LBC#51 - Cooler Master Q500L Review
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- Опубликовано: 28 авг 2024
- Looking at a Cooler Master today - the Q500L is a case the size of a small mATX class, yet holds a full ATX mobo. It's not a looker, this things is designed for function, but at the same time is a very unique layout. The big let down is the lack of tempered glass, which at this price point is a big drawback.
Buying this case? Amazon Associate links:
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Thanks to music bros down below!
Synthis - / samsynthis
Ertrii - / ertrii
I only discovered your channel like a week ago and have been binging it basically. You're so cool, man! Thanks for all the knowledge and everything!
I've used a Q300L, which is the mATX only version of this case (same frame, but no PSU bracket, mounts in the bottom instead of extra expansion slots). Honestly, it's one of the more pleasurable building experiences I've ever had. For a case with no basement, it was still possible to mask the cables from a NON-modular PSU with a little careful folding in the back compartment. Being completely free to place whatever wherever cannot be undervalued. Super clean, super easy building. Incidentally, once the cover is back on, the USB hub no longer flexes like he was showing. It holds it pretty sturdy. Yes, the "glass" is very scratchable plastic, but since it's also a little tinted, scratches are not super prevalent unless you fill the thing with rainbow unicorn vomit. It's been in use for about a year, and it still looks pristine from five feet away. Yes, I've seen Steve's infamous hole-drilling video, and no temps are not a problem for those of us who know that being below thermal limit by only 20 versus 30 will not affect the system's performance.
With regards to airflow - Gamers Nexus do very exhaustive testing on cases to test for temps, which is important if you actually want to settle the question 'what case makes the computer run cooler?' But something that people often overlook is that torture tests are not representative of every day use. The air flow on this case was not as good as it could've been, but this isn't something that will really affect you unless you're building top-end. And there are only a handful of small cases that can really ventilate top-end components with zero compromise.
This isn't to say that you shouldn't care about airflow - if I were to buy this case for myself I'd probably hole-saw some 100mm holes in the top and lower-front so the fan mounts that I'm most likely to use are unrestricted - but keep in mind that an average PC will work just fine.
My own PC at home is in a NZXT H500i, a case that GN slammed for airflow - and it works just fine. Yes it could be better, but nothing is melting.
TL;DR - this isn't the best, but I think this case is for a niche of people who want to do something strange and weird that's much harder to do in a 'traditional' case.
All of this. It's good that Gamers Nexus harps on airflow so much and tests so thoroughly so that the information is out there, but people lose all sense of proportion and forget that for the overwhelming majority of builds, the delta between a case with great airflow and a case with mediocre airflow is a matter of "am I 30 degrees below the point where any of my hardware would throttle or only 25 degrees?" That and there's the tendency in PC circles for people to memetically repeat and exaggerate small "problems" they've heard of other people talk about with various with parts to feel knowledgeable, so "airflow on this case could be better" becomes "lololol your PC gonna immolate itself."
Anyway with the Q500L, I don't think I would recommend it to anybody who wasn't deadset on having a full ATX build in the smallest footprint possible because they live a blessed life and get to go to LAN parties all the time and need to carry the system around (don't they sell handles for this?). That said since it is a minimalist, utilitarian design, they really may as well have just gone with solid side panels on both sides and dispensed with the looks-wretched-five-minutes-after-you-peel-the-film off plastic window.
Actually insightful, I watched all of it and didn't notice. Good job!
cool case, i've been eyeing this for quite some time now so it's great to see a regular bloke give his honest opinion about it.
currently using this case, cut six 120mm holes for better airflow. Thermals are much better than I thought. Best case in term of size, versatile, and price! Other brand case can't beat this for $40-50.
Interesting, I like what they did with the PSU.
I re-built a pc in one of these for a client yesterday! Doesn't feel super premium but looks sharp, very well laid out, easy to work in and can take basically any length gfx card even if you don't have a modular psu
I've watched this video about 4 times this far and even ended up getting the Q500L for my living room pc. It's an absolute beast of a case in terms of room even with a Strix 1080 in it and quite a large PSU. This video is super awesome and really helped me find the right case!
