A Closer Look - Outside

Out of the box, the first thing you will notice is the symmetric shape of the Q500L. This is intentional and enables some rather unique functionality as we will see later on. The top and front are covered in metal mesh to keep dirt and grime out of the interior.


The metal mesh uses a geometric design to add some flare to the otherwise simple, straight shape of the chassis. You may peel the magnetic cover off to reveal a perforated panel. Technically, you will be free to screw fans or other components, like reservoirs or pumps, in as you wish here if you can make it all fit. In the rear, how compact the Q500L is becomes apparent. Cooler Master moved the PSU to the front of the chassis to reduce overall height, which is a common approach for brands and their smallest enclosures.


The main side panel is a window, but interestingly enough, Cooler Master opted for acrylic as a material, which is something we haven't seen in our case reviews for a while. With a price tag of around $60, I feel like there is a bit of wasted potential to up the price/performance aspect here, to be honest. In contrast, the Q300L, which comes with a slightly simpler internal setup geared towards mATX setups, is noticeably cheaper at $40 - a price bracket that essentially justifies acrylic, while there are plenty of cases in the $60-$70 range with glass panels right out of the box.


One of the unique elements of the Masterbox Q series is the ability to move the I/O port to any of the four edges of the chassis. Out of the box, the dual USB 3.0 and audio plug-equipped piece is placed on the front edge.


The opposite side is completely solid and made out of steel. However, upon closer inspection, Cooler Master has placed larger, rubber-equipped screws on here, which will also act as stands if you use the Masterbox Q500L in a desktop configuration.


In the rear, the chassis actually looks quite traditional with a full seven expansion slots and pre-installed 120 mm fan set to push air out the back of the case. The only unique element here is the power plug of the cord that has been routed from the interior of the case.


In the top, you will find a similar setup as in the front of the Q500L. It is a perforated metal panel that is covered by a second magnetic dust filter of the same design as the one on the front.


On the bottom, you will find the same type of perforated panel with four feet screwed into the chassis out of the box. A full-size metal mesh cover protects it from dust and grime. Both feet and the metal mesh and rubber grommets holding it in place are easily removable. Unfortunately, Cooler Master has not included a third magnetic dust filter, which means you will not achieve the same look on all sides as with the desktop setup. Considering this is a USP of the Q500L, the third panel should have been included.