A Closer Look - Outside

The Cooler Master Mastercase H500 can be considered the cornerstone of the entire H-series with its classic looks and otherwise no-frills approach. Naturally, the two big fans in the front are the focal point of the design, with the 45° angles making the front menacing enough for you to ignore the fact that the rest of the frame is actually quite traditional.


The front is just a huge metal-mesh filter you may pull off with a firm tug, which reveals the two 200 mm fans. Looking at the rear, you will notice the standard layout with the bottom-mounted PSU, but also the fairly bulky feet that raise the case a whole inch.


The main side panel of the Mastercase H500 is made out of glass and held in place by just two thumb screws, as the bottom edge hooks into the chassis frame nicely. Turning the unit around, the other panel is completely solid and utilizes a traditional method with two thumb screws in the back of the enclosure.


The PSU bay has two sets of mounting holes, so you may install your unit any way you like. Above that are the 7+1 expansion slots, with the eighth slot being vertical. All of the horizontal covers are easily removable and reusable as well, while the vertical one is of the break-out kind. In the very top, you will find a 120 mm exhaust fan set to push hot air out of the back of the Mastercase H500.


In the top, you will find a magnetic dust filter that covers an air vent with multiple mounting possibilities. Here, you may install two 120 or 140 mm fans or even go for a third 200 mm unit instead. Thanks to the offset holes, you should run into no issues when utilizing this area for a 240 mm radiator officially. I also see no immediate reason why you could not go for a 280 mm unit instead, but as Cooler Master doesn't list it as compatible do so at your own risk. The I/O on top can be considered complete due to the two USB 3.0, pair of USB 2.0, and the usual audio plugs. Naturally, there is a power button in the shape of the Cooler Master logo, and the usual activity LEDs and reset button. This front portion also has a built-in handle meant to simplify transportation. While a nice touch, Cooler Master mentions a maximum weight of 20 kg, which I personally don't feel comfortable with as a fully filled system could hit that pretty easily.


Last but not least, there is a removable dust filter on the underside of the Mastercase H500 you may pull out the back without tipping the whole system over.