Buying Guide
The Best Cooler Master Cases
Five Cooler Master cases from the $51 Q300L V3 to the HAF II 500 with 220mm fans, compared on size and cooling.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Cooler Master sells cases from compact Mini-ITX boxes to large airflow towers. Its newer QUBE cases add carry handles and layouts that work upright or flat.
We compared clearances, fans and layout from each maker's listing; we did not build in these cases.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best ATX Pick
Cooler Master QUBE 540
E-ATX support with 415mm GPU clearance.
Best for: Most full-size builds.
Our take Check price for Cooler Master QUBE 540 (opens in a new tab)
Biggest Fans
Cooler Master HAF II 500
Two 220mm front fans and a 180mm rear fan.
Best for: Quiet air cooling.
Our take Check price for Cooler Master HAF II 500 (opens in a new tab)
Best Mini-ITX
Cooler Master NR200P V2
An 18.25L case with a vertical GPU mount.
Best for: Small builds.
Our take Check price for Cooler Master NR200P V2 (opens in a new tab)
Best Micro-ATX
Cooler Master QUBE 340
Room for six fans and a 178mm cooler.
Best for: Compact builds with airflow.
Our take Check price for Cooler Master QUBE 340 (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price
Cooler Master Q300L V3
The lowest price among these picks at the time of writing.
Best for: Budget builds.
Our take Check price for Cooler Master Q300L V3 (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-ATX support with 415mm GPU clearance. | Most full-size builds. | Check price for Cooler Master QUBE 540 (opens in a new tab) |
| Two 220mm front fans and a 180mm rear fan. | Quiet air cooling. | Check price for Cooler Master HAF II 500 (opens in a new tab) |
| An 18.25L case with a vertical GPU mount. | Small builds. | Check price for Cooler Master NR200P V2 (opens in a new tab) |
| Room for six fans and a 178mm cooler. | Compact builds with airflow. | Check price for Cooler Master QUBE 340 (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest price among these picks at the time of writing. | Budget builds. | Check price for Cooler Master Q300L V3 (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Best ATX Pick1 of 5
Cooler Master QUBE 540 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Cooler Master's QUBE 540 stands upright or lies flat, with a reversible I/O panel and movable handles.
Best for
- Most full-size builds.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: only 1 fan in the box.
Why we like it
It takes E-ATX boards up to 11 inches wide and graphics cards up to 415mm without the front fan. Its 415mm GPU clearance is the longest here; the QUBE 340 comes next at 366mm. GPU limit in the QUBE 540: 415mm, before front fans.
It also brings tempered glass side. Worth noting too: horizontal or vertical orientation with a reversible I/O panel. Before buying, weigh one limit: no published largest radiator size.
Its price falls between the QUBE 340 and the NR200P V2, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed CPU cooler clearance should compare it with the QUBE 340, which comes in at 178mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max GPU length: 415mm
- Fans included: 1
- Motherboards: ITX, ATX, E-ATX up to 11 inches
- Glass: Tempered glass side
Pros
- Room for graphics cards up to 415mm long
- Tempered glass side
- Horizontal or vertical orientation with a reversible I/O panel
- Full mesh front panel
Cons
- Only 1 fan in the box
- No published largest radiator size
- Costs more than the Q300L V3 at the time of writing
Biggest Fans2 of 5
Cooler Master HAF II 500 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Cooler Master's HAF II 500 ships with two 220mm front fans and a 180mm rear fan, far larger than the usual 120mm set.
Best for
- Quiet air cooling.
Skip if
- Pass if a published GPU clearance matters; this one has none.
Why we like it
Its GPU holder can support two cards up to 3.6 slots thick. Two 220mm front fans and a 180mm rear fan move a lot of air at low speed. Split-level cable management leaves room for the large exhaust.
Large, slow-spinning fans move air with less noise than many small fans. No other pick in this guide offers ATX motherboards; compare the Q300L V3, which has micro-ATX motherboards. Confirm GPU length for the HAF II 500 with its maker.
