You already learn about flat-packed merchandise, or build-it-yourself gadgets that are available in flat packing containers you may simply take residence—the idea is widespread in furnishings (e.g., Ikea). It’s not likely been a factor within the PC house although, outdoors of area of interest choices like Teenage Engineering’s computer-1. That’s going to alter as soon as Cooler Master’s Qube 500 Flatpack hits the streets—and it might assist usher in a wave of slick deconstructed modular circumstances.

Unlike the computer-1, the Qube 500 isn’t tiny, nor does it lean into the origami facet of that case. At 33 liters, it runs 380 x 231 x 381mm (or 406 x 231 x 415mm in case you rely protrusions like handles and toes), and it skips the folding and bending of panels to get them into prepared situation. Instead, it’s a completely modular mini-tower that comes fully torn down. All the items are able to go, and when you assemble them, you get a compact ATX case with a number of flexibility.

Not solely are you able to swap panels for various colours (thus creating your individual distinctive look), however it is best to have full ease when rolling collectively your PC. Cooler Master helps that together with a design that accommodates a wide range of elements. It can’t maintain every bit your coronary heart needs, in fact—it is a compact mini-tower, in spite of everything. You can slot in loads, although. CPU coolers can go as tall as 172mm, graphics playing cards could be so long as 365mm, and even E-ATX boards are supported. You can even squeeze in radiator as much as 280mm, as much as three 3.5-inch drives, and a most of eight 120mm followers. Maybe not all on the identical time, however the choices are there.

So too is the flexibility to combine and match panel colours, and Cooler Master plans to launch playful colours along with normal black and white. Expect a yellow “Bumblebee” version, in addition to Macaron editions that are available in midcentury-modern-esque pastels (mint, pink, and cream). With the huge grill perforations on its metallic panels, a tempered glass panel, an included vertical mounting package, and an ARGB fan improve for the candy-colored Macaron variations, the Qube 500 seems as enjoyable as its meeting (hopefully) might be. 

Cooler Master

Cooler Master is even including a Gem Mini accent within the field, which can be utilized for exterior cable routing (e.g., headphones) or as an adjunct hook. The firm additionally says its panels will assist 3D-printed equipment, persevering with Cooler Master’s encouragement of community-driven modifications for its circumstances. (Its standard MasterField NR200 case options 3D printer information for various toes and another PSU bracket proper on the product page.)

While InWin additionally launched its personal origami-like chassis not way back, the Cooler Master Qube 500 is the case to look at. The 30-liter InWin POC is thrilling in its personal proper, with an reasonably priced worth and distinctive colorways, however the firm has a historical past of extra restricted releases, particularly within the United States. Its massive measurement for an mini-ITX case could also be extra offputting, too. Meanwhile, Cooler Master has already popularized less-known features of PC constructing, prefer it did with small-form-factor constructing and the $80 NR200. That well designed 18L case made SFF builds extra accessible, each in price and availability. Pricing remains to be be to be introduced for the Qube 500, however with Cooler Master’s usually mainstream-friendly MSRPs, this novel flat-pack case might kick off a brand new pattern when it launches on September 15.