Note: I've notified ENTERPRISE via PM to move this project log into SPONSORED Worklogs as per instructions
Finally, I get to build something for myself
![biggrin.gif]( "biggrin.gif")
The opportunity presented itself after Cooler Master sent me their new Mastercase 5 ($109.99) to evaluate and brainstorm retail accessories / bolt-on custom parts as part of their "Make it Yours" campaign. The Mastercase Pro is the same chassis as mastercase 5, but includes window panel and top cover for $139.99. If I kept waiting for personal time to build a PC for myself, it would have never happened due to lack of free time. I have to admit, I didn't like the Mastercase at first. I captured my mod zoo staff/friends
unbox Mastercase 5 / Pro in my VLOG. I feel Cooler Master missed a lot of details that could have made the case even better. Especially since CM marketed it as "modular" and designed for DIY liquid cooling. It falls 40% from it's marketing pitch, but the overall build quality and finish is outstanding and eventually won me over after dismantling and re-assembling the case. Here is my final thoughts about the Mastercase, keeping in mind that I look at cases from perspective as PC Customizer and Case Modder.
Cooler Master Mastercase 5 / Pro thoughts
RAVES:
Overall Build Quality, Fit & finish.
Top panel / cover design options are nice.
Modular HD/SSD tray design and mounting options are best to date.
240/360/280 radiator option for front is nice.
My suggestions REVISIONS:
Top radiator mounting location should be offset, to clear DDR slots on some motherboards*
100% Riveted chassis?! I understand using rivets over screws to save time in manufacturing, but at minimum, the mid section floor should be removable for better access.*
Lack of Water pump and reservoir mounting. CM's competitors started embracing DIY cooling market over year ago, by including mounting options for reservoirs and water pumps.
Mastercase 5/ Pro window panel is very flimsy. The "smoked" poly window is bluish/purple and has very poor clarity for viewing inside the case.
Inspiration for the custom painted exterior will be the 1970 Porsche 917 from Steve McQueen's "Le Mans" movie. His 917 from the movie was chassis #022 and purchased in 1970 from Porsche by Steve McQueen's movie production company, Solar Productions. It was also the company that would bring the movie "Le Mans" to the big screen. This is the car that McQueen's character, Michael Delaney, starts the race in, and "crashes" late in the race, "writing the car off." The car that was crashed was really a Lola T-70, painted and rebodied, to look like a 917. Many innovations in cinematography, were first tried in this movie. They even went so far, as to weld brackets to the front frame work of the 917, so they could mount a camera to shoot Steve, and the other drivers, in the cockpit.
I'll replacing the Mastercase 5 steel side panel with this clear side panel window, http://mnpctech.com/cooler-master-mastercase/
I'll replacing the Mastercase top grill panel with this clear "moon roof" style top window, http://mnpctech.com/cooler-master-mastercase/mastercase-top-window-panel-clear.html]http://mnpctech.com/cooler-master-mastercase/mastercase-top-window-panel-clear.html
Cooler Master Mastercase 5 Chassis assembled with final coat of Gulf Racing Blue paint from 1970 Porsche 917 race car
Porsche 917 inspired graphics are finished by Brad Galvin on the Cooler Master Mastercase 5 / Pro. Next stage is clear coating everything.
EK Radiator fins were masked off.
Parts laid out with final clear coat. Time to pop rivet!
Finally, I get to build something for myself
Cooler Master Mastercase 5 / Pro thoughts
RAVES:
Overall Build Quality, Fit & finish.
Top panel / cover design options are nice.
Modular HD/SSD tray design and mounting options are best to date.
240/360/280 radiator option for front is nice.
My suggestions REVISIONS:
Top radiator mounting location should be offset, to clear DDR slots on some motherboards*
100% Riveted chassis?! I understand using rivets over screws to save time in manufacturing, but at minimum, the mid section floor should be removable for better access.*
Lack of Water pump and reservoir mounting. CM's competitors started embracing DIY cooling market over year ago, by including mounting options for reservoirs and water pumps.
Mastercase 5/ Pro window panel is very flimsy. The "smoked" poly window is bluish/purple and has very poor clarity for viewing inside the case.
Inspiration for the custom painted exterior will be the 1970 Porsche 917 from Steve McQueen's "Le Mans" movie. His 917 from the movie was chassis #022 and purchased in 1970 from Porsche by Steve McQueen's movie production company, Solar Productions. It was also the company that would bring the movie "Le Mans" to the big screen. This is the car that McQueen's character, Michael Delaney, starts the race in, and "crashes" late in the race, "writing the car off." The car that was crashed was really a Lola T-70, painted and rebodied, to look like a 917. Many innovations in cinematography, were first tried in this movie. They even went so far, as to weld brackets to the front frame work of the 917, so they could mount a camera to shoot Steve, and the other drivers, in the cockpit.
I'll replacing the Mastercase 5 steel side panel with this clear side panel window, http://mnpctech.com/cooler-master-mastercase/
I'll replacing the Mastercase top grill panel with this clear "moon roof" style top window, http://mnpctech.com/cooler-master-mastercase/mastercase-top-window-panel-clear.html]http://mnpctech.com/cooler-master-mastercase/mastercase-top-window-panel-clear.html
Cooler Master Mastercase 5 Chassis assembled with final coat of Gulf Racing Blue paint from 1970 Porsche 917 race car
Porsche 917 inspired graphics are finished by Brad Galvin on the Cooler Master Mastercase 5 / Pro. Next stage is clear coating everything.
EK Radiator fins were masked off.
Parts laid out with final clear coat. Time to pop rivet!
