Removing both side panels, we get a great overview of the internal layout and features within TD500. The motherboard tray and design follows the standard layout and supports up to ATX form factor. Cut-outs are clearly visible for routing cables, though we don’t get any rubber grommets.
Concealing the PSU area there is a large, plastic shroud. This cover has some mounting placements on the roof for installing SSDs. Due to the design, it’s necessary to install the PSU from the alternate side (as shown above). There are rubber feet underneath the PSU and mesh for the PSU fan. While CM do include a dust filter, we are disappointed to see just a thin, flimsy sheet being used rather than a sliding tray. To remove/clean this filter, it is mandatory to place the chassis on its side – making it difficult to simply perform a quick clean.
Above the PSU shroud there are seven PCI expansion slot covers – each have ventilation to encourage better airflow and there are standard screws used to fix these covers into place.
Located at the back of TD500 there is a 120mm rear exhaust cooling fan – this is responsible for pushing heat out of the chassis. In the roof of the case, as we’ve already mentioned, there is allocation for adding in option twin 120/140mm fans.
Placed in the cavity between the front fascia and chassis, CM has included a trio of 120mm RGB LED fans. As well as there being 120mm mounting spots, there is an option to utilise two 140mm too.
As you can see from the above picture, immediately over the cable cut-outs on the motherboard, there is a large plate which, in a similar fashion to the PSU shroud, conceals the messy appearance that cables can bring. This plate can be removed if desired.
For storage there are mounting placements for SSDs on the PSU shroud and back of the motherboard tray – but there is also a two-tray HDD cage. As mechanical drives are steadily disappearing from computer systems, having the option to install a couple is still handy for those still using such storage and yet it doesn’t consume important space required for other components.
Since there are RGB LED cooling fans included with TD500, CM include a controller for adjusting between modes and colours. This switch requires SATA power from the PSU. Additionally, Molex power is needed for the fan controller – this isn’t our favourite method of powering such a device as the pins are very easy to bend/pop out.
