A Masterpiece - Cooler Master NCORE 100 Max Review

What a beautiful ITX sky-scraper! Despite some minor flaws, this is going to be such a refreshing point-of-entry for many newcomers into the SFF space. Cooling? Covered! Power and Cable management? Covered! GPU fitment for the next few years? Covered! Let's check out the NCORE 100 MAX :)
Buy items in this video from Amazon at the links below:
Cooler Master NCORE 100 MAX Gray - geni.us/NCORE100MAXGray
Cooler Master NCORE 100 MAX Bronze - geni.us/NCORE100MAXBronze
Cooler Master NR200P MAX - geni.us/NR200PMAX
Fractal TERRA - geni.us/TERRASILVER
ASUS AP201 (mATX) - geni.us/AP201
Check out the Phanteks D30 here - geni.us/D30BRegular
Timestamps:
0:00 - Coming Up!
0:14 - Unboxing and Size comparison (vs TERRA)
1:17 - Bronze Edition Color (WOW)
1:41 - Getting Inside is easy?
2:42 - Removing the AIO!
3:56 - Cooling and PSU (850W)
5:10 - GPU Fitment (Default mode)
5:40 - Click for Good Luck (Sponsor)
6:10 - GPU Fitment (Expanded mode 1)
7:20 - GPU Fitment (Expanded mode 2)
8:13 - NO WAY IT FITS!
9:22 - Default vs Expanded Mode Size Comparison
10:01 - Pointless Feature!
11:13 - How long does it take to build?
12:47 - FIRST BOOT PROBLEMS!
13:25 - RTX 4080 Temps vs my NV5
13:43 - MY MAIN ISSUE!
14:19 - INTERIOR
15:31 - Temperatures (vs ALL ITX cases)
16:17 - Price (is it better vs NZXT H1 v2?)
GET MERCH ►hwcstore.com
SUBSCRIBE ►bit.ly/SubHWC
Review unit provided free of charge by Cooler Master This video is sponsored by Phanteks. As per Hardware Canucks guidelines, no review direction was received from manufacturer. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
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#hardwarecanucks #Gaming #NCORE100

[@TulioPontacoloni]

I super appreciate the transparency when mucking up the cpu cooler and displayport. It lends to credibility and honestly just empathy from a fellow builder. This thing looks sick. I swore of ITX after my last build was such a pain in the a** to upgrade etc. They've come a long way! Hope they quick fix the feet/display - I'll wait before purchase but this will be in my new build! Love the bronze!

[@G-Unit1111]

The design and the gold color are definite standouts. As an SFF builder I am glad that companies are paying attention to the SFF market and delivering accordingly!

[@cameronwheler7367]

Mad respect to the team for leaving in the gaffe with the AIO coldplate sticker... It's happened to all of us. Also for sharing that sock/sandal combination ✌🏼✌🏼

[@HardOCPTV]

Built a new system this NCore 100 Max last week with a 7800X3D and 7900 XTX, and cooling works just fine. Could not be happier.

[@smthsmth]

Just fine = it hasnt yet burned down my house

[@shrunty]

Is the Ncore 100 max power supply sufficient for this build? I went with a Lian Li mid tower over this to have a 850W power supply for my 7800X3D and 7900 XTX build

[@unholydonuts]

Talk about min maxing inside an itx case!

[@1nfiniteloop]

What are CPU temps like gaming? AMD was the first thing I though of when I saw it was 12mm cooler only.

[@Shulcyo]

i have identical build in nr200pmax and temps are great. both CPU and GPU cores temps are rarely going over 60C. Not sure how would this work with 120mm aio

[@DR4K0R3X]

I really like the perfectly sized cables built in. This is the first SFF case that I could see myself getting.

[@CatdaddyM]

Guys listen closely to Dimitry He’s the real OG. He’s been around doing reviews for over 15+ years now. I used to watch him when I was back in Uni. Now I am married with 2 kids who started watching his videos too. He’s as big as Linus and the others. Hats off to Dimitry. Glad to see him still making amazing review videos after all these years.

[@sirdrinksalottrenchhugger4041]

4:20 Good luck with that. In case of an RMA, they'll want you to send the entire thing back, not just individual components. I had issues with an oscillating fan noise on my NR200P MAX, and that was their solution. Not just sending back the AIO or the fans, but the entire case. I just ended up replacing those poor quality Cooler Master stock fans with some Noctuas and now everything is OK.

[@TheLinkedList]

Yup, same problem existed with the NZXT H1. My friend's AIO pump failed and they want him to send the whole thing back & they're saying it might take a month to replace. I mean, who goes a month without their work / gaming machine

[@watercannonscollaboration2281]

This case feels very gaming-centric, where you don’t go ham on the CPU and pick something like an i5 (maybe i7) or a 7800X3D. That isn’t a bad thing, you don’t need to go “no compromises” on ITX all the time The custom cable length is pretty convenient, and some of the additional cables are braided which helps so much for cable management. Corsair used to do it for their SFF PSUs, their included type 4 cables were shortened and braided, and it’s something I wish more companies would do for their SFF lineup

[@danlazaro1676]

Thank you for this review. This was EXACTLY what I wanted to see regarding SFF and fitment with the new (thicc) gpu's coming out. Seeing you expanding the case and giving measurements really helped a lot!

