Wave Master by CoolerMaster

The inside is fairly standard for aluminium cases with plenty of space and no sharp edges to cut unwary fingers. The bunch of cables hanging from the top of the case belong to the I/O panel.



As is customary with high quality cases the Wave Master incorporates a sliding mainboard tray complete with an 80 mm exhaust fan.



A particularly nice feature of the Wave Masters mainboard panel is the use of threaded mounts rather than the usual flimsy clip-in style normally found on aluminium cases. This allows for the use of...



...quality chromed brass threaded mounts to give a solid mount and a good ground connection to the case.



The Wave Master stripped bare of its side panels and mainboard tray showing the twin 80 mm intake cooling fans and the drive bays. What the picture does not convey is the thickness of the aluminium used in the construction. With thick gauge, lightweight aluminium alloy used throughout the construction this is one solidly made case!



Fitting a system inside the Wave Master was a breeze with no nasty surprises.



Even using standard ribbon cables and with no particular care for neatness there was plenty of space for cooling air flow. The only criticism is with the roof mounted I/O panels cables which can be untidy and need care that they do not foul any mainboard fans. Fortunately they are all plug-in types so I choose not to use them.



Contrary to what this picture taken in the lab might suggest, the blue back lighting is a quite subtle and its effect is practically lost in bright daylight but likewise it is not blindingly bright in subdued lighting either.



There is an elegance to the Wave Master style which belies its heavy gauge all aluminium alloy construction.



We could not help but be impressed with the Wave Master. Whilst it is not the least expensive case on the market, at around £130 it is reasonably priced for a case of this high quality - especially given the much higher prices of some of Cooler Masters previous offerings. Overall we believe the Wave Master to be very good value for money.


Pros
Top quality construction
Removable mainboard tray
Easy to work on
Quiet cooling fans
Reasonable price

Cons
I/O panel could be improved
Door may foul on some bay devices.
Sharp edges around the drive bays
This is a solid case built to the highest standards and brings the benefits and qualities of aluminium to those who prefer a painted finish to the usual bare metal look.
The Wave Master series sees Cooler Masters triumphant return to its roots of producing quality aluminium cases second to none.