The Cooler Master NR200 is a standout SFF (Small Form Factor) case for those who seeking a balance between compact design and flexibility. I was previously using the SilverStone SUGO 16, which is great for accommodating an ATX power supply and single tower coolers in its 13L volume, but limited to a GPU length of 27.5cm and two-slot thickness, I’m going to shift to the NR200 which provides much-needed space for modern, larger graphics cards.
Pros of the NR200:
1. Modular Structure
The core value of NR200 is its highly modular design, allowing users to strip the case down to its core frame. This feature significantly simplifies the building process, especially for ITX enthusiasts dealing with giant GPUs like the 3.5-slot cards in recent generation (RTX40/ RX7900 series).
2. GPU Compatibility
Unlike the SUGO 16, which couldn’t house the 33.8cm PowerColor Red Devil RX 7900XTX, the NR200 handled it with tight yet sufficient space, showing its capability to support flagship GPUs as long as they fall under this length.
3. Ventilation and Cooling Options
While supporting dual 120mm side fans to aid in exhaust, I swapped the rear-mounted 92mm Cooler Master fan to intake mode for better airflow management. It also allows for creative cooling setups using traditional air cooling or slim radiators on the side.
4. Solid Build and Expandable Features
Constructed with a robust build quality, the NR200 includes detailed support from Cooler Master’s website, offering downloadable 3D print files for custom brackets and stands, which is a rarity among case manufacturers.
Challenges Noted:
| Cooling Restrictions | Full compatibility with AIO solutions can be tricky. |
| Space Constraints | While the NR200 accommodates high-end builds, it may require sacrifices, such as removing a fan to fit an SFX-L power supply (e.g., the ROG Loki 750W). Moreover, fitting larger GPUs can block additional cooling options at the bottom. |
| Pricing for High-End Kits | Advanced models (NR200 MAX ) with included AIO coolers and PSU options come at a premium, potentially limiting budget builders. |
Build Experience
My current setup featured the AMD RX 7900XTX, supported by a ROG Loki 750W PSU with soft, manageable modular cables, ensuring clean internal routing. The Thermalright AXP90 Full Black down-blower cooler effectively managed CPU temperatures even in high loads, thanks to its dense copper fins, outperforming aluminum variants. The combination of front and top-mounted fans (including the Noctua NF-S12A Chromax.Black) contributed to effective thermal exhaust.
With RGB lighting from both the RX 7900XTX and the Loki PSU enhancing the build’s aesthetics, the case maintained an open feel with illuminated panels visible through the side vents.
Conclusion
The Cooler Master NR200 is an exceptional entry point for SFF builds, providing a perfect blend of affordability (around $1990 NT) and quality. It offers room for customization and comes with thoughtful design features, making it a versatile platform for new and experienced builders. However, fitting ultra-large GPUs like certain RTX 4090 models might push the limits, highlighting a potential need for further case advancements like the upcoming DAN C4-SFX, which promises even greater GPU and AIO compatibility.
For SFF enthusiasts, the NR200 remains a solid choice with ample room for creative and powerful builds.
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