Cooler Master H500P Review

[Greenback]

I still have the original HAF X

 

[Vipermk2]

I think I'll wait to see if CM improve the design, like increasing the air intake through the front, I would imagine that installing 3 x 140mm fans on the inside of the front panel instead would increase the flow as there would be more of an open space to the draw the air from. Need to get rid of those cheap plasticky panels as well, it ruins the whole feel of the case knowing they are there.

 

[Linchpin]

It looks pretty cool but to me there's just too much of the usual Cooler Master mistakes, the top and front panels look cheap and flimsy, the airflow according to numerous people is not good and there is just no use excuse for a case this size to have only 2 hard drive and 2 SSD mounts.

To me this basically continues all the worst trends in case design right now where RGB and windows take priority over all else. Call me old fashioned but I like having proper airflow and the ability to fit more storage.

 

[AngryGoldfish]

It looks pretty cool but to me there's just too much of the usual Cooler Master mistakes, the top and front panels look cheap and flimsy, the airflow according to numerous people is not good and there is just no use excuse for a case this size to have only 2 hard drive and 2 SSD mounts.

To me this basically continues all the worst trends in case design right now where RGB and windows take priority over all else. Call me old fashioned but I like having proper airflow and the ability to fit more storage.

Yeah, I've seen a couple of other reviews so far now and the airflow is actually not that great. They seemed to favour aesthetics over airflow with the design.

 

[S_I_N]

Agreed those 2 200mm fans pushed out into the front extend into the filter area stunting flow. But if ya put 120/140!fans on a rad in the front they’ll recess into that fan mount and be behind the mesh more. I’m wondering if that helps as the gap is a lot bigger than my 570X and I’m not having any cooling issues.

But yeah everyone is touting about the flimsiness of the top and front, I see it as a design flaw since those parts are either glued or plastic spot welded together. Definitely needs some beefing up in those areas. Not to mention the lack of more secure mounting they have noted. I’d love to get my hands on one and see how it is for myself. As I like the rad support over the 570X.

 

[Greenback]

I'd assume it wouldn't be that hard to put the 200mm fans back inside the case giving more room for air flow

 

[S_I_N]

If you look at the design without modding the 200’s can’t be moved inside

 

[AngryGoldfish]

No, I don't think they can. It didn't look like it to me either.

 

[Linchpin]

And even if you could've moved them inside, the front panel window then becomes more of a negative than anything since you'd end up illuminating the frame of the case and in particular the fan mounting points. They should've just gone with some quality mesh and saved everyone the headache.

 

[S_I_N]

tru dat. it would totally lok like as ya said illuminating the frame. Also agree from what I've seen so far the front and top are lacking

would love to get my hands on one and mod it proper. First redo the front and top to be more air friendly and sturdier, second slide the top rad bracket towards the outside edge of case (which would mean redesigning the top) to allow for better clearance on the mobo and ram areas.

 

[Vipermk2]

They should've just gone with some quality mesh and saved everyone the headache.

My thoughts exactly, I think it says something that when you remove the front panel, the temparature of the CPU drops by 12°C.

 

[ImprovizoR]

Yeah, after reading and watching some of the other reviews I have to ask what was tinytomlogan thinking? This case is average at best. A shame, I was so looking forward to it. When I saw how wobbly all the panels were on GamersNexus video review I was stunned. And the airflow, lol. It was supposed to be a HAF spiritual successor.

 

[Seikusa]

A good looking mesh at the front would help a lot also, the non exchangable dustfilter at the front are sad. I also had a cheat plastic covered case once. I hated it.

@Tom Sadly you didnt do any measurements.

 

[Wraith]

Quick Photoshop mock up and I want one even more now.

 

[NickOmega]

yeah next build going in this one. Great review but a question. on the back of the mobo tray there's 2 screw points, are those meant for a secondary spot to mount those ssd caddies??

That panel beneath the CPU cut-out does look like the alternative mounting point for the 2.5" caddies as it seems to match the holes on the PSU cover.

 

[Vipermk2]

Gamers Nexus did a modified (meshified) version to see whether the temperatures improved, just look for 'Meshify H500P Case Mod' ^_^

 

[S_I_N]

That panel beneath the CPU cut-out does look like the alternative mounting point for the 2.5" caddies as it seems to match the holes on the PSU cover.

Yes Tom replied he just forgot to mention it in the review

 

[NickOmega]

Yes Tom replied he just forgot to mention it in the review

My bad, I completely blanked on there being more replies beneath yours. I replied from the comments beneath the review where yours is actually the last one shown.

 

[Seikusa]

"A Cooler Master representative did hint that the company intends to listen to the wants of consumers, and we take that to mean potentially mesh versions of the H500P – or mesh panels sold separately."
So there will be a meshed version

 

[S_I_N]

I saw that note as well. Sounds good but wonder if the address the easy off problem or the flimsiness of the top and front. Even with those issues I think it’s a smashing great case that needs a little modding. Really want to get my hands on one and see what I can do with it. Some here might remember the small mods I did to my HAF storm scout back in the day. Not much save some painting iirc. But was a fun case to work with.