Only the NR200P V2 came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks. There is no published GPU clearance figure, whereas the QUBE 540 comes in at 415mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- Fans included: 3
- Motherboards: ATX
Pros
- 3 fans included
- Two 220mm front intake fans and a 180mm rear exhaust
- GPU holder that supports two cards up to 3.6 slots thick
- Split-level cable management
Cons
- No published GPU clearance
- No published largest radiator size
- Costs more than the Q300L V3 at the time of writing
Best Mini-ITX3 of 5
Cooler Master NR200P V2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The NR200P V2 is the easiest way into small form factor: 18.25 litres, a 357mm GPU limit and a top 280mm radiator position.
Best for
- Small builds.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when needs an SFX power suppl is a problem.
Why we like it
You choose glass or a vented steel side panel, but it needs an SFX power supply. Its 357mm GPU clearance is the shortest in this group; the QUBE 540 leads at 415mm. Nothing else here matches its 280mm largest radiator size; the QUBE 340 comes closest at 240mm.
You get mini-ITX motherboards here, which sets it apart from the QUBE 340 and its micro-ATX motherboards. You also get bottom-to-top airflow from a 120mm bottom fan. The NR200P V2 takes 280mm radiators; mind RAM height.
SFX power only in the NR200P V2. Its price falls between the QUBE 540 and the HAF II 500, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max GPU length: 357mm
- Largest radiator: 280mm
- Volume: 18.25L
- Motherboards: Mini-ITX
- PSU type: SFX only
- Front USB-C: Yes
Pros
- A compact 18.25L footprint
- A front USB-C port
- Choice of tempered glass or vented steel side panel
- Bottom-to-top airflow from a 120mm bottom fan
Cons
- Needs an SFX power supply
- GPU clearance trails the QUBE 540 (415mm)
- Costs more than the Q300L V3 at the time of writing
Best Micro-ATX4 of 5
Cooler Master QUBE 340 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The QUBE 340 is a Micro-ATX version of the same idea: a mesh front, magnetic filters, carry handles and room for six 120mm or 140mm fans.
Best for
- Compact builds with airflow.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: radiators top out at 240mm.
Why we like it
It fits 366mm cards and 178mm tower coolers. On GPU clearance it ties with the Q300L V3 at 366mm. It matches the Q300L V3 on largest radiator size (240mm).
Like the Q300L V3, it has micro-ATX motherboards, while the HAF II 500 uses ATX motherboards. It also offers a movable I/O panel. GPU limit in the QUBE 340: 366mm, before front fans.
The QUBE 340 takes 240mm radiators; mind RAM height. 200mm is the QUBE 340's PSU length cap. Another plus is tempered glass side. It was priced above the Q300L V3 and below the QUBE 540 at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max GPU length: 366mm
- Max CPU cooler height: 178mm
- Largest radiator: 240mm
- Max PSU length: 200mm
- Motherboards: Micro-ATX
- Glass: Tempered glass side
Pros
- Takes tower air coolers up to 178mm tall
- Tempered glass side
- Room for six 120mm or 140mm fans
- Magnetic dust filters and carry handles
Cons
- Radiators top out at 240mm
- Costs more than the Q300L V3 at the time of writing
Lowest Price5 of 5
Cooler Master Q300L V3 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Q300L V3 is a Micro-ATX case that still fits a 366mm graphics card and a 178mm tower cooler.
Best for
- Budget builds.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when radiators top out at 240m is a problem.
Why we like it
Its radiator support stops at 240mm, the trade for its size and price. It matches the QUBE 340 on GPU clearance (366mm). On largest radiator size it ties with the QUBE 340 at 240mm.
It shares micro-ATX motherboards with the QUBE 340; the NR200P V2 goes with mini-ITX motherboards. It also offers mounts for six 120mm or 140mm fans and a movable front I/O panel. GPU limit in the Q300L V3: 366mm, before front fans.
