Cooler Master Masterbox Q300L (Micro ATX) Review

[@TotoGeenen]

*TIME STAMPS FOR MOBILE USERS:* *OVERVIEW* 02:10 - Unboxing 03:05 - Exterior Overview 06:35 - Side Panel Window Problems 09:10 - Interior Overview 11:05 - Front IO Position Options 15:35 - Accessories Bag *SYSTEM BUILD* 16:10 - PSU Installation 17:20 - Test System Overview 17:10 - Motherboard Installation 18:55 - Drive Installation Preparation 23:00 - Actual Drive Installation 24:05 - Cable Management 25:05 - Graphics Card Installation 26:40 - Fan Hubs 26:50 - Front IO Installation 28:25 - Final Assembly 29:40 - B-roll (without lighting) *TESTING* 30:40 - Max. Fans Testing Setup 32:10 - Cooler Master System Setup Marketing Rant 37:10 - Front Chassis Fan Scraping (Design Error) 40:35 - Thermal Throttling Overview 42:50 - ACTUAL TEST RESULTS *CONCLUSION* 47:05 - Final Thoughts, Pros, Cons, and Missed Opportunities 54:10 - Thanks for Watching, Video/Channel Support Options 55:20 - Final B-roll (with lighting)

[@AVTechy]

Appreciate that man, I always forget that the video description timestamps don't work. You've had my back on this a couple of times before haha. Thanks man! :)

[@mihirkandoi5069]

Thanks man

[@shishworld1351]

U great man

[@angelchong]

can i know what's your monitor model and the stand you used?

[@AVTechy]

The monitor model is the LG23EA63 and the following generation I can't remember the name of off the top of my head (could be LG23MQ65). And the stand if the Vonhaus Dual Monitor Gas Spring Desk Mount. I've got a couple of videos on those (but they're very dated). I wouldn't go looking for my monitors today as they're old and you can get better ones today for a cheap price. They were only £110 each new about 5 years ago.

[@iaindavis4070]

Wow. Probably the best review of anything I've seen on youtube. So well put together and all the attention is appreciated. While there are some things I don't care about and leave it up to the "Oh well, its a budget case.", you still added the information which is great. Overall such a brilliant video.

[@gdavge2003]

Thanks for the comprehensive review! I laughed so hard on your rant about "Cooler Master"'s suggested "optimal" airflow setup. I saw that earlier on their website when shopping around for a case, and had the same incredulous reaction.

[@kostakontos]

Looking at buying this case in 2020 and stumbled across your review. My goodness, what a great video. I don't usually comment on youtube, but I just wanted to say thanks for the effort you put into this. The level of detail and constructive criticism helped a lot, and I personally enjoyed the long-form style. Good job mate.

[@ttRascals]

I have never seen a case review so comprehensive and was pretty blown away. Really appreciate all the effort you put into this. I subscribed right away!

[@Mugairyuiai]

You have no idea how much you've helped me with this fantastic review. I built PCs about 25 years ago. So my son went out and bought this case and all the required components and said build this Dad please. I was shocked at how much things have changed, so I grabbed the instructions, which are absolute thrash and not really much help at all. Then I found your review, my dismay turned to joy. Many many thanks for all the hard work you put into this review. 🙏🙏🙏😊

[@balazsdusek]

most attention to detail in a youtube video I've ever seen. thank you for doing such a great job on this review

[@LeoCharles]

I loved this video. It is very thorough, informative and comprehensive. Thank you for such a great work!

[@spitfyre1085]

These are the types of reviews that any potential customer of a case should love regardless if you agree with all of the opinions shared or not. Excellent work.

[@AVTechy]

Thanks very much! I think what caught me out a little with this case and the Inwin 301 was the hype and potential generated for it. I was expecting more than was delivered, but it's still not a bad case at all. But as you say, regardless of the opinions, and long as the information is there people can make their own minds up. However it is something I want to make sure I'm judging fairly, and I suppose that comes with experience over anything else. Anyway, before this turns into an essay, thanks for checking this one out. I appreciate the feedback, and I hope you enjoy many more reviews to come (if you're in the market for them in the future of course).

[@spitfyre1085]

AV Techy I’m in the market for a case under $100 for a build I’m doing soon. I’m still a fan of the overall look, but the bent dust cover issue you had is not isolated, and the other issues you highlighted have given me pause as well.

[@BilboCameron]

Just purchased this case for $40 on Amazon. Same price everywhere. Cooler Master must be discontinuing it. This is a fantastic review video. You're self perceived weakness is your strength. Most reviewers are too brief. The details matter with cases. Excellent job. Instant follow.

[@mikesunboxing]

what camera and lens combo did you use for the video? looks really nice

[@AVTechy]

Thank you very much! The camera is the Canon 80D, and the lens is the 18-135mm. It's certainly a solid lens for wide and close up shots in these videos. But of course struggles to get really close.

