Cooler Master Masterbox Lite 5 RGB Review

The Cooler Master MasterBox Lite 5 RGB proudly claims its spot as a Tier-1 chassis, setting the stage for effortlessly stylish and trouble-free PC builds. While competitors like NZXT, Corsair, and Thermaltake push the boundaries of mid-tower chassis design, Cooler Master stands out by redefining the meaning of “Cooler Master.” With a primary focus on cooling, this case empowers consumers with an expansive canvas for creativity. So, let’s dive into the depths of this product and explore how it truly stands out in the world of PC chassis.

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Key Takeaways

• Cooler Master MasterBox Lite 5 RGB claims its Tier-1 status, offering a seamless blend of style and convenience for PC builders with a primary focus on efficient cooling.
• It is ideal for Entry-Level Gamers and PC Enthusiasts seeking a chassis that prioritizes cooling, creativity, and customization with a wide-open canvas for imaginative PC builds.
• It is not suitable for users requiring extensive ceiling ventilation for large CPU coolers or those demanding maximal frontal airflow, as the case has limitations.

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Let’s check the technical specifications of the Cooler Master MasterBox Lite 5 RGB.

Chassis Name		Cooler Master MasterBox Lite 5 RGB
Color		Black+(White, Red, Black) [Replacable coloured parts are given with the box]
Available Color		Black
Materials		Steel, Plastic
Dimensions (LxWxH)		468.8 x 200 x 454.5mm
Motherboard Support		ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
Expansion Slots		7
Drive Bays	5.25″	No
	Combo 3.5″ / 2.5″	2
	SSD	1
I/O Panel		USB 3.0 x 2 Audio in / out
Pre-installed Fan(s)	Rear	120mm x 1 black fan
Fan Support	Front	120mm x 3 / 140mm x 2
	Rear	120mm x 1
Liquid Cooling Support	Front	240mm / 280mm / 360mm radiator (limited) up to 50mm thickness without fan
	Rear	120mm x 1
Clearance	CPU Cooler	160mm / 6.3″
	PSU	180mm / 7.1″
	Graphics Card	400mm / 16.14″
Cable Routing	Behind Motherboard Tray	25mm – 35mm / 0.98″ – 1.38″
Dust Filters		Front, bottom
Power Supply Support		Bottom mount, ATX

 

Packaging and Unboxing

The chassis is shipped inside a brown cardboard box, which is a standard for shipping.

Box Content

The Cooler Master MasterBox Lite 5 RGB includes a user manual and a box of standoffs, screws, and zip ties for easy installation. The abundance of accessories allows users to tidy up the chassis, and they thoughtfully provide long screws for additional fan mounting.

The accessories also feature DIY changeable colored attachments, offering the flexibility to alter the chassis’s secondary colour. A white and black pair of changeable attachments easily slide onto the front black tinted glass, allowing users to customize the look effortlessly.

Design

Now, let’s review the external and internal design of the Cooler Master MasterBox Lite 5 RGB chassis.

External Look

Cooler Master MasterBox Lite 5 RGB has a sleek design, glossy black glass, discreet cable management, and functional features. The front rocks cool transparent black glass, customizable ventilation, and some stunning lighting effects. And on the left, you’ve got this sleek transparent tempered glass panel for a majestic view into your PC setup. It’s not just a case; it’s a visual masterpiece!

Check out the bottom, which has a smooth design with a grid and two sturdy feet. Flip it around, and you’ll find the practical I/O panel and air outlet for good airflow. One cool thing is the removable PSU bracket – it makes setting up and organizing cables easy. The PCIe stick gates are handy, too, simplifying the graphics card installation process. Plus, there’s smart ventilation to keep things cool during heavy gaming.

Internal Look

Taking a peek inside the Cooler Master MasterBox Lite 5 RGB brings a fully partitioned basement. This clever design provides a dedicated space for the PSU and two hard disk drives. What I appreciate most is the ample room that allows me to neatly tuck away those extra cables, creating a clean and organized setup right in the middle of the hard disk cabinet and PSU space. The little details like this make the overall experience of working with the MasterBox Lite 5 RGB enjoyable.

