Cooler Master Masterbox 600

Cooler Master Masterbox 600

• Back-connected motherboard support
• Versatile Cooling Options
• FineMesh Performance Front Panel
• Optimized airflow
• Room For Upgrades
• Removable HDD cage

First Impressions

Upon unboxing the Cooler Master MasterBox 600, the first thing that strikes you is its sleek, modern design. The tempered glass side panel immediately catches the eye, offering a clear view of the case’s interior and giving a preview of the build to come. The glass is tinted just enough to add a sophisticated look while still showcasing the internal components and the vibrant ARGB lighting​​. The case is crafted from high quality materials, and for a budget case, that’s a truly unique selling point.

The build quality of the MasterBox 600 is solid, with a robust steel frame and high-quality plastic parts. The front of the case features a mesh panel, designed not only for aesthetics but also for enhancing airflow. This mesh is easy to remove, allowing for straightforward cleaning and maintenance of the three pre-installed 140mm Sickleflow fans, which promise excellent airflow right out of the box​.

One of the standout features is the pre-installed ARGB fans. Cooler Master has included four of these fans, which is more than what most cases in this price range offer. These fans provide vibrant, customizable lighting effects and ensure effective cooling without any additional purchases​. The inclusion of a fan and ARGB controller also simplifies cable management and power delivery to these fans.

Speaking of cable management, the MasterBox 600 shines here too. The design supports back-connect motherboards, such as MSI’s Project Zero, Aorus’s Stealth, and ASUS BTF, which hide cables behind the motherboard tray. This results in a cleaner, more organized build with unobstructed airflow​. Additionally, the ample space behind the motherboard tray makes it easy to route cables neatly, preventing any “side panel bulge.”

The top I/O panel is conveniently located and well-equipped with two USB 3.0 Type-A ports, one USB Type-C port, and a combo headphone/microphone jack, offering modern connectivity options right at your fingertips​

Overall, the first impression of the MasterBox 600 is highly positive. Its combination of aesthetic appeal, practical features, and high build quality positions it as a strong contender in the mid-tower case market. Whether you’re a seasoned builder or a newcomer, the MasterBox 600 offers a compelling mix of functionality and style that is sure to impress.

Back Connect Support

One of the most innovative features of the Cooler Master MasterBox 600 is its support for back-connect motherboards. This design trend, exemplified by MSI’s Project Zero, Aorus’s Stealth and ASUS BTF motherboards, places all power inputs and cable connections on the rear side of the motherboard tray. This revolutionary approach brings several benefits that enhance both the aesthetics and functionality of your build.

The back-connect design dramatically reduces cable clutter within the main compartment of the case. By routing all cables behind the motherboard tray, the visible interior of your PC remains pristine and unobstructed. This clean look not only highlights your components, especially with the tempered glass side panel, but it also improves airflow. With fewer cables obstructing the path of air from the intake to the exhaust fans, cooling efficiency is maximized, ensuring your high-performance components stay cool even under heavy loads​.

Building a PC in the MasterBox 600 with a back-connect motherboard is a breeze. The ample space behind the motherboard tray accommodates all the necessary cables, making it easy to achieve a neat and organized build. This design prevents the common issue of “side panel bulge,” where cables are so cramped behind the motherboard tray that the side panel struggles to close properly. Instead, the MasterBox 600 allows for smooth, hassle-free cable management, contributing to an overall more enjoyable building experience.

The inclusion of back-connect support in the MasterBox 600 also future-proofs your build. As more manufacturers adopt this motherboard design, having a case that can accommodate these new standards ensures that your investment remains relevant and compatible with the latest technology trends. This forward-thinking approach by Cooler Master means that the MasterBox 600 is not just a case for today but one that will continue to serve you well into the future​​.

Despite the modern design, Cooler Master has not neglected practical considerations. The MasterBox 600 retains compatibility with traditional motherboards, ensuring that you are not limited in your choice of components. Whether you prefer the conventional layout or want to take advantage of the latest back-connect technology, the MasterBox 600 is versatile enough to support your needs​.

