Cooler Master NR200 Review - They Listened!

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optimum

11 min, 19 sec

A detailed review of the Cooler Master NR200, comparing it to its predecessor and other small form-factor cases.

Summary

  • The NR200 is a significant improvement over last year's Cooler Master H100.
  • Priced at $60, it offers space optimization and is competitively cheaper than similar cases like the Ncase M1.
  • The NR200 can accommodate large components, up to a 280mm AIO, triple-slot GPUs, and is air-cooling and custom loop friendly.
  • Thermal performance is impressive, beating similar cases in CPU and GPU thermals, partially due to its larger size and additional fan support.
  • Despite being budget-friendly, the NR200 does not compromise on build quality or design, and is recommended for desktop gaming systems or workstations.

Chapter 1

Introduction to NR200

0:00 - 37 sec

The NR200 is introduced as a superior ITX case compared to Cooler Master's previous models.

The NR200 is introduced as a superior ITX case compared to Cooler Master's previous models.

  • The NR200 is a significant improvement over the H100, featuring better design and thermal performance.
  • The NR200 is part of a trend where big case manufacturers focus on space-optimized cases.

Chapter 2

Pricing and Variants

0:43 - 34 sec

The NR200 is priced at $60, with an alternate variant that includes additional features for a premium.

The NR200 is priced at $60, with an alternate variant that includes additional features for a premium.

  • The NR200 starts at $60, with an NR200P variant that includes a tempered glass side panel, vertical GPU riser cable, and an additional fan for $30 more.
  • The NR200P positions itself as an affordable small form-factor case, significantly cheaper than the Ncase M1.

Chapter 3

Design Inspiration and Market Position

1:17 - 30 sec

The NR200's design is inspired by premium small form-factor cases and aims to provide a budget-friendly option.

The NR200's design is inspired by premium small form-factor cases and aims to provide a budget-friendly option.

  • The NR200's design takes cues from premium cases such as the Ghost S1 and Ncase M1.
  • It targets consumers looking for premium small form-factor cases but are deterred by high prices or low availability.

Chapter 4

Exterior Design and Features

1:47 - 44 sec

The NR200 boasts a clean design with a mesh top panel and options for tempered glass or ventilated side panels.

The NR200 boasts a clean design with a mesh top panel and options for tempered glass or ventilated side panels.

  • The mesh top panel allows for mounting two additional fans, enhancing cooling capabilities.
  • The side panels are ventilated by default, with the NR200P variant offering a toolless tempered glass option.

Chapter 5

Size and Portability Considerations

2:31 - 1 min, 58 sec

While the NR200 is larger than some small form-factor cases, it compensates with superior hardware compatibility.

While the NR200 is larger than some small form-factor cases, it compensates with superior hardware compatibility.

  • At 18 liters, the NR200 is considered on the upper limit of small form-factor, making it less portable but more versatile.
  • The case's size allows for larger components, making it a good option for desktop builds rather than portable ones.

Chapter 6

Hardware Compatibility

4:29 - 2 min, 11 sec

The NR200 can house large components, including a 280mm AIO, large CPU coolers, and triple-slot GPUs.

The NR200 can house large components, including a 280mm AIO, large CPU coolers, and triple-slot GPUs.

  • It supports CPU coolers up to 158mm in height and GPUs up to 330mm in length, accommodating most high-end hardware.
  • Custom loop cooling is viable with dedicated pump mounting locations, despite being a budget case.

Chapter 7

Cooling Configuration and Performance

6:40 - 1 min, 9 sec

The NR200's optimal cooling configuration includes multiple fans, a large AIO, and results in impressive thermal performance.

The NR200's optimal cooling configuration includes multiple fans, a large AIO, and results in impressive thermal performance.

  • The NR200's cooling can be maximized with two bottom fans, a top-mounted AIO, and additional exhaust fans.
  • Thermal performance is outstanding, surpassing similar cases in both CPU and GPU temperatures.

Chapter 8

Building Experience and Cable Management

7:49 - 41 sec

Building in the NR200 is straightforward, but cable management requires attention due to the number of fans and potential splitters.

Building in the NR200 is straightforward, but cable management requires attention due to the number of fans and potential splitters.

  • The spacious interior makes assembly easy, but the presence of several fans necessitates careful cable management.
  • Using zip ties and spending extra time on cables will result in a neater build.

Chapter 9

Thermal and Noise Benchmarking

8:30 - 1 min, 30 sec

The NR200's thermal and noise performance is benchmarked against other cases, showcasing its superior cooling efficiency.

The NR200's thermal and noise performance is benchmarked against other cases, showcasing its superior cooling efficiency.

  • With revamped testing methodology, the NR200 beats the Ncase M1 and Steck DA2 in CPU thermals and operates quieter.
  • Motherboard and GPU thermal performance in the NR200 is also impressive, with the case managing heat well even under heavy loads.

Chapter 10

Conclusion and Recommendations

10:00 - 1 min, 19 sec

The review concludes with a strong recommendation for the NR200 as a versatile and affordable ITX case.

The review concludes with a strong recommendation for the NR200 as a versatile and affordable ITX case.

  • The NR200 is recommended for its flexibility, cooling capabilities, and value for money.
  • Suitable for desktop gaming systems or workstations, the NR200 is expected to remain a top performer in thermal efficiency.

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