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The Cooler Master MasterCase Pro 6 ships in a large, dark grey box.
Inside, the case is actually packed in a huge bag as well – maybe something to help with the weekly shop perhaps?
Once the case is out in the open, it becomes clear that the case is actually a dark grey – I thought, at a glance, that is is black, but it is definitely a metallic grey.
The left side panel features a large acrylic window while the right-hand panel is solid. Incidentally, the case is made from steel, though the top and front panels are plastic. Still, the majority of the case is steel which feels nice and sturdy. The side panels are also very thick so you can rest assured that they are not going to mind a slight bashing.
The front panel is actually a door that opens on a hinge (as above) to provide access to any 5.25″ drives you choose to install.
The door can also be completely removed, revealing a large dust-filter below.
Underneath the dust-filter we find 2x 120mm fans which should provide decent airflow – we look at thermal dynamics later in the review.
Moving upwards, the top panel is completely solid. That being said, a new feature of the case is that the top panel and front panels can actually ‘pop up' a bit (as pictured above, right). This is designed to help with ventilation – with the panels down airflow will likely be restricted, but now you can open up the case a bit more should you wish.
Continuing the stealth theme is the I/O panel – as it is actually hidden under a small flap. The I/O consists of 2x USB 3.0 ports and headset jacks.
At the rear of the chassis, Cooler Master have done something interesting – they have included a removable panel that clips around the edges of the case. This is designed to help with the cables coming from your PC (such as your peripheral or monitor cables) as any excess cabling can be tucked away in this panel.
What is up with Cooler Master at the moment? It’s like the design team picked up a catalogue from the early noughties. Steel, Acrylic windows that scratch when you look at them, 90 degree angles everywhere and I don’t know if you mention it in the video but in the second page the 4th picture is absolutely covered in fingerprints like you’ve just been working in a McDonalds. Mid way through the year I would not be surprised if they launch onto the market a revolutionary new range called the HAF for case builders who like to dust every other month.
It’s such a competitive marketplace now that £140 can get you some seriously nice cases from Corsair, Phanteks, NZXT and even the Bequiet Dark Base 900 if you shop around, I know what I’d rather have.
Personally I like the aesthetics but I agree – £140 can get you some cases with a real ‘wow’ factor, something I feel the MasterCase Pro 6 lacks. you’re 100% right about the steel being a fingerprint magnet though
Coolermaster had their time. the Mastercase line is all overpriced and under-featured and relies on DLC style accessories that take forever to release. top still limited to dual rads, bulky plastic exterior panels at $170 USD? this case is no different internally than the Pro 5, so what’s the point of it? it’s like the Corsair 570X being taller than the 460X, yet not mounting any additional radiator size really. at least that has a bunch of glass panels. is this just the Mastercase 5 with a more sealed up exterior? wow.