Cooler Master MASTERBOX TD500 Mesh ATX Gaming PC Case (MCB-D500D-WGNN-S01) Review
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Cooler Master MASTERBOX TD500 Mesh (MCB-D500D-WGNN-S01) is a mid-tower ATX gaming PC case that aims to provide a balance of aesthetics, functionality, and airflow. With its mesh front panel, tempered glass side panel, and generous space for components, the TD500 Mesh promises to be a solid choice for PC enthusiasts looking for a well-ventilated and visually appealing case. In this review, we’ll put it through its paces and see if it lives up to the hype.
Features
The MASTERBOX TD500 Mesh is packed with features designed to enhance your PC building experience. Here are some of the key highlights:
- FineMesh Front Panel: The mesh front panel promotes excellent airflow, ensuring your components stay cool even under heavy loads. The mesh is also designed to be durable and aesthetically pleasing, adding a modern touch to the case.
- Crystalline Tempered Glass Side Panel: The tempered glass side panel provides a clear view of your internal components, allowing you to showcase your custom builds with pride. It’s also sturdy and scratch-resistant, ensuring long-lasting clarity.
- 3x CF120 ARGB Fans: The TD500 Mesh comes pre-installed with three 120mm ARGB fans that illuminate your case with vibrant colors. These fans are also quiet and efficient, ensuring optimal airflow without distracting noise.
- Spacious Interior: The case offers ample space for components, with support for up to E-ATX motherboards, 410mm graphics cards, and 165mm CPU coolers. You can also choose to remove the HDD cage to gain even more space for a larger PSU or other components.
- Extensive Radiator Support: The TD500 Mesh boasts excellent radiator support, accommodating up to a 360mm radiator in the front and a 360mm radiator on top, giving you plenty of options for liquid cooling setups.
- Versatile I/O Panel: The I/O panel includes two USB 3.0 ports, a headphone jack, a microphone jack, an ARGB hub, and an ARGB 1-to-3 splitter, providing easy access to essential connections and customization options.
- Dust Filters: The case features dust filters on the front, top, and bottom, helping to keep your components clean and free from dust accumulation.
Performance
In terms of performance, the MASTERBOX TD500 Mesh delivers as promised. The mesh front panel and pre-installed fans provide excellent airflow, keeping components cool even under heavy workloads. We ran several benchmarks and stress tests, and the case consistently maintained low temperatures for both the CPU and GPU. The spacious interior also allowed for easy cable management, minimizing clutter and improving airflow.
The ARGB fans add a touch of visual flair while also contributing to airflow. The lighting effects are customizable through the included ARGB controller, allowing you to create a personalized look. However, if you prefer a more minimalist approach, the lighting can be turned off completely.
Pros & Cons
Here is a breakdown of the pros and cons of the Cooler Master MASTERBOX TD500 Mesh:
Pros:
- Excellent airflow and thermal performance
- Stylish design with a mesh front panel and tempered glass side panel
- Spacious interior with support for high-end components
- Generous radiator support for liquid cooling setups
- Pre-installed ARGB fans with customizable lighting
- Includes dust filters to protect components from dust accumulation
Cons:
- The lack of 5.25″ drive bays might be an issue for some users
- The HDD cage can be a bit difficult to remove
- The ARGB controller could be more user-friendly
Final Verdict
The Cooler Master MASTERBOX TD500 Mesh is an excellent mid-tower case that excels in airflow, component support, and aesthetics. It offers a well-balanced combination of features, making it suitable for a wide range of PC builds, from budget-friendly to high-end gaming systems. While it has a few minor drawbacks, its overall strengths make it a compelling choice for PC enthusiasts seeking a case that delivers both performance and style.
If you’re looking for a spacious, well-ventilated, and visually appealing ATX case, the MASTERBOX TD500 Mesh is definitely worth considering. It’s a solid choice for anyone who prioritizes airflow, component compatibility, and aesthetic appeal.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Color(s) | Black, White |
| Materials – Exterior | Steel, Mesh, Plastic |
| Materials – Left Side Panel | Tempered Glass |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 493 x 217 x 469mm (incl. Protrusions), 429.5 x 205 x 447mm (excl. Protrusions) |
| Volume | 40.14L (excl. Protrusions) |
| Motherboard Support | Mini ITX, Micro ATX, ATX, SSI CEB, E-ATX* (*up to 12” x 10.7” motherboards) |
| Expansion Slots | 7 |
| 5.25″ Drive Bays | N/A |
| 2.5″ / 3.5″ Drive Bays (Combo) | 2 |
| 2.5″ Drive Bays | 4 (2+2 combo) |
| I/O Panel | 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (USB 3.0), 1x 3.5mm Audio Jack, 1x 3.5mm Mic Jack, 1x ARGB Hub, 1x ARGB 1-to-3 Splitter |
| Pre-installed Fans – Top | N/A |
| Pre-installed Fans – Front | 3x 120mm CF120 ARGB |
| Pre-installed Fans – Rear | N/A |
| Fan Support – Top | 3x 120mm, 2x 140mm |
| Fan Support – Front | 3x 120mm, 2x 140mm |
| Fan Support – Rear | 1x 120mm |
| Radiator Support – Top | 120mm, 240mm, 360mm, (44mm max motherboard component height) |
| Radiator Support – Front | 120mm, 140mm, 240mm, 280mm, 360mm |
| Radiator Support – Rear | 120mm |
| Clearance – CPU Cooler | 165mm/6.49″ |
| Clearance – PSU | 180mm/7.08″, 295mm/11.61″ (w/ HDD cage removed) |
| Clearance – GFX | 410mm/16.1″ |
| Cable Routing | 19mm/0.74″ |
| Dust Filters | Front, Top, Bottom |
| Power Supply Support | Bottom Mount, ATX |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Series | MasterBox Series |
| Size | Mid Tower |