 430 x 210 x 479mm (Body Size) |
| Model Number | MB520-KGNN-S01 |