[@mikesunboxing]

I am using a lumix g7 mostly in 1080p to keep the file sizes down. the 14-60mm lens has quite a crop factor because the mft form factor so wide shots are quite difficult. Your setup looks pretty nice. I might see if I can loan a 80d and see if it improves my videos. Nice review on the case by the way. I have reviewed the q300l masterbox lite 5 and 3.1 To be honest I have been quite disappointed with them all. The airflow is pretty awful as standard, unless you are running a low TDP setup. I have found the thermal maximum for the MATX chassis is about 250watts. Which isn't a lot if you factor in a 95w i7 or ryzen 7. Anyway great videos and keep up the good work!

[@AVTechy]

The Lumix G7 seems like a very capable camera for video recording. You seem to get some pretty crisp shots in your b-roll footage. I can imagine since your G7 can support 4K30 that you could record at 4K for your closeup shots, and keep the panning as slow as possible, and record all other shots in 1080p60. Then double the speed of the 4K30 shots to match the frame rate of the 1080p60 footage, thus getting some really nice "supersampled" 1080p60 b-roll (from the doubled 4K30 footage), and have a reasonable and lower file size native 1080p60 footage for the main portion of your video. I think your video looks really solid and the money towards an 80D could be spent better elsewhere (but it doesn't hurt to try one out of course). I have a feeling that you're supersampling already which would be a solid move. And your're certainly firing videos out at a solid pace, keep it up! Cooler Master cases don't seem to be that good at cooling funnily enough. I would have expected more from them, I can imagine they don't want to set an ironic brand name trend. I've got to work on condensing my videos down, and I really need to improve me explanations of components to cut those "face camera recording" sections down. I think most of these cases are catering towards the standard setup which seems to be a 65W CPU these days. And it would appear that if the cooling the enough for a 65W CPU, it's enough for some pretty hot graphics cards. Anyway, thanks for the support. Let me know if you want to talk over anything channel wise, I'm more than happy to help out where I can!

[@bungiplays2493]

This video is so informative, most of the time with a video as long as this I find myself skipping half of it. But you don't actually rumble and it makes sense for the video to be this long.

[@ronhawes6976]

Thank you, for being so thorough! I sighed when I saw how long your video was. In the end, it was worth it!

[@teeareu2461]

This is a gem of a channel for people that search about something for 500359059032 years before pulling the trigger in the BUY button. Thank you so much!

[@TheSickness]

Holy crap...the first time I actually love to finally see a add in front of a vid again, Congratulations for being in the Partner program again 👍

[@crabrivers643]

A review so detailed that deserves a like

[@AVTechy]

Thank you very much, really appreciate the support!

[@tonyna6677]

Very few vids deserve a like... THIS ONE DOES

[@tonyna6677]

I just have a question, I saw this vid and decided to take this case and go to a store as not to have it damaged. Then I realized that, since my budget is pretty small, I can’t have RGB lighting as I wished. On your monitor, however, it had Blue RGB lighting and, since it would be amazing to have the choice for a cheaper fan and still have RGB ones. Do the included fans have RGB? Or was it only some kind of display?

[@ham_of_the_udi]

im so glad i found this.. ive been trying to get info on my q300l and i couldn't find a video or on reddit... built my pc with q300l about a year ago... and just added a gpu...

[@marklarkins582]

Great Review with Super Detail I added a rear 120mm radiator and two 140mm intake fans at the front as well as a 120mm exhaust fan at the top rear. Case is supercool as well as my components. Your review helped to setup this build so thanks again.

[@plsdonttttt]

finally someone is nerding out over the case, thanks got everything I needed

[@arai6147]

U can lay down the case horizontally and then unscrew the window panel so it doesnt fall down Pretyy sure it was shown as a sticker there too 🤫

[@AVTechy]

True, that can be said for most cases as well. But that's a rather convoluted way of removing a side panel. In reality most aren't going to tip their system when they remove the side panel, and I'd prefer to see this redesigned to work better over tipping the case just to remove a side panel. If a bottom filter can be removed without tipping a case these days, I'm sure a side panel can manage it. It's an interesting design, but it's not without its flaws, and I'll continue to regard the side panel as a missed opportunity for something more interesting and effective.

[@hippopotamus86]

@@AVTechy I'd argue that most would. It's a small system, you would work on it while standing over it, not to the side of it.

[@AVTechy]

The only real need to tip the case on its side is to manage the CPU cooler. Graphics card, drives, PSU, fan, and cable management is more easily handled with the case on its feet. I'd say most scenarios to open the case don't warrant the case being on its side, and quick troubleshooting is easier without tipping the case. So that's that should take priority, what's used most.

[@meesun2060]

I intuitively put it on its side without reading. But it's a $50 case I don't expect any high end things in here. I'm putting a inexpensive dedicated stream PC for some light server use and streaming. I just wanted to know thermals to be honest. I saw the bigger sibling had poor thermals, so I expect this not to be any different. I'm just glad I have better fans to upgrade this case lol. I have some nice noctuas I couldn't use in my larger ITX build.

