Cooler Master showed off the updated version of one of its most popular and accessible PC cases at Computex, and lo and behold, it’s now hit the shelves. The updated Q300L V3 holds onto the line’s previous mATX form factor, but it brings some quality-of-life updates and more modularity into the mix for your next gaming PC build.
Straight from the off, I’ll say that perhaps the most impressive thing about this case is that it’s still got a super affordable price tag, which tracks from the V2 and V1 models of the Q300L. At just $44.49 at Amazon, you’re certainly off to a good start meeting your building budget, especially right now during the RAMpocalypse.
But beyond the price, Cooler Master has done a great job of issuing updates to this case. For starters, because it’s something I’m a big fan of, you can swap the position of the front IO to suit your preferences. If you don’t want it down on the bottom of the front panel, you can move it up to the top of the front panel, the front of the top panel, or even the rear of the top panel if you wish.
Speaking of that front IO, Cooler Master has updated it so that it now has a high-speed USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C connection, dual USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, and a combo audio jack. That could be a huge boon for people using this size of case, because with mini-ITX and mATX motherboards, you can sometimes lose out on connectivity in the rear.
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The Q300L V3 has grown 12.5% from the original version, now giving you space for higher-spec components. The refreshed model has CPU cooler clearance of 178mm, GPU clearance of 366mm, and radiator support for AIOs up to 240/120mm. On cooling, the case comes with one 140mm rear fan pre-installed.
For some extra utility though, Cooler Master has allowed for 3D printable add-ons thanks to the dot-textured chassis panels. With this design, you could attach a headset hook, some handles, or potentially even some mounting systems.
So far at Amazon, I’m only seeing a black version available, but back at Computex I saw a white and wood-finished version which may be coming later.
I’m always a fan of innovative cases on the smaller size (my own personal build is an mATX built inside the NZXT H3 Flow), so I really like the look and feel of the Q300L V3. I especially love the versatility it could bring for PC builders who want to lay the case down on its side, or just folks who want an affordable box that isn’t going to take up an entire desktop.
That said, if there’s one shortcoming here, for me it’s the lack of a hidden PSU tray. I don’t have anything against PSUs in general, but most cases hide them away for a reason; there are very few ways to make them look neat and tidy, because they have loads of spindly cables coming out the back of them. Opening up the PSU tray does allow for better access to the airflow of the main PC chamber, but with a large tempered glass panel on the side here, you do invite that cable mess into the vibe of the build, which isn’t my favorite.
Still, for the price of the Q300L V3, you’re still getting a lot of functionality and style other brands would charge you more for.
If you’re still seeking out the other parts of your new build, check out the best CPUs for gaming, the best graphics cards, and the best RAM for gaming.