Great review man. Every other RUclipsr just bashed this case without properly reviewing it as you did here. Subbed! 👍
Thanks for the review! Bunch of information that is useful. Take care, :)
Another great vid. With my builds sometimes I use someone's old but still very useable all metal case (especially where they want to cut costs et☺) and with my metal working skills plus tools such as rivet gun et et it's easy for me to remove ie hard drive sections et making the actual build very adaptable to my needs. As you rightly point out, this case does that simply because it is a very fluid design. The real beauty is loads of room to hide cables et and that in itself is a real bonus point given the amount of space to the rear of the case. I agree the plastic panel is not such an attractive proposition. I wonder if they do that case with a metal alternative? I'm certainly interested to check that out. All in all thanks for the build as it definitely does what it should in stimulating one's imagination as to how you want to use such for your next build et☺☺
It's shipping to me TODAY so excited i love how compact its.. I can travel with it as a carryon luggage.
oh no, you called it the "Corsair Q500L" haha @ 39:58
HECK.
OOOOPPPPSSS LOL
Adam.. loving your channel.... great info... some other RUclipsrs could learn alot from you M8.. Keep it up
his name is actually graham
no adam was involved in making those videos
The hole on top (9:10). Cooler Master has some spar parts to cover the top with more fans. look the in the site.
Finally PC cases in the "sensible" budget range are changing ! It's refreshing to see some real changes in case design making use of space previously used by the optical drive(s) also more thought going into versatility and ease of use. I like cooler master cases too and still have a HAF X.
The plastic side paneling is so that if you need more attachment points, you can Dremel additional holes through the plastic sheeting. Don't knock the plastic, you can fit more 3.5"HDD's there.
I have the previous version of this case, without the PSU bracket and special cable, so fixed PSU position. I use it without the filters. The air flow is much better. Even the larger holes can be misleading. There isn't that much flow for hotter parts. The 'glass' supports the AIO piece a little, so It does not wobble that much when the panel is closed.
ouuuuuuu !!
I had already spotted it but it looks better than I thought,
You made me want to have one !! And it actually cost only 53€99 without shipping in france !!
i have one Q500L, it's nice build and very compact ATX case.
My first build was a m-atx build inside of a Thermaltake Versa H15 case. Had zero issues during the build as i populated the motherboard before screwing it in, but the extra room of an atx case is always a plus.
Thank you for the great information.
I like the panel with the USB and power on Switch being on the side. That way you can flip it over and use it as a Desktop, putting your Monitor on top, like the good old times. :P
You could do this pretty much same even with q300L just mount PSU on the front panel without mount. here is how:
1. disassemble PSU, yes you will ruin warranty sticker,
2. take out the fan and reassemble PSU in the whey that you reverse fan which means screw the fan in its place blowing inside but screw it from inside so when you finish assembling your PSU your screws for fan are inside and fan is outside if I did not explained correctly just read and do what it is written :)
3. you will now end up with reassembled PSU which has fan outside with free screw holes on the fan which are pretty much compatible with screw holes on 300L front panel,
4. take the foam from your GPU box, cut exact or 1-2mm larger shape of your PSU,
5. take the bracket for PSU, which came with the case, intended for mounting the PSU inside,
6. Put the foam shape you just cut and insert it into PSU mount but screw the mount outside of the case in same screw holes intended for mounting it,
7. before tightening the screws you can route your power cable either thru hole cut in foam or under the foam it is soft enough that you will be able to route the cable and tighten the screws to prevent dust coming in
I hope I explained enough, English is not my language but if I did it you can to if you want to :)
I mounted my PSU in the bottom so I can better hide the cables, literally cables are touching the bottom side of the case and are routed from there to other components.
One disadvantage or doing this is that your power supply is deep inside the case and you can not get to the switch nor remove the cable, solution for this would be custom bracket/panel thing on back side for secondary power switch and power cable socket but given how many times you do remove your cable and turn off PSU with the switch should tell you do you need that or not.
WHOA that panel flex at 12:10
I used this case when I built my daughter's computer in December.