[@jamesdeblois8115]

This is a very good in depth and very detailed review. Just Subscribed. By the way you deserve alot more subs over how much work you put in to these vids

[@lucaverde126]

oh my god i was up at 11:30 trying to figure out how to install the psu this saved me from pulling an all nighter THANK YOU

[@Zonnashi]

Great video! I love all the tidbits of information about the case, really lets us know a lot of aspects about it. Also, those tilting shots at the end where you also remove the clear panel were awesome! I replayed it a few times and then stepped back and forth one frame at a time haha. Great editing on those and overall! Keep it up.

[@AVTechy]

Thanks very much, now I know I really need to get those shots pixel perfect haha. Sometimes they don't turn out how I want them to so I have to add a transition effect, but when they work out well and match the music it looks so much better :). Hope you enjoy many more videos to come, we're currently going through quite a few coolers, but normal case reviewing services will resume soon. Thanks for checking this one out, and IO hope to catch you in a future comments section soon! :)

[@Zonnashi]

Haha no pressure at all! I can definitely understand the feeling when a transition shot works out juuuust right. I just wanted you to know I appreciated how well those played out and without using , and . to step back and forth a frame, there wounldn't have been any way for me to see any difference besides the panel. I have been been thinking of cooling solutions for a possible upcoming build, so i may have to look into some of those videos, thanks for the suggestion!

[@kostasbezaitis2695]

I was about to buy this case tomorrow. Very enlightening and in depth review. Thanks a lot!

[@TheSickness]

Kostas Bezaitis, well now you definitely know the ins and outs. He really does a great and detailed job with his reviews

[@AVTechy]

Really appreciate that! I'm glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for checking this one out! :)

[@clemsogun6189]

Very in depth. Apprechiate the work you put into this review!

[@ItsClint]

2 ads in an hour long video (and what a video, might I add), just goes to show the person behind this review. Both of which are amazing. I bought this case and was researching info about cable management, hard drives and the sort, and boy did I find the info. And so much more. This definitely deserves a like, content creator to content creator, you're awesome. I'm taking notes, ahah. Will surely come back for more reviews, I hope you blow up, because you deserve it.

[@AVTechy]

Thanks very much! 'm glad you found it so useful. I'm working on my levels of critique so with any luck future reviews will be a little more well rounded. I hope your build went well (let me know if you have any more queries though), and best of luck with your channel!

[@alonsovargasandresrodrigo6319]

The detail and thought put in the making of this video is awesome, even with the flaws you mention, this looks like a awesome budget case

[@lasz1979]

Yep, in my Q300L the front mesh filter came just like the one in this review, I am straightening it right now. They should pack this filters in a rough cardboard envelope, there is plenty of space in the box to acomodate perfectly packed and protected filter mesh panels.

[@brofenix]

Thank you for the thorough thermal testing, stating the delta Temperature and using the same fan speeds.

[@pizzaiolom]

Damn, now THIS is a review. Great since most others just praise what the case does right but doesnt go deep enough to see its flaws

[@celesi87]

Great review, made me realise that this case has a lot of flaws which I originally didnt even thought of looking into

[@luc-9155]

Insane work You did your presentation as you wanted it to be, and this is what I like the most

[@docbogus6128]

Way more finicky than I expected. Great review. I was going to buy this, but now... I am going to buy up. Cooler Master didn't lose. Going for a MasterBox MB500 or a MasterCase H500 (presently sold out in my corner). Thank you so much for such a thorough job!

[@angrybutters]

Bloody in-depth review of a case! Thanks

[@akirariley1381]

Top notch video dude. This was incredibly thorough and well reviewed at high quality production. Subbed!

[@AVTechy]

Thank you very much, I'm really glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for subscribing and supporting the channel, and I hope you enjoy many videos to come. Speaking of which, if you want to see something specific covered on this channel. I'm open to ideas, and I'll do my best to get around to covering any suggestions. Thanks again for the support, it's really appreciated!

[@ConceptFilmsllc]

Watched the whole video lol I needed to see this in depth review, I'm considering getting one for my budget build

[@xVaughn]

Did you get it?

[@iGamebad4u]

Vaughn Armstrong no I didn’t get it I ended up getting a nzxt h200i for my build

[@topnotchhomie]

I got it

[@Sharpie951HD]

Wow, your channel is criminally underrated for all this great information you have provided. Hope you are still creating videos to this day - Subscribed :D

[@AVTechy]

Thank man, appreciate it :) Yeah I'm still making videos, currently undergoing the setup of a new testing methodology and I should be back to making videos in about a week. Thanks for the sub, and I hope you enjoy many more videos to come!

