Cooler Master MasterCase Pro 3 Micro-ATX Chassis Review
Final Thoughts
While the reality is that this chassis is not that much more compact than its predecessors, it sure feels that way when looking at it; it is almost an optical illusion that Cooler Master has pulled off with this design. As you place in a Micro-ATX motherboard, it eats up the motherboard tray, and at this time seems to be smaller and better suited to those with smaller systems. On the other hand, when you start removing all of the bits like the HDD cage, the mid-plate over the PSU and look at installing a couple of radiators, you are brought back to the fact that this chassis is quite spacious inside.
The fact that it looks much like its older brothers is something we still like, as we dug everything aesthetically then, and still do now. Not only does it look good, but with just the stock fans in play, the noise level is kept down top 25dB with them running at full speed, and due to the chambered design, even with the top plate covering the mesh, the air flow is quite good.
Of course, with all the modularity the MasterCase Pro 3 brings forth straight out of the box, you still have more options coming soon on the Cooler Master store. Cooler Master will be offering extra "SSD pockets" as they call them, two or three bay HDD cages, a tempered glass option for the left side, and they have even devised a universal VGA holder to help support those saggy cards out there. This will take an extra investment to obtain any of these components, but it is rare outside of the MasterCase series, that a mainstream company went this far to support the chassis in aftermarket options. Although, on the flip side, we don't think it would be asking too much for a discounted rate on a version of this chassis in which all of this is included right out of the box.
However, it is still early in this cases life, and it is quite possible this is slated to happen. No matter how you want to look at the MasterCase Pro 3, the FreeForm Modular System is in full effect and makes it possible to deliver a chassis to fit everyone's personal style. Not something easily accomplished, but with Cooler Master taking a personal effort to be a huge part of the maker movement, it only makes sense that it does.
As we wind things down and sit here pondering the chassis again, we came up with not one major or minor nuisances in which we should try to persuade you away from the MasterCase Pro 3. Of course, the design does set motherboard limitations, but outside of that obvious starting point, we feel this design is top notch with no glaring faults. Considering the $99.99 price point into the equation, we are still left with the feeling that you'll get every pennies worth in this deal.
The styling is on point, the modularity is some of the best in the game, it is solid and stable even with most of the guts removed, and with aftermarket support, this is a chassis that can go on for years and adjust as you change components. In all honesty, Cooler Master has delivered more and put out a better product each time in this series, and at this point, if you plan to use smaller form factor system with room for anything you could need to go with it, you need not look further than this MasterCase Pro 3 from Cooler Master - it is just that good.
Chad's Chassis Test System Specifications
- Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-Z68X-UD4-B3
- CPU: Intel Core i7 2600K (buy from Amazon)
- Cooler: Corsair H80i GT (buy from Amazon)
- Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws F3-12800CL6D-4GBXH
- Video Card: ZOTAC GeForce GTX 970 AMP. Extreme Edition (buy from Amazon)
- Storage: SuperSpeed 128GB SSD
- Power Supply: SilverStone SST-ST85F-G (buy from Amazon)
- OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit (buy from Amazon)
Product Summary Breakdown
| Performance | 98% |
| Quality including Design and Build | 99% |
| General Features | 100% |
| Bundle and Packaging | 98% |
| Value for Money | 98% |
| Overall TweakTown Rating | 99% |
The Bottom Line: The MasterCase Pro 3 is a perfect chassis for those who want things the big boys bring, just for smaller motherboards. The modularity is some of the best in the market and there are options for aftermarket gear - an affordable and sleek looking package. Cooler Master has raised the bar with this design!
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