Excellent work.I love this channel more and more every day. As for the plastic easy scratching side panel I have an idea! Can we put a tinted or not film on it, like the ones that they use in car windows,it will act like as screen protector in cellphones does.
your review is extremely informative, i was definitely sleeping on this case
I like this case, I've had one for a little while as my htpc case. I am not a fan of the magnetic filters though. Within the first month the magnets had gotten so weak that they will fall off from a small breeze. That's my only complaint though, all around happy with the case.
i was considering buying it, then i saw gamer nexus video and decided against it. Airflow isn't that good and usually i don't move my system that much to care about the case size. I did finally go for the phanteks p300a. Airflow is suberb with temper glass and is cheaper. The better airflow translates either in better thermals or very low noise. I did go the low noise route with 4 noctua fans at 550 - 700rpms are barely noticeable. It's so quite that i had to remove the hard drives since was the loudest part of the system. Only complaint is the lack of removable dust filter.
Yea it could be a lot more free-flowing than it is, and I think it should be considering this is designed for utility rather than looks - but it's worth noting that this doesn't have a big impact on most use-cases. Gamers Nexus tests under worst-case scenarios - and don't get me wrong, their testing is fantastic, and their existence is basically why I don't bother doing performance testing myself - but your average build won't really have significant issues so long as there's an intake and an exhaust fan somewhere.
Every build is different though, so take this with a pinch of salt.
I build Cooler Master Q300P for my friend kids 3 months ago, it has similiar design with Q500L and has build ini 3x RGB Fan.
Cheap price, simple design with lot of optional function, i very like this casing for budget PC.
I never see PC Case with this price with a lot of optional function, very smart design.
I hope Cooler Master design similiar PC case with more premium material, like a more thick metal and tempered glass.
I've built in this case a few times...I recommend using a modular SFX PSU in the position you've used with the PSU sucking from inside, this allow full size GPUs to be fitted. 240 cooler on the top same as you tested. This allows a 120mm fan on the front under the PSU The problem with this case is the very thing it is full of, HOLES, the holes in the front, top and bottom panels do not allow enough flow for any fan, they starve the fans making them louder as the panels are more metal than hole. Another thing I like is as you showed the front panel has 6 positions, I have always moved it to the lower position so the labels read correctly. That rear exhaust fan is a must have due to the poor airflow in this case as mentioned before. 280 is a NO! Also, I've always replaced the feet on the bottom to raise it off the floor and allow more air to be dragged in, just don't sit it on carpet. I rate it 3/10 because of the poor airflow.
Thx for this video, i've got a lot of questions, and now i have answers!
They should have called this the Tardis case, as looks are very decieving! :)
small computers are the best, I love when the motherboard fits the case perfectly, I have a mATX and looks very clean in my desktop!
Talk about builders choice ! I like this case, not a fan of the flexible control panel. However, I still like my Corsair 200R.
Despite Q300L being a M-ATX, it makes much more sense.
Take the plastic door and take it to a glass shop and see how much they would charge to make a tempered glass door for it.
100% agree on the plastic v tempered glass comments, looks like a good case but the plastic makes it look old already!
How the heckie is that an ATX case, WHAT BLACK MAGIC WENT INTO THE MAKING OF THAT TINBOX
terrible thermals
This channel is a gem
Your trial and error is invaluable to us all. Would love to know if this case will take a 240mm rad, 140mm long power supply, a triple fan GPU (MSI 3080 Gaming X) and ATX
This is a really neat design in some ways but I can't help noticing some issues:
1. You may have a jolly hard time building any kind of either positive or negative pressure in this thing. There's a million ways to mount fans but a lot of them will have short-circuited airflow around them. Panel hole coverage also looks like sub-50% to me - still a decent total area overall, but mounting fans directly to the panel is likely to be less than ideal. I'd want to be effectively making use of a panel area substantially larger than fan cross-section, requiring some sort of adapter pieces - in turn making things even tighter inside.