[@Sharpie951HD]

@@AVTechy That's great to hear! Quick question, If I get 1 PWM HUB, should I plug it into the CPU fan slot or the case fan slot on the motherboard (does it matter?) I was going to plug the CPU cooler straight into the dedicated space and then the HUB into the case fan slot on the MOBO to connect two extra fans - would this be viable? Thanks again :)

[@AVTechy]

@@Sharpie951HD Definitely connect the fan hub to the CPU fan header, and connect the CPU coolers fan to the first slot on the hub. Then connect all other fans to all the other slots on the hub. Reason is that on many low-mid tier boards the CPU fan header is sometimes the only PWM header on the board. Not all 4pin headers are PWM capable, but you can check for sure which are in your motherboard's manual. So by connecting the hub to the CPU fan header you're guaranteeing PWM control, and with that a finer level of control for all the fans connected to the hub. Hopefully that answers your question, let me know if you run into any issues.

[@Sharpie951HD]

Perfect - just what I needed to know. I'll keep that in mind when I start my first build

[@DeVRJB]

So much detail. I love this.

[@davidgutierrez8297]

I actually have this case. 10 minutes with a dremel and my airflow is crazy good. This will void any and all warranty on the case, but I don't think a chunk of metal will suddenly break down. I also put the io at the bottom because I don't like hanging cables.

[@maskednil]

What did you shave cut away?

[@davidgutierrez8297]

@@maskednil search this up "Budget-ish build with modified Q300L case" reddit

[@MoistCat9]

thank you, you helped me build my first gaming pc

[@perlago21]

awsome review the best 1 ive seen done of this case, the case looks really good for what it is

[@TheSickness]

douglas palm he really goes in knees deep

[@AVTechy]

Thank you very much, I'm glad you enjoyed it. If you have any questions that I didn't answer in the video, please let me know and I'll do what I can to help out. And of course, thanks for checking this one out, and I hope you enjoy many more to come! :)

[@perlago21]

AV Techy ty for responding so cool of you. Muchas respect and appreciation from Venezuela

[@WanBerry]

1 hour for a Case review! Well done and Thank You!

[@AVTechy]

Thanks very much! Not sure if you liked the video when you commented, but the like just before your comment made this the first video from this channel to reach 1000 likes. So if you did, much appreciated, and that is for checking this one out!

[@WanBerry]

@@AVTechy of course i LIKED it that's why i said Well Done and ThaNK YoU for DETAILS! i was looking for a CASE.. (1000 likes should consider as a gift to a poor gamer like me.. ;) )

[@MrJarvisful]

Note to self , find where im going to put my fans and make holes bigger for the fan to breath and also put washers in between the case and fan.

[@CharlyDS]

What a video! Congratulations! I may buy this case for a non-gaming setup, so I guess i'll be alright without the extra fans, I really like the case, which will probably go yeah, under the desk.

[@mooboo6603]

so thorough, this deserves a million likes!!

[@rodrirm]

Really an awesome and detailed review, good job! I had faced similar kind of issues with cougar cases, some really bad but pretty easy to "fix" or at least make way better than factory. I have never saw a front panel hitting the blades of the fan lol, thats just another level.

[@jeffreyillner9349]

I am blown away by the effort you pour into your reviews... This is a $50 case. However, you treat it the same as a high dollar one. Amazing job, and keep it up!

[@ahuesphoto]

Thanks for making this very detailed video. In my opinion the best fan configuration for this case is making the back fan an intake --> then top-back *intake* --> then top-front *intake* --> then bottom-front intake --> then the only exhaust fan is the power supply fan (with the *PSU fan facing-up orientation*); But you'll need to have a *low-profile CPU cooler* --> this way you will have *positive air pressure and a healthy airflow* for both CPU and video card. But it you want *RGB* then your front intake fans are the best option. Again, thanks for making such a detailed review!

[@benjaminrayamendoza1995]

thanks for all the time you dedicated to the video.

[@tamasfeka5026]

one of my favorite m-atx case, very good review thx

[@AVTechy]

Thank you very much, I really glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@adamfremal5914]

What do you think of my budget build with this case: Mobo: msi b450m pro-vdh Cpu/apu: ryzen 3 2200g Ram: patriot viper elite series 2x4gb 2800mhz Psu: evga 550 b3 Fans: 2x some cooler master 120mm fan for 10 bucks each Ssd: 120gb (just for windows) Hdd: WD blue 1tb Edit: I also plan to add a rx 580 8gb or 1060 6gb later

[@AVTechy]

Good motherboard and CPU combination (4 RAM slots and hassle free series for the CPU series). No problem with the RAM, prices have dropped lately so you may want to think about more now for a more optimal future system (they may drop further though - I'm also in the same boat with regards to a 32GB kit for the ITX review builds). Decent PSU, not too cheap or pricey. Some fans are a pretty good addition, I'd also recommend removing the filters to the top and bottom of the front panel for increased airflow. As with RAM, SSD's have experienced a price drop, you may want to revise your choice to get a little mode capacity at a cheaper price, but 120GB is more than enough for windows and a good few games. 1TB HDD is a good size for lots of games, are you considering backing up the SSD to the HDD for some "redundancy" of your boot drive? You should be fine with 1TB for that, but you might be able to pickup a 2TB Seagate drive for not that much more (don't worry about comparable quality between Seagate and WD, I've been using Seagate drives for pretty much all my systems due to their price and haven't experiences any failures yet - although a data point of 1 isn't exactly strong). Anyway, your future plans for a graphics card seem very reasonable, you won't fall into any major CPU bottlenecks in most scenarios (but bear in mind there's always a bottleneck somewhere, it's unavoidable). But it seems like a well balanced proposed system. Let me know if you have any other queries, and best of luck with the build.

