Description
The Cooler Master MasterBox Q500L Sakura Edition redefines spatial efficiency in PC building. By utilizing a unique internal layout that mounts the power supply at the front-top of the chassis, this case maintains the external dimensions of a Mini-Tower while supporting standard ATX motherboards. The Sakura Edition features a sleek black finish complemented by a full-sized transparent acrylic side panel, allowing for a clear view of internal components and custom lighting setups.
This product is for:
- Space-Conscious Professionals: Users with limited desk real estate who require the processing power of ATX-based workstations.
- Customization Enthusiasts: Builders who appreciate the movable I/O panel that can be oriented in six different positions to suit various desk layouts.
- High-Performance Gamers: Players needing room for full-sized GPUs up to 360mm while maintaining a portable form factor.
- Aesthetic-Focused Builders: Those looking for a clean, modern look with the Sakura Edition's unique perforated pattern and edge-to-edge side panel.
- First-Time Builders: Users seeking an accessible entry point into PC building with 27-30mm of dedicated cable management space behind the motherboard tray.
Detailed specifications:
- Model Number: MCB-Q500L-KANN-S00
- Dimensions: 386 x 230 x 381 mm (L x W x H)
- Motherboard Compatibility: ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITX
- Expansion Slots: 7 PCI slots
- Drive Bays: 2x Combo 3.5"/2.5" (each bay supports 1 HDD or 2 SSDs)
- I/O Ports: 2x USB 3.0, 1x 3.5mm Audio Jack, 1x 3.5mm Mic Jack
- Cooling Support: Top (2x 120/140mm), Rear (1x 120mm pre-installed), Bottom (2x 120mm)
- Radiator Support: Top (120/240mm), Rear (120mm)
- Component Clearances: CPU Cooler (160mm), PSU (180mm), GPU (360mm/270mm depending on PSU length)
Building in the Q500L is a lesson in versatility. The fully perforated chassis ensures that airflow isn't restricted to specific intake points, allowing the system to breathe naturally from multiple angles. The magnetic dust filters are easy to remove and clean, maintaining thermal efficiency over time. The most striking feature is the movable I/O panel; whether the case is placed vertically or horizontally, the ports remain accessible. Cable management is surprisingly intuitive for a compact case, with ample routing space that prevents the cluttered look often found in smaller builds.
Compared to the standard MasterBox Q300L, the Q500L maintains nearly identical external dimensions but upgrades internal compatibility from Micro-ATX to full ATX. While many compact cases sacrifice GPU length or CPU cooler height, the Q500L manages to fit a 160mm tower cooler and high-end graphics cards, provided the PSU length is kept under 160mm. It offers a more flexible internal layout than the NZXT H510 or Fractal Meshify C Mini for users specifically needing ATX support in the smallest possible volume.
Q&A:
- Can I fit a 240mm liquid cooler in the Q500L? Yes, the top panel supports a 240mm radiator, provided the motherboard components do not exceed 35mm in height.
- Does this case support standard ATX power supplies? Yes, it supports ATX PS2 power supplies, which are mounted in the front-top section of the case.
- How many SSDs can I install? The case includes two combo brackets; each can hold either one 3.5" HDD or two 2.5" SSDs, allowing for up to four SSDs total.
- Is the side panel made of tempered glass? No, the MasterBox Q500L features an edge-to-edge transparent acrylic side panel for lightweight durability and clarity.
- What is the maximum GPU length supported? It supports graphics cards up to 360mm, but if your power supply is longer than 160mm, the GPU clearance is reduced to 270mm.
