Cooler Master is certainly one of the most recognized brands within the enclosure market as they strive to deliver performance oriented cases at reasonable prices. The N200 mATX enclosure is something different since it is one of the few budget-focused cases on the market that can give higher end models a run for their money.
As the need for larger cases ceases, we are now seeing many manufacturers saturating the market with smaller enclosures to satisfy the growing desire for compact yet enthusiast flavored models. N200 fits the niche pretty well, given its small design with a punch of water cooling options for $49. Yes, that's right: $49.
While Cooler Master was forced to make some sacrifices in order to hit such a low price point, this is still a surprisingly well-rounded product with classic looks and devoid of any visual showboating. The front meshed panel and piano glossy sides give the N200 an elegant appeal. Meanwhile, the standard steel frame and side panels are quite robust for something in this price range. Granted, there isn't anything particularly special about this approach but Cooler Master's focus here is value rather than uniqueness.
What makes the N200 stand out from the competition is the effective internal layout for enthusiast configurations. Not only does it support 14.5” graphics cards, but a 240mm radiator in push-pull for the front of the case is an option, as fans can be installed on both sides of the front panel. Watercooling of course does come with some drawbacks like losing out on both 3.5” drive cages, but the N200 is equipped with two additional 2.5” drive slots on the back panel which can be utilized if you decide to watercool.
Additional fans can be added either to the side panel or the top, with only the latter having a removable dust filter. Given the pre-installed dual intake fans for the front, airflow is channeled both over the graphics card and the above motherboard area, making the N200 an attractive enclosure for air cooling. The only downside is the lack of a proper fine-thread dust filter for the main intake, which will require routine dust maintenance once you are up and running.
This mATX gem should have no issues leaving the shelves as it fits almost an entire checklist of convenience, support and value, whether you decide to watercool or need to populate those drive cages, the price of $49 closes the deal.
As the need for larger cases ceases, we are now seeing many manufacturers saturating the market with smaller enclosures to satisfy the growing desire for compact yet enthusiast flavored models. N200 fits the niche pretty well, given its small design with a punch of water cooling options for $49. Yes, that's right: $49.
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While Cooler Master was forced to make some sacrifices in order to hit such a low price point, this is still a surprisingly well-rounded product with classic looks and devoid of any visual showboating. The front meshed panel and piano glossy sides give the N200 an elegant appeal. Meanwhile, the standard steel frame and side panels are quite robust for something in this price range. Granted, there isn't anything particularly special about this approach but Cooler Master's focus here is value rather than uniqueness.
What makes the N200 stand out from the competition is the effective internal layout for enthusiast configurations. Not only does it support 14.5” graphics cards, but a 240mm radiator in push-pull for the front of the case is an option, as fans can be installed on both sides of the front panel. Watercooling of course does come with some drawbacks like losing out on both 3.5” drive cages, but the N200 is equipped with two additional 2.5” drive slots on the back panel which can be utilized if you decide to watercool.
Additional fans can be added either to the side panel or the top, with only the latter having a removable dust filter. Given the pre-installed dual intake fans for the front, airflow is channeled both over the graphics card and the above motherboard area, making the N200 an attractive enclosure for air cooling. The only downside is the lack of a proper fine-thread dust filter for the main intake, which will require routine dust maintenance once you are up and running.
This mATX gem should have no issues leaving the shelves as it fits almost an entire checklist of convenience, support and value, whether you decide to watercool or need to populate those drive cages, the price of $49 closes the deal.