2. People who are amazed by how small the thing is - you are aware that the two internal (2x 2.5" or 1x 3.5") mounts are all there is in terms of storage? Not a single external 3.5" bay, let alone 5-1/4" (gasp!). _Of course_ eliminating a drive cage is going to free up a bunch of space, while saving a tiny bit of cost to boot. (Basically, you're choosing a different set of tradeoffs that's arguably a better fit for modern-day gaming rigs but worse for general purpose computing or more extravagant needs.) Add the clever and flexible mounting options for stuff (most notably the power supply), and it's hardly miraculous at all.
Now watching the GN review, it becomes clear that the unconventional PSU mounting tends to further aggravate the existing airflow issues. Classic case (no pun intended) of TANSTAAFL.
I'd probably attempt to go for negative pressure as hard as possible. Swap out rear exhaust for one with higher static pressure and eliminate short-circuits around it with cardboard and tape, use either a top radiator or extra top fans again while eliminating leaks, prefer a graphics card with a blower cooler (again for static pressure), and hope that intake will be alright.
Oh boy, hole coverage is even less than I thought, GN did the math and arrived at something like 15%. The panels also being responsible for structural integrity definitely does not help. Including a frame would make the build more complex, I guess. In the end it's a cheap small case that'll fit a fullsize ATX motherboard, and you get what you pay for.
@Adamant IT you forgot to put the stand off and screw to hold the m.2 ssd in, in the video you can see it hanging down under the heat sink
Nice review man 👍
love my cooler master 500m. And still have the stryker storm case from them too lol.
37:30 I would go with sticking black vinyl on it and make it full opaque. This is an utilitarian build, you don't need a Christmas tree.
Agree....Christmas tree look is stupid fad IMO. I like plain black.
People like different things.
I looked at this case for a recent upgrade.
One of the features I noticed was that you could move the front panel around the chassis and rotate the plastic side panel to suit.
Oh, you covered that bit. :(
Moving the front panel to the center makes sense because most people with windowed cases like to set their towers on their desktop's right hand side.
Yes, there actually is a use for that front section where they've put the psu slot. An intake fan that points right at your CPU. And how do you turn off the PSU? Reach into the case? Yeah, thats a good idea. It's neat, but I can't imagine trying to cram my current build in there without forking out cash for a fully modular PSU.
Great review, keep up the good work!
my one complaint about this case was the fact that I had to dremel out holes for the fans on the front and top to have decent airflow. I put some of the noctua 3000 RPM fans in here and at max they could hardly pull any air. I did try the drilling out method first but thats only a slightly improvement. Really needed to dremel out cutouts for the fans for this to work well, and it made it a lot quieter too. There really isn't anything out there like this and I really wanted to built a more portable high end gaming desktop. Even with the need for using a dremel I still really like the case.
You could use vehicle clear wrap to help with scratches.
I was wondering about that. I did a google search to see if I could buy phone/tablet screen protector by the roll, but didn't think of automotive options. Definitely something to investigate!
also with this PSU placement it seems like you could easily fix some kind of a post/support for that flexible power button& USB panel and make it much more stable
If you like small cases I can recomend the Josnbo C2 which is a ITX case that can support mATX and its really small. Just built one and its really amazing how small it is. Also, built my server on a InWin B1 which is worth a look.
Cool looking but does not live up to COOLERmaster name. I wanted one to fit on a shelf on its side but bad airflow = bad thermals B450 Mortar Max R7 2700 not overclocked GTX 1070 WF2 build. Those perforations don't work as good as they look, Real shame and hoping they make changes as still really really want one. Using o modded HP Z420 case as a stop gap. I ended up throwing i5 4570 GTX 1050ti with 2x Akasa P120s 1 F120 rear to move it on
Arctic not Akasa sorry
really like the design of this case would probably buy one if it came in all black & without a windowed side panel.
"Hello Interwebs welcome to Lets Build Computers." Has the name changed? Great channel and finally starting to build up those subscriber numbers - well done!
Oh i get it. LFC & LBC - sorry.
Yea two different series effectively. I'm considering dropping the LFC and LBC names though, and just doing numbered videos for simplicity. Need to see what other people think and gather opinions!