In summary, the back-connect support feature of the MasterBox 600 offers a significant upgrade in terms of cable management, aesthetics, and cooling performance. It represents Cooler Master’s commitment to embracing cutting-edge innovations while maintaining compatibility and ease of use for PC builders of all levels.

Our Build

For our build in the Cooler Master MasterBox 600, we selected a range of high-performance components to take full advantage of the case’s capabilities, particularly its support for back-connect motherboards. Central to our build is the Gigabyte B650E Aorus Stealth Ice, a brand-new motherboard designed to maximize the clean aesthetics and improved airflow that back-connect technology offers. Paired with this is the AMD Ryzen 7 7700X, a powerhouse processor that delivers exceptional performance for both gaming and productivity tasks.

We opted for Crucial DDR5 Pro memory, which ensures blazing-fast speeds and smooth multitasking. To handle storage, we chose the Crucial T700, a top-tier NVMe SSD that provides lightning-fast read and write speeds, significantly reducing load times and improving overall system responsiveness. Cooling this high-performance system is the Cooler Master Atmos 360, an all-in-one liquid cooler that fits perfectly into the MasterBox 600, ensuring our CPU stays cool even under heavy loads.

For graphics, the build includes the NVIDIA RTX 4070 Ti Super Aero, a powerful GPU capable of handling the latest games at high settings and supporting demanding creative workloads. Powering all these components is the BeQuiet! Straight Power 12 1000W PSU, which provides reliable, efficient power delivery, ensuring system stability even when all components are pushed to their limits.

As we assembled the build, the benefits of the MasterBox 600’s design became clear. The back-connect support made cable management a breeze, allowing us to keep the interior clean and unobstructed, which not only looks great through the tempered glass side panel but also optimizes airflow. The pre-installed ARGB fans and the Atmos 360’s cooling efficiency kept our temperatures in check, making this build both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional. Overall, the MasterBox 600 provided an excellent foundation for our high-end build, demonstrating its versatility and superior design.

Final Thoughts

The Cooler Master MasterBox 600 has proven to be an exceptional mid-tower case that blends modern design with practical features, making it a standout choice for both novice builders and seasoned enthusiasts. From the moment you unbox it, the MasterBox 600 impresses with its sleek tempered glass side panel and robust construction. The inclusion of four pre-installed ARGB fans sets it apart from many competitors, providing excellent cooling and customizable lighting right out of the box​​.

The support for back-connect motherboards like the Gigabyte B650E Aorus Stealth Ice is particularly noteworthy. This feature not only simplifies cable management but also enhances the overall aesthetic of the build by keeping cables hidden behind the motherboard tray​ ​. This results in a clean, professional-looking interior that not only looks great but also improves airflow and cooling efficiency​.

Our build, featuring top-tier components such as the Ryzen 7 7700X, Crucial DDR5 Pro memory, and the RTX 4070 Ti Super Aero, demonstrated the MasterBox 600’s ability to handle high-performance hardware with ease. The spacious interior and versatile cooling options allowed us to install the Cooler Master Atmos 360 liquid cooler and maintain optimal temperatures even under load​.

The attention to detail in the MasterBox 600’s design, from the magnetic dust filters to the versatile I/O panel, highlights Cooler Master’s commitment to creating a user-friendly and high-quality product​. Despite a few minor drawbacks, such as the fixed PCIe slot covers, the overall value and performance of the MasterBox 600 make it a highly recommended case for anyone looking to build a powerful and aesthetically pleasing PC​​.

In conclusion, the Cooler Master MasterBox 600 is an excellent investment for PC builders. Its blend of stylish design, practical features, and support for cutting-edge technology like back-connect motherboards ensures that it will remain a top choice for builds now and in the future. Whether you’re building your first PC or upgrading an existing system, the MasterBox 600 offers a compelling mix of aesthetics, functionality, and value.