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Cooler Master HAF 500 vs Thermaltake Ceres 500 TG ARGB: Comparison
What is the difference between Cooler Master HAF 500 and Thermaltake Ceres 500 TG ARGB?
These two are close on paper, and gpu clearance is the only measure that separates them at all: Cooler Master HAF 500 400 mm against Thermaltake Ceres 500 TG ARGB 420 mm. There is a split on radiator support as well, Front up to 360mm, top up to 360mm on the Cooler Master HAF 500 versus Front 420mm, Top 360mm on the Thermaltake Ceres 500 TG ARGB. There is a split on motherboard support as well, E-ATX, ATX, mATX, ITX on the Cooler Master HAF 500 versus E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX on the Thermaltake Ceres 500 TG ARGB. Panel type is not the same on both, Polygonal mesh front, tempered glass side on the Cooler Master HAF 500 versus Mesh front panel, tempered glass side on the Thermaltake Ceres 500 TG ARGB.
Which should you buy, Cooler Master HAF 500 or Thermaltake Ceres 500 TG ARGB?
The Cooler Master HAF 500 is the one to take for high-wattage airflow builds and E-ATX boards in a mid-tower footprint, though it is the wrong buy for noise-sensitive environments and showcase RGB builds without extra fans. The Thermaltake Ceres 500 TG ARGB suits 420mm AIO or custom loop builds and flagship GPU builds needing maximum clearance, though it is not built for small desks with limited space and budget builds not needing 420mm radiator support. Our rating of the Cooler Master HAF 500 (8/10): A strong airflow mid-tower for people who like the HAF 700's looks but not its size. Our rating of the Thermaltake Ceres 500 TG ARGB (8/10): one of the best mid-towers for 420mm radiator support and flagship-length GPUs without stepping up to a full-tower case.
Where the two are identical
Everything else lines up. Cpu cooler clearance, included fans, case type and front usb-c read the same on both, so those are not worth weighing.
Specs and benchmarks
Motherboard Support
- Cooler Master HAF 500
- E-ATX, ATX, mATX, ITX
- Thermaltake Ceres 500 TG ARGB
- E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
Case Type
- Cooler Master HAF 500
- Mid-Tower
- Thermaltake Ceres 500 TG ARGB
- Mid-Tower
Panel Type
- Cooler Master HAF 500
- Polygonal mesh front, tempered glass side
- Thermaltake Ceres 500 TG ARGB
- Mesh front panel, tempered glass side
GPU Clearance
- Cooler Master HAF 500
- 400 mm-5%
- Thermaltake Ceres 500 TG ARGB
- 420 mmBest
CPU Cooler Clearance
- Cooler Master HAF 500
- 175 mm
- Thermaltake Ceres 500 TG ARGB
- 175 mm
Included Fans
- Cooler Master HAF 500
- 3
- Thermaltake Ceres 500 TG ARGB
- 3
Radiator Support
- Cooler Master HAF 500
- Front up to 360mm, top up to 360mm
- Thermaltake Ceres 500 TG ARGB
- Front 420mm, Top 360mm
Front USB-C
- Cooler Master HAF 500
- Yes
- Thermaltake Ceres 500 TG ARGB
- Yes
Which one should you pick?
Choose Cooler Master HAF 500 if you want the higher CPU cooler clearance (175 mm vs 175 mm) and the higher included fans (3 vs 3).
Choose Thermaltake Ceres 500 TG ARGB if you want the higher GPU clearance (420 mm vs 400 mm).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Cooler Master HAF 500 | Thermaltake Ceres 500 TG ARGB |
|---|---|---|
| Cooler Master Store | $140.00 View on Cooler Master Store | |
| Thermaltake | View on Thermaltake |
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Verdict
Cooler Master HAF 500
8 / 10 Expert Rating
A strong airflow mid-tower for people who like the HAF 700's looks but not its size.
Thermaltake Ceres 500 TG ARGB
8 / 10 Expert Rating
One of the best mid-towers for 420mm radiator support and flagship-length GPUs without stepping up to a full-tower case.