@@Adamant_IT I wouldn't drop the LFC or LBC thing. I thought your series/playlist on board repairs was fantastic - I guess you have the viewing figures etc so know what's hot and what's not. The thumbnails are way better than before - you could try snappier, more clickbait style captions in my opinion, to get more views. Just my thoughts - keep it up.
I didn't even know I could move the front panel. It's great to know.
I don't see how the power cable connects to the PSU. Does that mean I can't unplug the PSU cable if I decide to mount it in front? I'm thinking of buying this as it fits my Asus X570-E.
GN reviewed this case with a conclusion of bad thermals. Mine has 2700x at 65°C, 30°C ambient during simulation with NH-U14S (although slightly peeking due to height) negative pressure, only 4 case fan (with one intake). No mods. problem is, mine doesn't have these dedicated screw holes in it and therefore i have to use zip tie.
First game you play with your new pc is Tetris - working out where to put each bit. Shame about the plastic window, its an otherwise pretty cool case especially for budget minded peeps who want a small footprint build.
Impressive case let down by penny pinching on the side window, such a shame they didn't go all in and nudge the price up a little for some tempered glass, they've done such as amazing job designing it internally, only to drag down all those smart choices by skimping on the window.
They could certainly sell tempered as an accessory, but i don't think that'll sit well with the consumer as much as having it part of the standard design. Shame, it's a really lovely design all things considered, but that window alone is a no-go for me (i've been through enough of those to swing for tempered, i'm the only one left(even my family have nicely tempered glass systems i've built for them) because i'm holding onto an old Fractal case i still love). It's funny how you appreciate the internals more when you get building, there are lots of pretty cases(and i do mean lots), but less that really delivery internally.
Reminds me of the original meccano, Bolt parts where needed. (Sorry i'm an old fart, not a gamer) .
Shallow countersunk type screws would allow the magnetic filter to sit flat, if you are a perfectionist.
Maybe a block of plastic fitted behind the usb panal and contacting the psu would stop the flappy effect.
Is he saying "Hello Interwebs.." when he starts?
Yeah LMAO, it's awesome
But sometimes the captions say twerps.
Excelente video......saludos desde México. ................Éxitos
SFX-L PSU might help fit everything in.
I managed to fit a Gigabyte Aorus 1080 Ti into a Fractal Design Nano S mini-ITX case by using an SFX-L PSU (it's bigger than 2 slots wide).
Water cooler is not the best option. If you want to use it, check the cover spar part
I have a Z87 ATX mainboard in a normal ATX case annoying me. I've looked for a micro ATX socket 1150 mainboard and micro ATX case but that is more expensive and I like the Z87 mainboard I have. So this seems to be the best budget friendly sollution for a smaller system. The GTX1030 and 4570S won't create much heat so i'm not worrying about that.
I picked up a MicroATX case from a guy with a bunch of stuff for 10USD Has nice USB3 header with thick cable in front top and a blue LED 120mm fan in front. Looks to have good air flow. For 10 dollars I just got it for heck of it.
I like that layout for the PSU. A case has to be deep to support long GPU's, better to use some of that space for the PSU rather then put it above or below the motherboard and have loads of wasted space between the motherboard and the front of the case. The Raijintek Styx has that same basic layout but for mATX, if you want even smaller.
I use Q300 version in inverted (upside down) build and I have no problem with thermal or (cosmetic?) Feet and logo can be moved anywhere.
CM should make a tempered glass option or just sell a glass side, extra.
Agreed, I think if they charged $10-$15 more for it it'd be a winner
I think the issue is that they would have to figure out a way to combine the tempered glass with that reposition-able power button and front IO widget. I imagine that making a cutout in a TG panel is prohibitively expensive and/or compromises the strength a lot.
Your shirt is so cool lol
I've seen TRAMPS wearing better! 😂😂😂
Adamant splits into Adam Ant a Brit new-wave band I was fond of. Does he realize he is Adam Ant ???
Cool case . would like to see the same ideia in a MATX Case to
That motherboard definitely has RGB, it has 2 ARGB headers and 1 RGB(4 Pin) header. You could totally install any rgb in that case for that motherboard. cheers!
Just bought mine - £58 free shipping! Thanks.
