Cooler Master MasterBox 520 Mesh Review

You can learn plenty about new Cooler Master MasterBox 520 Mesh from its rather wordy name. MasterBox is a mid-range series of cases that sits below MasterCase, the number 520 was grabbed from a long list of similar models codes and the front panel is Mesh rather than Glass. The end result makes sense, however it lacks the appeal of a name such as HAF or Cosmos. Let's find out if the chassis itself is any good.

Specification:

• Motherboard support: E-ATX (up to 272mm wide), ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX.
• Power supply support: ATX.
• Expansion slots: 7.
• Included fans: 3x 120mm CF120 ARGB front intakes.
• Fan mounts: 3x 120mm/2x 140mm front, 3x 120mm/2x 140mm roof, 1x 120mm rear.
• Radiator mounts: 360mm/280mm front, 360mm/280mm roof, 120mm rear.
• 5.25-inch optical drive bays: None.
• Internal drive bays: 2x 3.5-inch, 3x 2.5-inch.
• Front I/O ports: 1x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C, audio.
• Dimensions: 498mm H x 502mm D x 210mm W.

If you are looking for a succinct list of new features in the MasterBox 520 you won't get much help from Cooler Master's Press Release which tells us the following:

‘Whether you are a casual gamer dipping your toes into the world of PC DIY, or a hardcore builder who grew up with the expanding industry, MasterBox 520 and MasterBox 520 Mesh are able to provide you with the high-quality gaming experience you have been looking for. Two colour options are offered: a stealthy black or pristine white, so users can match their colour of their PC to their gaming room. Tempered glass or mesh front panel variations offer a choice between premium aesthetics or superior cooling. Each chassis is designed with the needs of multiple gamer types in mind, covering various degrees of use and preferences, so users can start planning their build immediately upon unboxing.

Like all recently released Cooler Master chassis, the top panel has been designed to be completely removable, allowing users to break through the barriers of limited space and facilitate easy assembly of air and water cooling components. Three pre-installed CF120 ARGB fans provide powerful, efficient cooling, while giving your system a boost with stunning aesthetics and customizable lighting effects. The classic MasterBox design has been upgraded to feature a robust removable dust filter bracket for effortless cleaning and extra security during travels. Edge-to-edge tempered glass side panels display a full view of the build, allowing users to showcase the fruits of their labor with pride.'

The reason you don't get a list of features – beyond Black or White and Mesh or Glass – is that the Cooler Master MasterBox 520 Mesh contains absolutely nothing new and is a collection of familiar bits and pieces that have been assembled in a familiar way. The question posed is whether Cooler Master has managed to do a good job of refreshing some familiar parts.

In a sense you have to sympathise with Cooler Master as there are only so many ways you can approach an ARGB/fan hub controller or the mounting points for 120mm/140mm fans. Having said that it is very rare that we are unable to point at even one feature and spot something of interest.

Testing

To put this case through its cooling paces we will be using a test system consisting of an Intel Core i9-12900K, RTX 3080 and an SSD. This system allows us to produce a substantial amount of heat and effectively test the Cooler Master MasterBox 520's cooling capabilities.

Test System:

• Processor: Intel Core i9-12900K (16 cores/24 threads)
• Motherboard: MSI MEG Z690 Unify
• CPU cooler: Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black
• Memory: 32GB Corsair Vengeance RGB DDR5 6600MHz
• Graphics card: Palit RTX 3080 Gaming Pro 10GB
• Power supply: Seasonic Focus PX-850
• SSD: Sabrent Rocket 4.0 M.2 NVMe
• OS: Windows 11

Cooling Performance

Cooling Performance Overview

We detail our testing procedure in our video but the TLDR is that our Core i9-12900K and RTX 3080 combo pummelled the MasterBox 520 Mesh and it survived by a slender margin. Everything about this case calls out for AIO or custom liquid cooling and our testing with a mighty Noctua NH-D15 backs that up.

Closing Thoughts

Reviewing the Cooler Master MasterBox 520 Mesh felt similar to making a selection from the dessert menu at a restaurant and ending up with vanilla ice cream; every once in a while vanilla is an inspired choice that borders on genius but generally speaking it is merely OK and thankfully inoffensive.

In a similar vein our list of grips and moans with the MasterBox 520 is short and fairly minor but balanced against that the list of positive points is also very short.

We are happy to report that Cooler Master has avoided making any catastrophic errors with the MasterBox 520 and we can also see the points that cause us annoyance come down to cost cutting.Voltage controlled fans? Check. Slender chassis to save materials and shipping? Check.

The consequence is that the MasterBox 520 ends in a middle ground where we see no reason to recommend it but neither would we object if we received a new prebuilt PC that uses this chassis. There are many cases on the market that are far worse than the MasterBox520, however there is also a long list that are much better.

We don't yet have a buy link but you the MSRP for the Cooler Master MasterBox 520 Mesh is £114.99.

Pros:

• Decent support for air and liquid cooling.
• Removable top panel gives easy access to the main compartment.
• Decent options for storage

Cons:

• The case is too narrow and that reduces your options.
• The three ARGB fans are voltage controlled – we want PWM
• We could not find a single novel feature in the MasterBox 520
• No rear case fan included

KitGuru says: There are worse cases out there, but we struggle to find a reason why the enthusiast would plump for the Cooler Master MasterBox 520 Mesh.

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