The Q300L V3 takes 240mm radiators; mind RAM height. 200mm is the Q300L V3's PSU length cap. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the QUBE 340 was the next step up. If largest radiator size is your priority, the NR200P V2 (280mm) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max GPU length: 366mm
- Max CPU cooler height: 178mm
- Largest radiator: 240mm
- Max PSU length: 200mm
- Motherboards: Micro-ATX
- Glass: Tempered glass side
Pros
- Takes tower air coolers up to 178mm tall
- Tempered glass side
- Mounts for six 120mm or 140mm fans
- Movable front I/O panel
Cons
- Radiators top out at 240mm
- Largest radiator size trails the NR200P V2 (280mm)
How We Chose These Cooler Master Cases
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Build features
- We recorded front USB-C, glass panels and layout features such as dual chambers.
- Hardware fit
- We compared listed GPU length, CPU cooler height and power supply limits.
- Size
- We noted motherboard support and, where the maker states it, the case volume.
- Cooling layout
- We checked radiator sizes and positions, fan mounts and how many fans come in the box.
What to Look for in a Cooler Master Case
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Check motherboard size and connector layout
Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX and ATX boards need matching cases. Back-connect boards, which put their connectors on the rear, need a case with cutouts for them.
Check GPU length and thickness
Large graphics cards run past 330mm and take three or four slots. Compare your card with the case's GPU length figure, and note that front fans or a front radiator often cut it.
Vertical mounts need a riser cable and more width.
Mesh fronts and included fans
Mesh or perforated front panels breathe more easily than solid or glass fronts. Included fans save money; a case with none needs at least two or three before it is ready to use.
Confirm the power supply format
Most mid-towers take ATX power supplies, often with a length limit. Small cases may need SFX or SFX-L units, which cost more at the same wattage.
Plan radiator positions early
A case may list a 360mm radiator only at the front or only on top. Top mounts must clear the motherboard heatsinks and tall RAM, and front mounts can shorten the GPU limit.
Match cooler height to the case
Every case offers a maximum CPU air cooler height. Tall dual-tower coolers need about 160mm to 170mm; small cases may take only a low-profile cooler or an AIO.
How to Choose a Cooler Master Case
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Most full-size builds | QUBE 540 | E-ATX support with 415mm GPU clearance |
| Quiet air cooling | HAF II 500 | Two 220mm front fans and a 180mm rear fan |
| Small builds | NR200P V2 | An 18.25L case with a vertical GPU mount |
| Compact builds with airflow | QUBE 340 | Room for six fans and a 178mm cooler |
| Budget builds | Q300L V3 | The lowest price among these picks at the time of writing |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Case | Max GPU length | Max CPU cooler height | Largest radiator | Max PSU length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QUBE 540 | 415mm | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| HAF II 500 | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| NR200P V2 | 357mm | Not listed | 280mm | Not listed |
| QUBE 340 | 366mm | 178mm | 240mm | 200mm |
| Q300L V3 | 366mm | 178mm | 240mm | 200mm |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Cases |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | Q300L V3, QUBE 340, QUBE 540, NR200P V2 |
| About $150 to $250 | HAF II 500 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the front USB-C port work with any motherboard?
It needs a USB-C front-panel header on the motherboard. Most current mid-range boards have one; older or budget boards may not.
What is a back-connect case?
One with cutouts for motherboards that put their power and data connectors on the rear. It hides cables but needs a compatible board.
Do I need a full tower?
Only for very large radiators, E-ATX boards, custom loops or many drives. A good mid-tower fits most gaming builds, including large graphics cards.
Does a glass front make a PC run hotter?
It can, when air has to enter through narrow gaps. Glass-front cases that take air from the side or bottom avoid most of that penalty.
How many case fans do I need?
Two intakes and one exhaust suit most builds. Add more for a hot graphics card or when a radiator sits in an intake position.
Is a Mini-ITX build harder?
It takes more planning: check GPU length, cooler height and power supply format first, and expect tighter cable routing.
Bottom Line
The QUBE 540 is the best Cooler Master case for most ATX builds. The HAF II 500 suits big air-cooled systems, the NR200P V2 suits Mini-ITX, and the QUBE 340 and Q300L V3 cover Micro-ATX.