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All-in-all, the new Cooler Master MasterCase Pro 6 is certainly a good case, but I would not say it is a great case.
Build quality is good throughout thanks to the steel construction, while the new, stealthy aesthetic is certainly something I appreciate – comparatively, the MasterCase Pro 5 is much more flamboyant.
There are some good features, too – the ability to raise the front and top panels to allow better airflow is nifty, while the trademark FreeForm system allows you to upgrade the case with extra accessories if you wish. That being said, I would not say there are any features that made me step back and think ‘wow' – there are no killer inclusions that revolutionise PC building.
The case is pretty easy to build in, but I found the cable management options to be slightly lacking behind the motherboard tray. Also, one bizarre issue I had was trying to install the MasterLiquid Pro 280 – it does not fit in the roof without using an awkward, slightly dubious mounting method which you can read about HERE. I find this problematic and quite confusing as Cooler Master do not provide native support for their latest AIO in their latest case.
Thermals and acoustics are good, though, with the solid panels really helping to keep the noise levels down. Our GTX 1080 also stayed nice and cool with a peak temperature of 71 degrees.
So, overall, I do think the Cooler Master MasterCase Pro 6 is a good case. However, I do also think the £139.99 MSRP is a bit steep for what you are getting. The MasterCase Pro 6 does not really do anything spectacularly well nor are there any killer features. If it were closer to £100 the case would offer a generally solid experience for a reasonable price – but £140 is a bit much for a relatively basic case like this.
You can buy one from Ebuyer for £139.98 inc. VAT HERE.
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Pros
- Good build quality.
- It looks nice and stealthy.
- Front and top panels can pop up to allow better airflow.
- Raised PSU mounting section prevents vibrations.
- Decent cooling and noise levels.
Cons
- It is expensive for what you get.
- Cable management options behind the motherboard tray are lacking.
- Does not support mounting the MasterLiquid Pro 280 in the roof.
KitGuru says: While it is certainly a good case, the MasterCase Pro 6 could do with a price-cut to make it more competitive. As it is, you are paying a fair amount of money for a case that is certainly decent and well-made, but it lacks any killer features to justify the price.
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.