No need to worry about damaging your hard disk! There are mechanical HDD bays. These bays make it easy to slide into your hard drive without any fuss. Press a clip, let the bay stretch out, place your hard disk, close it back up, and you’re ready. The mechanical touch ensures a snug fit without the risk of damaging anything. It’s a simple, effective solution for keeping your hard drive safe and sound in the chassis.

While checking out the Cooler Master MasterBox Lite 5 RGB, I noticed this space next to the basement. You can pop in a fan there to keep that airflow going smoothly at the front. Another nifty option is to temporarily squeeze in up to two additional hard drives. Just a heads up, it’s not officially designed for hard drives, but it’s a handy workaround.

Keep things cool and tidy! The front is designed for optimal airflow, allowing you to add more fans. Inside, there’s plenty of space to keep those extra cables neat and out of the way. It’s a breeze to stay organized and ensure your system runs smoothly!

To the left of the basement lies the ITX-compatible motherboard yard with discreet cable passageways, while on the right, a convenient mountable SSD bay awaits with a handy bolt.

On the downside, there is a lot of space in the basement. I placed a 120mm fan for continuous airflow for the PSU and the bottom part of the chassis. The chassis sits on four standoffs to lift the bottom slightly for better airflow. You can place fans inside or show them off on the outside. You can easily reattach the front black glass for a sleek look.

With a roomy basement featuring a handy 120mm fan for excellent airflow, overheating concerns are a thing of the past. The cleverly placed I/O plate right beneath the top surface ensures easy access, making your setup hassle-free. In a nutshell, it’s a spacious and user-friendly case that keeps things cool and accessible.

The chassis includes front USB 3.0, HD audio, and LED cables, utilizing a single motherboard USB 3.0 slot for two front USB 3.0 ports and supporting additional ports on the top front I/O panel if needed.

Test Build

The following test build has been used:

• Intel Core i5 6600K @4.2Ghz
• Corsair Vengeance LED @3Ghz
• 2x 2TB HDD
• 1x 120GB Samsung 840 SSD
• 1x Zalman blue (Front), 1x Corsair white (Back)
• Gigabyte Z170 HD3 motherboard
• Custom blue LED panel (Attached inside on ceiling)
• Antec TruePower 650 Watts
• MSI GTX 1080 Sea Hawk & Gigabyte GTX 1060 Mini 3GB (For variety add-up)

The showdown of MasterBox Lite 5 is as follows:

Should You Buy It?

Upon careful review and analysis of the Cooler Master MasterBox Lite 5 RGB, my assessment says that:

Buy It If:

✅ You Prioritize Style and Convenience: If you value a seamless blend of style and convenience in your PC builds.

✅ You are an Entry-Level Gamer or PC Enthusiast: Ideal for those starting in gaming or enthusiasts who seek a chassis focusing on cooling, creativity, and customization.

✅ You Appreciate Sleek Design and Thoughtful Ventilation: A sleek design, transparent black glass, and careful ventilation appeal to your preferences.

Don’t Buy It If:

❌ You Require Extensive Ceiling Ventilation: If your PC setup demands significant ceiling ventilation, especially for large CPU coolers.

❌ You Demand Maximal Frontal Airflow: This is for users who prioritize maximal frontal airflow in their PC chassis.

❌ You Need More Than Two Frontal Airflow Spots: If you are looking for a chassis with more than two tiny linear spots for frontal airflow.

Final Words

Cooler Master MasterBox Lite 5 RGB impresses as a Tier-1 chassis, delivering a stylish and hassle-free experience for PC builders. Prioritizing cooling and creativity, it’s ideal for Entry-Level Gamers and Enthusiasts. However, users needing extensive ceiling ventilation or maximum frontal airflow might find it lacking. The sleek design, transparent black glass, and thoughtful ventilation make it stand out. Despite some limitations, its technical specifications, packaging, and internal features offer a balanced blend of aesthetics and functionality. The test build showcases effective component accommodation, making it a compelling choice for those prioritizing style, convenience, and cooling efficiency in their PC builds.

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