Looking for a mid-tower case that offers good airflow and a sleek design without breaking the bank? The Cooler Master MasterBox NR600 might be a good fit. I’ve been using it for a few months now and have been impressed with its overall performance.
Mid-tower PC cases provide a perfect balance of space, features, and affordability. They’re ideal for most users, offering enough room for powerful components while remaining manageable in size.
When choosing a mid-tower case, there are several things you should consider. The first is airflow, as a well-ventilated case can help keep your components cool and prevent thermal throttling. Another important factor is build quality, as you’ll want a case that’s durable and well-constructed. Lastly, consider the features offered, such as cable management options, fan mounts, and drive bays.
However, mid-tower cases aren’t right for everyone. Those with very specific needs, like extreme overclocking enthusiasts or those who need to fit multiple GPUs, may need to consider larger full-tower cases. And, if you’re on a strict budget, a smaller micro-ATX case might be a better choice.
- Minimalistic mesh design - Elegant design elements are applied to mesh for optimal thermal...
- Optimal thermal performance – the full mesh front panel and ventilated top panel provide a high...
- Flush Tempered glass Side panel design – The tempered glass Side panel, fastened by thumbscrews on...
- Graphics Card support up to 410 millimeter – Generous clearance space is provided to support the...
The Cooler Master MasterBox NR600: A Closer Look
The Cooler Master MasterBox NR600 is a stylish mid-tower case that aims to deliver optimal cooling and expandability in a minimalist design. It features a front panel and top panel designed for maximum airflow and a tempered glass side panel for showing off your components. The NR600 is a great choice for gamers and enthusiasts on a budget, offering excellent features at an affordable price.
Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Excellent airflow
- Spacious interior with ample room for components
- Sleek and minimalist design
- Tempered glass side panel
- Good cable management options
Cons:
- Riveted bottom panel and HDD cage limit component access
- Unique “pin-screw” system for SSD mounting can be awkward
- No RGB lighting included
Exploring the Features and Benefits
Airflow and Cooling
One of the most impressive aspects of the NR600 is its airflow performance. The front panel and top panel feature large mesh vents designed to allow maximum airflow into the case. These vents are covered with fine mesh filters that help prevent dust from accumulating inside the case.
The NR600 can support up to six 120mm fans or two 140mm fans on the top. It also includes a single 120mm fan in the rear. With this many fans, the case can move a significant amount of air, helping to keep your components cool even under heavy loads. I’ve found that my components run noticeably cooler in this case than they did in my previous case, which had a more restrictive design.
Build Quality and Design
The NR600 is made of high-quality steel, giving it a sturdy and durable feel. The tempered glass side panel is thick and well-secured, and the case has a robust overall construction that should withstand normal use. The case features a clean and minimalist design that complements any setup. The front panel features a subtle Cooler Master logo that isn’t too flashy or obtrusive.
One of the NR600’s standout features is its tempered glass side panel. This panel is easy to remove and offers a clear view of your components. The panel is also designed to be dust resistant, which is a nice bonus.
However, there are some aspects of the design that I find a bit frustrating. The bottom panel and HDD cage are riveted in place, making it difficult to access the PSU or install 3.5” drives. The use of rivets instead of screws is a common criticism of the NR600, as it limits the user’s ability to customize or upgrade the case. The case’s unique SSD mounting system also uses a pin-screw system that feels somewhat flimsy and awkward to use. While it’s not a major issue, I prefer the more traditional screw-based SSD mounting systems found on other cases.
Cable Management
The NR600 offers decent cable management options, although it’s not as extensive as some higher-end cases. It has a large cable management area behind the motherboard tray, as well as a few tie-down points. While it’s not the easiest case to manage cables in, it’s still pretty good for its price point. The case also includes a removable HDD tray on the bottom of the case that can be used for installing 3.5” hard drives.
While the NR600 provides adequate cable management, I have encountered some limitations with it. The limited access to the bottom panel due to rivets makes cable routing less intuitive and convenient. Additionally, the case’s rear panel lacks dedicated cable tie-down points, leading to less than ideal cable organization.
Expansion and Storage
The NR600 has plenty of space for expansion, with the ability to support both ATX and Micro-ATX motherboards. The case can accommodate graphics cards up to 375mm long, CPU coolers up to 166mm tall, and power supplies up to 180mm long. The NR600 also features a good amount of storage space, with 2x 2.5” drive bays and 2x 3.5” drive bays.
I appreciate the NR600’s generous storage options, offering ample space for both HDDs and SSDs. However, the case’s riveted bottom panel and HDD cage can hinder accessibility, making it challenging to install or remove 3.5” drives. Additionally, the case lacks dedicated storage bays for 2.5” drives in more accessible locations. Despite these limitations, the NR600 still provides sufficient storage options for most users.
I/O Panel
The NR600’s I/O panel is located on the top of the case and features two USB 3.0 ports, a microphone jack, and a headphone jack. I find these ports to be very convenient, as they are easily accessible. The panel also includes a power button, reset button, and an LED power indicator.
While the I/O panel is functional, I have noticed that the LED power indicator is quite bright and can be distracting. The inclusion of a single headset jack can be inconvenient for those who require separate microphone and headphone connections. The limited availability of USB ports might not be sufficient for users who require multiple USB connections.
User Feedback
I’ve been browsing online reviews, and it seems that a large number of users are happy with the NR600. Many praise its good airflow and its sleek design. Some users do mention the riveted bottom panel and HDD cage as a negative, but most seem to overlook it or consider it a minor issue.
Overall Verdict
The Cooler Master MasterBox NR600 is a great mid-tower case for budget-minded PC builders. It offers excellent airflow, a spacious interior, and a sleek design. However, it does have a few downsides, including the riveted bottom panel and HDD cage, and the unique SSD mounting system. If you can overlook these drawbacks, then the NR600 is a great value for the price.
For those looking for a stylish and well-ventilated PC case without breaking the bank, I would recommend checking out the Cooler Master MasterBox NR600, Click here to check it out.