In terms of clearance – we have plenty of space for big, high-end CPU coolers. Installed inside 500R is the Noctua NH-U12P, this is 158mm in height and we still have more than adequate clearance for bigger flagships such as Noctua NH-D14 and Thermalright Silver Arrow – both being 160mm in height.
Clearance for high-end CPU coolers
The graphics card clearance is also a positive note. Not only do we have plenty of space here between the card and the HDD cage but the HDD cages can be removed to create unlimited clearance. Installed here is the GTX 480 – 11” in length.
Graphics card clearance is very good
For this review – we can fit a Phobya G-Charger 240 Radiator into 500R. With the top panel being removable, the 240mm radiator fits in perfectly.
Phobya G-Charger 240 Radiator slots in at the top of 500R
Finally onto the clearance behind the motherboard tray. The lower regions of the motherboard tray have a channel that is concave to allow a greater amount of cables to route behind the motherboard tray. This area has over 2cm of clearance - bear in mind also that the side panel is convex and we have a recipe for great cable management.
Up to 2cm of clearance behind the motherboard tray