[@prschelvis]

Very nice review, admirably detailed and thorough: +1 sub!

[@AVTechy]

Thanks very much, I'm glad you enjoyed it, and I really appreciate the support!

[@tokumeig654]

Love your most comprehensive review of cases on KZbin! It would be great if you can review Silverstone RL08 with the same kind of depth.

[@robw3872]

It may be budget, but it's a happy little case. It has character to it for sure. I enjoyed the review. I have one ordered for my Ryzen HTPC system. I'm happy you showed it in the side orientation too. Thanks for the review, I gave a like and subbed!

[@reacesm]

this is the longest video i have ever watched! great review!

[@MarceloTezza]

Most detailed review of the case, subbed

[@sparkkplugg8787]

I oddly came across this video 8 months after purchasing this chassis. I experienced similar cooling issues, but i loaded it with 6 fans and a large CPU cooler. It helped the temps ALOT, however, they still seemed high given the load on my system. Then it dawned on me. When the case stands up, the clearance beneath the case makes the PSU, bottom intake fan and GPU fans starve for air. The air then heats up and is pulled up through the GPU toward the motherboard. If you buy this case, and intend to have it standing upright, find a way to lift the feet off the desk. I use Hockey pucks.(very Canadian of me me)

[@antoinephotography1197]

That, my friend, is a really lovely and well-made video ! Smooth, clear, with soft audio and every detail you could think of ! Looking to build my system in this case with an 240mm Watercooled radiator, rx 570 8gb, for the biggest components. As long as the system is correctly cooled down, I don't mind throwing 4 fans and a big radiator with 2 other fans on it ! Still thinking about best airflow solutions with this setup, and as my setup will mostly be white, I'll add an RGB led strip to light my setup entirely in any color :) Thank you very much for this video, +1

[@AVTechy]

Thanks very much, sorry for the really late response. Some comments come through at the busiest times so I have to come back at another time to respond. Since you're going down the road of water-cooling, you have the option to go for more fans at a lower speed to reduce the noise through the mesh. One of the major benefits to water-cooling in this scenario. Sounds like you're putting together a very capable system. If you're still around once it's been completed I'd love to see what it looks like. Anyway, thanks for checking the video out, and thanks for the subscription. I really appreciate the support!

[@fejerlajos5778]

Very good test video! Thnx from Hungary. :)

[@laszlozoltansebe8683]

szevasz öcsém

[@chawk997]

AV do you think that this would stay cool with cheaper parts and one fan?

[@kian8382]

I know this is late, but what I'd do differently with this case, 1. use washers to mount the fans for a bit more clearance and 2, if you're using L9i, perhaps reverse the air flow, use rear and top intake to bring some cool air above the low profile CPU cooler and exhaust through the front.

[@culnaurion]

Even later ;) The L9i is designed for USFF cases like the DeskMini from ASrock. Who uses that for gaming? Right, no one. So that cooler is wrong at all in this build. Even the compatibility list for this cooler says so.

[@kian8382]

totally agree@@culnaurion

[@shaunske2568]

Drilling the screws are a workout bro😂 thx for this review

[@Trustedcoins]

I appreciate your reviews. It was thanks to your review I was able to build inside the RVZO3 in white, including being able to use Mag Lev Corsair Blue LED fans. My PC is more awesome than ever. Keep up the great work. PS. I Have the same IKEA chair.

[@AVTechy]

Thanks very much. I'm glad the RVZ03 review helped out with your build :). Haha, the IKEA chair is great, but I like the newer one too. However this one having a 10 year warranty and I don't want to get rid of it until it runs out. Who'd have thought a 10 year warranty would kind of be an annoying thing (sort of) :P

[@Taraquin83]

Good review. I have this with my ryzen 3600, BQ dark rock slim cooler and 5700XT blower. My 3600 gets to 66C during stress, stays around 45-50C during gaming. Blower cooler on GPU helps with temps, and setting case horizontally also helps. After setting a fixed 4GHz@1.15V temps are max 56C during stress and 40-45C during gaming. I really like this case with my current setup. Lying or standing option is awesome!

[@spambryan17]

Cant believe I watched the whole video lol. Great stuff my man.

[@AVTechy]

Haha, you're a trooper :D glad you liked it, hope you enjoy more down the line!

