Cooler Master MasterCase SL600M review - Final Words & Conclusion

Final Words & Conclusion

With the MasterCase SL600M, Cooler Master applied some completely out of the box thinking. A new fresh design, really a-typical innards all in a chassis that cools pretty much based in a chimney effect. The end result might not be something for everybody likings, but we certainly applaud Cooler Master for releasing something really new and even a bit revolutionary. The MasterCase SL600M serves a specific audience, I mean you cannot look at this chassis as a HAF or Cosmos one, this chassis perhaps shows hints towards the MasterCase 6 series, but even seen from that series the new styling in aluminum and black elements make this an entirely different beast. Having that chimney cooling design does create a restriction, you have plenty of liquid cooling options but only at the top and bottom. And considering your primary intake is the bottom side, really only the top side is adequate enough for liquid cooling. If you do house LCS there, be sure that the fans blow air outwards!

Functionality

There is plenty enough space for your components, including that unusually located PSU compartment that can hold even large power supplies. The installation of the PSU is a little quirky, and after installing it you cannot reach the power button or change cabling without removing the unit completely. That might be the biggest gripe to mention for this chassis. Then again, how often do you need to access your PSU, so I am fine with it as the unit and SSD/HDD cage gets hidden inside your chassis with a metal shield as well. Really, the first time you'll look at the product you will wonder where the heck the PSU sits, so that is a fun magical effect. The rear or right side panel could have used a little more pacing for cable routing, overall though it's fine and enough. Hence the concept that Cooler Master is applying to the Mastercase series, works out really well. In the end though the biggest factor for a chassis in this prize category will be the looks, and yes looks are a subjective thing and always remain trivial. But here again, I simply don't see what people would not like the looks of the MasterMasterCase SL600M. The stealthy alu/black design really works well (at least for me). Cooler Master also didn't go with the RGB hype, which I find refreshing, to be honest. The only funky thing they embedded was a motion sensor, and if you are in the vicinity of the USB ports, they will light up. Simple g33ky stuff, but I like that. Good to see is the inclusion of a fan controller. The build quality is strong and sturdy, the inner paint job is well done. The removable panels are secured thumbnails and we very much like the tempered glass see-through side panel. 

The MasterCase is a nice product, at 199 EURO it is not cheap though. However, with the innovative design and aluminum elements included, we do understand this price level. Installation and practical component installation wise the MasterCase SL600M has pretty much everything you need or require. The airflow, space (albeit limited to regular ATX motherboards, features like the SSD/HDD space, ease of use and USB ports. We do feel that 2x USB 3.0 and 2,0 is a tad on the shy side. 

Aesthetics

The looks then, hey I like this model with its stealthy feel and finish, personally, I feel it is spot on. And again let me be the first one to state that you can't argue taste as it is the most subjective thing on this globe. That does not make the job of reviewer any easier. Some will dislike it, and others will love this chassis for its looks. Each and every little aspect of the chassis has been thought through really well. The design of the chassis has been made to make your life a little easier while combining the best features an enthusiast crowd seeks in a chassis. But yeah, this is a well thought through product with optimal cooling, dust filters, the handles, USB 3.x integration and relatively tool free design.

The Verdict

At a sales price of 199 USD/EUR, you are purchasing a really unique chassis. It's not cheap, but it ain't expensive for what you get either. Highlights are the really well-working chimney design, the trivial looks in that ALU design and the unique placement of the (hidden) power supply. The motion sensor for USB ports is a bit of a gimmick, but I do appreciate it.  Now Cooler Master will flip me the middle finger for saying this, but the two bottom fans likely should have been RGB or at least LED lit. The innards are quite dark, ergo I installed that blue LED strip in there. And you guys know it, I've been very skeptical about RGB LEDs, but yes, this chassis could have used some. 

My compliments to Cooler Master for not slapping their logo up-top and everywhere, they changed that towards the outlined logo. It's subtle, it's nice and it works really well. We hate logos everywhere, so yes kudos for that. The airflow is really good, the two 200mm fans will be more than plentiful for your needs. We like the fact that you can horizontally or vertical mount the graphics card. If you want to do it as shown today, the riser cable is not included but is optionally available as a kit costing 40 bucks. The graphics card sits, well hangs, pretty sturdily and looks fantastic that way. In the end, this really is a chassis to my liking, taste, and style, perhaps that goes for many of you. It might not be a storage unit winder in terms of absolute numbers, but everything is more than sufficient for a proper DIY PC build. Aside from a bit of a quirky PSU install process, if this is your style, the chassis comes approved by Guru3D. 

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