I've recently done my first pc build with the q300l. really nice case for around the £40 mark.
I got the Q300L as well. I think it´s a fine case for what it costs but I would rather get the Q500L for Motherboard Options.
Awesome case!
I was very suspect about the non modular PSU, but wow was i wrong!
Graham...Does that frayed sleeve on your top mean it's an expensive "trendy" top that costs alot like jeans with holes in the knees...or is it just knackered? :)
It's just knackered ;)
It would be good as a server case, where your not going to be using the USB ports that much, maybe just to install the OS and that's it.
"I've done SFF builds in the past, i've been down the SFF road, i've done it twice"... lmao. I get it, i don't like SFF either, but it's a perfectly workable route if you plan it out, for sure we can all just say fuck it, go full atx, but that's just not workable for every situation.
just built a ryzen build in a ilverstone raven itx case, yeah, im not going sff ever again
Have watched many reviews of this case, rather the predecessor q300l. Don't remember the message on versatility of the case, particularly how easy to rout cables. How it can be stripped clean for custom paintjob.
Great concept. Terrible airflow though, despite the full mesh around.(watch gamer nexus review and how he tries to fix it by drilling bigger holes in it) The plastic side pannel. The risk of exploding intake fans, due to them normally having to be mounted right next to the flexible walls. (av techy review of q300l iirc)
Yea these concerns I can fully relate to. But I think that those reviews are potentially missing the point of this case - it's designed to be customised and have things bolted onto it and stuff like that. People who are doing that will solve these issues. If the fan is up against the front panel, you put some rubber washers on the screws so it has a few mm extra clearance.
I appreciate that a product should be tested 'as it is out of the box' but I think that's missing the point on this case.
Nice review. Спасибо!
Great video,
As soon as you mentioned that fly lead for the mains cable it brought back the nightmare of the fractal node 202 case, in order to have my PSU fan face correctly the cable had to be positioned in a way that the screw pillar of the case pressed it against the side (the pillar support actually cut through the lead when the case was tightened down). I ended up throwing that case away because i didn't want to have a repaired mains cable.
By the way what do you think of those CiT cases? i've put together quite a few 3200g builds in them for an office but I'm not sure about the power supply longevity/quality for that price. I have noticed with them if you unplug it then touch the mains plug it can give you a nice zap
It's best to face the fan on the PSU down for hot air exhaust.
Did you ever manage to get the rear exhaust fan in? Also, you could use an SFF PSU which would make the clearance for an AIO and a long video card even easier.
My case has a metal side panel with 120mm fan blowing more air right onto GPU. Hate clear side panels.
Loved that intro!
Putting fans on the outside seems to defeat the point of the case being small to me!
Shame about the window, it really is a mistake by the manufacturer, if they had used a tempered glass panel; they could have incorporated support for the front power switch panel!
I really want this case for my next build but the big no is eh... side panel.. Acrylic is not good in a long term and becomes cloudy sooner or later..
I just want to know if glass maker can make a copy of side panel of this case with tempered glass
For a full ATX case, that is one very tidy and compact case. Shame they put that crazy paving design on it really.
just cause I noticed the fan top of the video near back look like one srew lose beside where the back fan would be
9:01 "its pretty rad" xD
What ive never seen a side front panel before!
What a compact and innovative case. It's got the looks and plenty of practical function, but what about thermals?
thank you M.r
Temperatures:
CPU 99C°
GPU 99C°
Motherboard 150C°
Power Button 100 C°
I just bought this case and struggling that does this case can be fitted with a 280mm liquid cooler and 270mm graphic card while the PSU is 140mm
Tried moving the PSU to the top or bottom panel and then front-mounting the radiator? Or go the mad-lad route and bottom-mount the radiator.
@@Adamant_IT Thanks a lot for your advice! However, I found out that there is no way to fit the nzxt z63 cooler I bought and an ATX mb at the same time. I tried to mount it on all three panels but either the radiator or psu will block the space for 8 pin slot at the top or the SATA/audio slots at the bottom. It's a good case but it just can't fit big components. I'll just get a "normal" size ATX case then. Appreciate for your help!