[@TruthSeekerAll]

Wouldn’t it help if you put some rubber spacers between the fans and the front mounting holes in order to create some clearance so that the front fans wouldnt hit the front of the chassis?

[@TheoLubbe]

Where the sidepanel is concerned I'd say tipping the case flat before removing that panel would overcome that issue. Not having edging which prevents it from 'falling' if you try to remove it in the vertical orientation eases design and minimizes unnecessary geometry which could otherwise spoil the look. In terms of putting the IO panel on the bottom along with the window - I personally don't actually want to have the inside of my computer visible lately owing to it being damn-near impossible to find decently-priced fans which don't have some LEDs in them and not wanting to cut the LEDs' cables so I've the warranty intact; so having the window on the opposite side where I personally would be using the computer laid flat I can avoid my cats scratching up the window panel and lay something onto the other panel to avoid them scratching that up also. Obviously, I would be keeping the protective cover on the window panel in case I plan on ever selling the case, though. I'd have to find a way to protect its inside though, as you said... What could've been nice is if Cooler Master provided this case to retailers with separate side-panels. This way they could produce a panel which accommodates the IO bracket, and customers could choose whether they wanted the window panel or a non-window panel; the box for which could then be slid into the case's packaging before shipping. Would add a bit to overall cost though. I personally wouldn't be using that panel for a magnetic drive anyway seeing as they tend to run fairly hot and that tray is placed right behind the unventilated PCI-E area of the mainboard, which can on its own also get decently hot. The double-mounting of the HDD and SSD is neat, but I'd opt to only put two lower-temperature drives in like that so they don't end up baking each other. I'd say my primary grievance with this case is that the plastic panel protrudes so much from the chassis. I'd have much preferred it run flush with the case, personally; and judging by the IO panel being flush with the plastic panel, you can't do a tempered/laminated glass panel which is thinner expecting to get around that, since it then won't run flush with that... To deal with the fans' installation through those holes I'd personally just get some suitable tapered-head bolts and nuts+washers. More effort to install, but doesn't involve 'damaging' the case in the process. In doing so you could also offset the fans from the front panel slightly using an extra set of washers between the fan and case. This way, while they didn't accommodate for it in their original design, you also thus know you're NOT dealing with such a design which limits your fan size and placement. That, or one of those silicone anti-vibration pads which will also offset the fan from the panel slightly. An accessory CM could potentially have made for a case like this one and some of their other cases is a duct to connect to the front/top areas which allows one to attach fans such they can make use of the entirety of the grills available rather than being scrunched up against the panels with their minimized ventilation. It'd obviously increase the effective mounting depth of the fans though, and would need to be sturdy enough it doesn't buzz from the fans' vibrations, which would mean a decent amount of plastic or metal... Height from board tray to side panel would've been good information to add as I've got the Cooler Master MasterAir MA410P cooler right now, so in looking for cases I've got to find one which accommodates a relatively-tall air cooler. CM themselves probably have a cooler-compatibility list for their own coolers though, so I can go check for that there. Overall, good review though. Gave me things to consider about the case I hadn't found out about elsewhere yet.

[@AVTechy]

I agree not having a border/bezel makes it a little easier on the eye, I was just disappointing considering the other side panel was more functional. I can't say tipping the case is an appropriate work around to the problem since some systems can end up being rather heavy, but considering this case is floating around the more budget/basic price range, it's up to the individual to work out if it's right for the money (I can imagine most would be alright with it). I like the idea of swapping the side panels for those who don't want a window into their system, thanks for bringing that to my attention. As for protecting the side panel, I don't think the stock film will stay stuck on for long as the adhesive may dry out and the film could peal off (more likely considering there are several strips of film, a couple laid over the thumbscrews). You may have more luck removing the stock film and applying "cling film" or "saran wrap" (I think it's called that in the US) to the whole panel and puncturing holes for the screw holes. IHaving separate panels for those who want or don't want windows sounds good. Even having an additional steel panel to replace the windowed panel on sale for £5-£10 would be appropriate but might take the case further away from its budget target, and into the realm of slightly more capable cases. But with everything, that's the consumers choice. I'm not overly concerned with the HDD position. I've found running drives in the test bench for 11 hour transfers sees the drives hit up to 35°C which isn't too bad. But saying that I've not tested some large file transfers in air restricted areas... I'll need to get onto that sooner or later. I'm really interested in trying some sort of 240mm to 120mm shroud to test whether there's a noticeable limitation of airflow due resistance from filters. Definitely a neat idea, and I wonder if it's not been done because the hassle is not worth the space, cost, etc. Construction wise I'd have thought a solid fill 3-4mm plastic wall would be enough, with some rubber pads I think that should deal with creating a solid contact to the front of the panel. I should have included the CPU cooler clearance in the review no doubt, but at least it's something that can be found on the spec sheet. I couldn't provide a different measurement than that since using larger coolers that spec'd could cause warranty issues. Thanks for checking the video out, and leaving so much feedback. I too have a plenty to think about improve future reviews.

