Question Cooler Master Masterbox Q300L

[Hpst]

Hi. I want to build my first gaming PC and I want to buy the Masterbox Q300L case (because I like how it looks, it has front panel on the side and it's cheap). I've heard that the bigger version of this case (Q500L) has poor ventilation, does the Q300L also have this problem? I want to build a PC with Ryzen 5 5600 (using the stock cooler) and RX 6700 XT, will these components overheat in this case?

 

[Lutfij]

Welcome to the forums, newcomer!

Yeah, it's the same case as the Q500L but smaller. I'd advise you look into another series of cases if you want to stick within CoolerMaster's portfolio. The other thing would be to look at perhaps Fractal Design's cases. What is your budget, where are you located and what is your preferred site of purchase?

Might want to also pass on your proposed specs list to see if you'll run into any compatibility issues.

 

[Darkbreeze]

Yes, this case has fairly restricted airflow through the holes just like it's big brother.

Plus, I've read a lot of reports about problems with the side I/O panel not holding up AND that it's a real hassle removing anything from a PCIe slot because of the way it's retention mechanism works. Just a very crappy case in general to be honest.

Also, if you plan to use an ATX motherboard, you won't be doing so in this case because it only supports micro ATX and mini ITX motherboards.

What can you actually afford to spend on a case and what country are you in?

As Lutfij also mentioned, it would be helpful to know your full hardware specifications in order to flag out any incompatibilities.

 

[Hpst]

What can you actually afford to spend on a case and what country are you in?

As Lutfij also mentioned, it would be helpful to know your full hardware specifications in order to flag out any incompatibilities.

This is my build

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/9mK234

I was also thinking about buying this case

Atos ARGB Mini Black - Logic Concept

Logic Atos is a chassis created to build an efficient and modern gaming PC. Optimal airflow, practical solutions and pre-installed ARGB fans make up its gaming character.

en.logicconcept.pl

Or this case

Genesis Irid 353 ARGB Review - Compact with a Glass Front

The Irid 353 ARGB sports three 120 mm fans and a fully fledged ARGB controller right out of the box, along with a useful fan hub. It even incorporates a glass front and side panel, which has the Irid 353 ARGB stand out from among a plethora of affordable mATX choices.

www.techpowerup.com

My budget is $950 ($60 for the case) and I live in Poland.

 

[geofelt]

Looks count.
Go ahead and buy the Q300L
The case does not come with front fans.
You will want to install a pair of 140mm fans that will supply all of the cooling airflow that your cpu and gpu could possibly need.
140mm fans move more air quietly.

The 5600 stock cooler may well suffice.
Try it first.
If you think you need better cpu cooling, buy a tower type air cooler like the noctua U9s which is 125mm tall.
The case can handle a cooler up to 157mm.

 

[Darkbreeze]

So, I have a hard time with that recommendation. Steve at GN reviewed the Q500L, which is exactly the same design just larger so that it can support ATX motherboards, and said it was one of the poorest airflow designs he's ever reviewed. Without heavy modification I do not believe that any amount of fans would make that case worth using, but that's just my opinion based on what others have indicated in reviews and personal feedback. Perhaps with very low TDP hardware it would be fine, but I still wouldn't recommend it. I think it's a terrible, highly restricted design and that any review out there that says otherwise is simply shilling for CM. Which we all know they do. Steve, tends to go the opposite direction and give real feedback on anything he reviews.

 

[Darkbreeze]

My budget is $950 ($60 for the case) and I live in Poland.

Can you list some online retailers you are able to purchase from, or do you have to purchase from local shops?

 

[Hpst]

Can you list some online retailers you are able to purchase from, or do you have to purchase from local shops?

I'll buy it there

Obudowy Cube Tower - Sklep, Opinie, Ceny w Morele.net

Obudowy Cube Tower w sklepie internetowym. Zapewniamy bezpieczeństwo, błyskawiczną wysyłkę i najniższe ceny w Polsce. Sprawdź nas!

www.morele.net

or there

https://www.x-kom.pl/g-5/c/388-obudowy-komputerowe.html?sort_by=price_asc&f3471-typ-obudowy=174485-mini-tower-sff

My budget is 250zł and I want a mATX case.
I think I'm going to buy the Logic atos, because it's the cheapest case with 3 fans and tempered glass, but I'm open to suggestions.

 

[Darkbreeze]

I don't know anything about this manufacturer, but this looks like a really decent case from it's appearance and apparent features. Primarily I'm guess it likely has pretty good airflow as well. The reviews of the RGB version are very good and the only difference is the RGB fans and controller aren't included with this model.

Genesis Irid 503 V2 (NPC-1558) - Obudowa - Morele.net

Obudowa Genesis Irid 503 V2 (NPC-1558) jest dostępny w Morele.net! Szukasz tego produktu? Sprawdź - najczęściej to właśnie Morele.net ma najniższą cenę w Polsce.

www.morele.net

This doesn't seem terrible either, and seems to be somewhat of a knockoff of the Fractal design meshify models.

https://www.x-kom.pl/p/739652-obudowa-do-komputera-darkflash-dlm21-mesh-black.html#Specyfikacja

For those two sites, within your price range, those are the options that I might look more closely at.

Another option that is fairly decent if it's available in your area is the Fractal design Focus G mini. That Atos case doesn't look too bad either, but I'm very hesitant to ever recommend cases that don't have ANY cooling fan options for the top, since that's basically where all the heat ends up trapped at.

 

[Hpst]

I don't know anything about this manufacturer, but this looks like a really decent case from it's appearance and apparent features. Primarily I'm guess it likely has pretty good airflow as well. The reviews of the RGB version are very good and the only difference is the RGB fans and controller aren't included with this model.

Genesis Irid 503 V2 (NPC-1558) - Obudowa - Morele.net

Obudowa Genesis Irid 503 V2 (NPC-1558) jest dostępny w Morele.net! Szukasz tego produktu? Sprawdź - najczęściej to właśnie Morele.net ma najniższą cenę w Polsce.

www.morele.net

This doesn't seem terrible either, and seems to be somewhat of a knockoff of the Fractal design meshify models.

https://www.x-kom.pl/p/739652-obudowa-do-komputera-darkflash-dlm21-mesh-black.html#Specyfikacja

For those two sites, within your price range, those are the options that I might look more closely at.

Another option that is fairly decent if it's available in your area is the Fractal design Focus G mini. That Atos case doesn't look too bad either, but I'm very hesitant to ever recommend cases that don't have ANY cooling fan options for the top, since that's basically where all the heat ends up trapped at.

Thanks! I think I'm going to buy the Irid 503.

 

[Darkbreeze]

It looks very decent although as I said I have no experience with that company as they are not present in the US market, or most of the markets for Western countries that I've ever seen. But I do actually like that case for a small build and I might just look into it a bit further myself for one I'm going to be doing for another person.