Cooler Master MasterBox 540

Striking design, but at a cost

- KRIS BUTTERILL

It might have a tempered glass window, but the MasterBox 540 needs more fresh air.

COOLER MASTER is no stranger to the case market, offering an extensive line-up to suit every scenario and budget. The Cooler Master MasterBox 540 adds yet another product to the MasterBox series, the company’s website now listing a total of 64—yes, 64—MasterBox options.

The MasterBox 540 is marketed as “Gaming in a New Light,” a reference to the aRGB backlit front panel that takes its inspiration from automotive lighting. Given its experience in the case market, Cooler Master seems to have taken something of a gamble here and pinned its hopes on people liking the front panel backlit design. It’s either a really risky or a really clever decision on Cooler Master’s part, and it’s refreshing to see a manufacturer not being scared of trying something new.

Overall, the MasterBox 540 is undeniably a fabulous-looking case, and it’s nice to have a tempered glass side panel that isn’t clad with thumbscrews, keeping the aesthetic nice and clean. It’s toolless, too, with an optional rearmounted thumbscrew included for a more permanent fixing solution. The front panel is made of plastic, though; it’s glossy, as well, meaning that scratches will stand out, so some care is going to have to be taken during installs and maintenance. Above the gloss trim is the front I/O; it’s not a vast suite, but most certainly useable, including a USB Type C port. A good mobo choice will reinforce the connectivity—let’s face it, most front panels are used for a controller, thumb drive, and that’s about it.