[@vagostwo]

Well another great review ,i also saw your review about the aerocool qs-240..Right now i have a stock ryzen 5 2400 g with a wraith prism which gives a lot better cooling than the stock i am intrested these two cases the aerocool qs-240 and the coolermaster masterbox q300l they are both at about the same price at the stores that i found them which one do you think is better for my setup considering thath i might update to a rx580 soon..Do you think that i will have temp issues with any of those two on stock clocks?

[@mondzahn]

I just love the design of this case Prob gonna get 1 soon

[@mikeyrova92]

I actually like the look in the dark! it looks kind of industrial and raw, nice to have 2 different styles, one look at daylight, one at night

[@covidebolaids3578]

for the front chasis scraping issue u could use a fan spacer to help get rid of the problem.

[@Loooooooooooooooool]

Very comprehensive review. Thanks for taking the time to review this product.

[@AVTechy]

Thank you very much, I'm glad you liked it, and thanks for checking it out!

[@bnolsen]

Interesting. I installed a single 140mm fan in front and had zero problems with the included fan screws fitting as-is, no need to ream out the existing holes. I wanted to put a 3.5" drive in this case but I'm not sure it's going to be happy in there. My build is simple, a a520m mobo with 5500 and rx580 so nothing thermally demanding.

[@epicgamer3655]

One of the best reviews I've seen

[@DanRossGraphics]

14:40 I think that among many other parts of the build can be explained with modularity. I believe coolermaster built the case so that future accessories could be incorporated. I.e. A back panel with a cutout and an extra usb module similar to the one included. The amount of accessories that could be made for this case is unlimited. It's a shame they didn't take advantage of their own design... This entire case could be best described as one big missed opportunity. It has everything going for it except a company who cares enough to maintain it..

[@AVTechy]

I think you're right. That front IO section is modular in its design (sort of), but it fails to back that design up with other modules to work in its position (exactly as you've described). They could have sold those extra modules as affordable extras to further customize the case, making the case more interesting (and making the shareholders happier). I'd love to see a great modder take this case on and unleash its true potential. But returning to your description, it does seem like a big "missed opportunity". Anyway, thanks for checking out the video, and I hope you enjoyed it.

[@KickassRaider]

The reason this case allows you to put the clear panel on the opposite side is not to observe your cable management (That would be a pretty stupid design decision IMO). You can actually unscrew the entire central metal plate and flip it to the other side to allow your build to be seen from the opposite side should you want/need it.

[@AVTechy]

Now that's interesting, and I get it now. The big question is, why was this not explained anywhere in the manual or on their webpage for this case. I think the motehrbeoard tray is riveted into place, but you should be able to just remove all the panels and rotate the core chassis and have a PSU on top build. That's a really cool major feature that should have been "front and centre" on their marketing. Thanks for bringing it to my attention anyway, shame I couldn't deliver it in the video...

[@tejasdalvi7893]

Best review on youtube on q300 till now .. plz also share q500 review... if u hv already done ,plz share link

[@shko-mi]

A review so good I subscribed.

[@AVTechy]

Thanks very much, I really appreciate the support!

[@firas.5982]

Guess who just got a subscribe for probably THE best review on KZbin? I'll even like if you guess correctly

[@flashjazzcat]

Fantastic review! Tempted to buy one of these.

[@KutWrite]

Ordered one of these plus components yesterday for a build. Can't wait to see what you think of it. Your build must be more powerful than mine, so it should be an interesting comparison. The last computer I put together (other than adding or upgrading drives and RAM for my Mac Minis) was some time in the mid-90s. Good idea for the external connector panel. I liked the B-rolls and the music for same.

[@Pete5555589]

Thank you very much for this review, great job, really, keep on the good work! I've buyed this case yesterday, but unfortunately i will get it about July 5-6 I think this is a "Best-buy" for 50$ (in my country - Hungary) I will use a RX 480 GamingX and a i3 4160 (than an i7 soon) in it, with two 140mm BeQuiet fans in the front. I hope, this built will be cool & quiet in this case. As for the front fans, i will use rubber "screws" that keep a little distance between the fan and the front panel, so i hope that the fan "scratching" won't be a problem.

[@AVTechy]

Thank you very much! As a budget case it's not too bad, I definitely think a Glass side panel window is in the cards for this case through, and I'll much prefer it with that change. But overall it's get a pretty wide range of compatibility, and looks pretty good. Best of luck with your build, and yes a set of rubber washers will perfectly keep the the fans from interacting with the front panel :)

[@UnknownUser-qq1od]

I don't mind spending an extra 10 to 20 bucks so is there a better budget case? I have like 2 3.5 hard drives as well. Plus my build is just a rx 580 with ryzen 5 2600. So it can't get that hot right?

[@StephenNurn]

Did you ever plug in the front I/O connectors to the motherboard? I must have missed that part

[@alius8145]

Would you recommend taking the mesh filters off for better temps, if the inside of the case was cleaned regularly?

[@AVTechy]

Removing the filters would help, but at that point you could just go with another case. Cleaning the system isn't something that'll help this case specifically, it's just a general thing to keep on top of. Without filters you might have to clean the system once every 6 months, but you could extend that to once a year with some filters.

[@bensaibou3720]

The case had prededicated holes for the fan on top and on the front. No need to drill more holes in there. This case was really well designed all the way around. People over look the manual. All the information were in there especially the holes for the fan there is two different option for the 120mm and one option for the 140mm. Look closely around the holes at and angle you'll realize that there is some type of patterns arounds certain holes that are made for the fans. Never had the noise that you had with the fan due to the correct placement of the fan this case is really nice.

[@vjesticvc8048]

Can I use 3 fans with a power supply of EVGA 450 BT?

[@alexreynolds5258]

Getting this case for my first pc build! Do you think an aio cooler would help with the temp of the CPU? I don't want the speed to drop xD

[@GuerrillaSauce]

Good, thorough review. I really like the look of the Q300L, and was planning on complimenting that with an AIO anyway - Cooler Master show support for a 120mm radiator at the rear or a 240mm radiator at the front - I have two questions though; is there enough clearance to mount a 240mm radiator at the top of the case, and/or are the hose lengths on any of the common budget AIO's long enough to reach the front of the case? I can't find any images of the case set-up in either of these ways, but it would be my preferred set-up if possible.

[@AVTechy]

Thanks very much. At this stage I really couldn't confirm or deny a 240mm up top. Generally when a case looks like it could fit one, there are a couple of factors like motherboard clearance that deny radiator support (which looks to be the situation here). It's got the length, but the motherboard clearance is where it's just too tight. Anyway, thanks for checking this one out, and I have a feeling my response is a bit too late to be useful now (sorry about that, it's been a busy week). I hope you found an answer before, and best of luck with the build!

[@MayhemStudio]

you can you just have to get slim fans for top rad. thats what i had to do if you look at my profile pic you will see how i have mine set up. im running two aios in this case and the 120 in the rear for my hybrid card has a push pull to it as well. on top of that i added on the bottom of the case another 120 for more intake and to help keep gpu cooler. i have really good cooling with that being said and im over clocked as well. as of current i am working on a water loop for this case. i hope to have it done soon with a 3080ti in her to.

[@duddersh7612]

Thanks for the great review, I have bought the case and will be building my first pc this Friday :)

[@jake-qc2wu]

How did it go?

[@duddersh7612]

@@jake-qc2wu It was a good case but very basic. I ended up changing for something else (more high end)

[@jake-qc2wu]

@@duddersh7612 did you have any overheating issues?

[@duddersh7612]

@@jake-qc2wu no not at all

[@jake-qc2wu]

@@duddersh7612 awesome thank you. I ordered one last night then got worried haha

[@ericlu3072]

thank you this helped me so much in my build

[@AVTechy]

No problem. I hope the build went well, and thanks for checking this one out!

[@hunterterrell9930]

Did the case come with these screws and grommets to install the hard drives and fans? What cables did the case come with?

[@JosePineda-jn8jk]

I see people struggle with the fan placements but, the manual shows you that there are small notches to identify where to place 120mm and 140mm fans. I use the latter for two intake, and plan to get two more because the thermals are real on this thing. I might just get a vertical mount for my graphics card so the card can displace air better since the clearance between it and the psu restricts some flow.

[@MSJChem]

You make a few good points but perhaps a little over-critical in some areas. I bought this case and the worst thing is the acrylic panel - it is already scratched to hell and attracts dust like crazy. For the price, it is a nice case but with some shortfalls.

[@josefariastorres4200]

Great Work, Awesome review!

[@jeroona5648]

I'm a first time pc builder and you fr just saved my ass

[@jangotherango7250]

Is this a bad

[@gabrieltrane9046]

Good job, man. I'll watch out about that front fans creeking.

[@juanfranciscogarcia2825]

Best review ever. Thank You so much. This review really helped me!!

[@MSJChem]

I have this case and use it without the dust covers as they do restrict airflow. I have 3 intake fans (two on front panel and one at the bottom) and 3 exhaust fans (one at the rear and two on the top panel). I get temps of around 69-70 at load which isn’t too bad for such a small case (this is with a RTX 2070 Gaming Z and a i5 8600k running at 4.8 GHz). As mentioned in the review, the acrylic side panel isn’t great and scratches easily. Overall it is a pretty decent case for the price but take note that if you want decent airflow you will probably have to remove the dust covers.

[@blakehubbard9625]

I just ordered my first PC build and this is the case I ordered with it. I'm glad your video was so informative I'm hoping it'll make it a lot easier to build my PC in this case. Are there any specific fans you would suggest to get with this case? I'm new to this but my AMD ryzen 5 1600 is going to come with a fan but I don't know if that will be enough.