[@HardwareCanucks]

Glad I could help! -D.

[@JitHster]

Impressive case! Good vid

[@stewart9540]

Nice looking case, never built on an ITX it's always been full tower custom loop, but I'd like to try this

[@CarnisChampion]

Thank you. I think this may just be my new luggable gaming pc case :D

[@TheDungkaka1993]

The new riser looks interesting. Looking forward to buy the riser

[@teknolojigundemi]

Very good effort. I wish they make a complete water cooled versions of itx , mini itx in future.

[@MrSouthSioux]

I like it. Especially for a home theater build. Could sit behind a television out of sight or easily beside a entertainment center on the floor.

[@shawncollenburg9147]

I love this case. I'm big fan of undermounting the case to the table (e.g. standing desk) and this will be fantastic. A little extra noise doesn't really matter, since I have the nice barrier anyway. IO placement works fine for me as well, since I would just mount the IO toward the front (and yes, that makes display routing a little more work, but that problem is quickly cable managed away)

[@Collins1984]

Just built this with 5600x and 3060ti only issues I had were motherboard related because of the heat spreaders on the Aorus mini itx. Love the case!

[@zainhaider6724]

Firstly, a very nice in-depth review of this case as always. I do like the case but I can't believe this case will be able to remove heat from the newer larger and hotter computer components that are now coming to market. It may be worth getting a build with all the hotest components and see how this behaves in extreme conditions.

[@MadOnion78]

Damn, love that case. Was looking for the Lian Li Q58X4, NR200P MAX or Fractal terra....... but this looks sooooo nice. We have a winner ......

[@omni_0101]

I love cooler master! People always sleep on them but my NR200 was the easiest, highest performance mini itx I've ever built in.

[@brumby92]

Right angled DPI cables exist. They should include one in the box imo. They really help clean up cables especially the back of monitors. I'd love a case only version.

[@yensteel]

As a guy who hates keeping multiple cables for different scenarios: swiveled DPI cable >:)

[@Martin-el5uu]

First time in a long time that a case got me so interested, same "want it now" feeling as when I first saw the Phanteks Evolv shift XT 😁

[@HardwareCanucks]

Ha nice! Hope you find it for a good price 👍 which color are you choosing? -D.

[@johnfritzcabahug665]

The only thing this case needs is an angled display cable out of the box, its gonna be 10/10

[@DiddyReviews]

great video as always, it looks amazing. any idea if it will be released without the psu and cooler? its very pricey

[@5yearshed]

It is a looker!

[@eTiMaGo]

Always been a fan of the NZXT H1 form factor, but this one would definitely sway me!

[@vmbra6255]

Angled DP cable is a must I see

[@mysticode]

👏👏 transparency! 👏👏

[@blackbirdpctech]

Nice case … you guys do great reviews !!

[@leakyabstraction]

Gorgeous looking case, especially the dark gold color. But, I have a Lian Li / Dan Case A4-H2O, with a 240 AIO, which is supposed to be around 12 liters, and with respect to the case itself I think I haven't seen much extra features here that the 4 liters additional volume would offer, besides one bottom fan. Although it's true that this case can accommodate massive graphics cards, but still it could offer a bit more with that plus 4l.

[@kanshashiteiru6552]

14:14 I doubt the case’s stability, since the center of gravity seems too high. The power button should be at the bottom or the top of the case, otherwise it might topple over when pressed.

[@williamchiawq3747]

A little side story for the pointless feature regarding the movable piece. Cooler Master suppose to release 2 version of NCORE 100 like NR200 including the barebone version. But in the middle of production, they decided not to release NCORE barebone version, so the movable piece and middle spine is designed for user who getting barebone and having chance to fit in taller low profile air cooler.

[@VinylicSummer4]

The case itself is really good and designful, but the 120mm aio (tho thicker) and the price range is kind of a small drawback.

[@oRicardoHetfield]

For me is the psu throw hot air to the AIO! Pretty sure that temps would be better if they rotate the psu... Probably would be better using a top down air cooler!

[@VulgrDisplay]

It comes with a PSU and cooler for that price doesn't it? Seems like it's right where it should be price wise.

[@HardwareCanucks]

I think the price is pretty fair with cooling, PSU and cables included. -D.

[@shenchingyeh6000]

It’s a whole solution, not just a case.

[@MickeyMolad]

Love the thumbnail

[@pedrosk445]

Great review, wish we saw real world gaming temps

[@MuShinnen]

I like this case quite a bit. I will say the thumbnail left me a bit disappointed because my eyes see a bright yellow, and now i wish that was an optional colorway for the case.

[@Delver639]

For the HDMI cable (for those who connect the PC on TV), try a fiber optic cable with 90 degree angled connector, that will do the trick (and a FO cable is worth every penny). Don't know if there's a similar cable for Display Port.

[@briantse11]

Could you please check the max height of CPU air cooler compatible with the spine moving? I really like the case but not water cooling

[@DrBreezeAir]

*looks at his Noctua edition card* - Someday, my friend, someday.

[@Endemoniada]

If GPUs are going to keep growing longer and longer, this will soon be the only way to make a case. I'm still using a Meshify C, thinking the "compact" sub-category of ATX cases would definitely be the future, but then I got a 3080 and immediately that dream was shot down. 40-series are even longer... So next time I build a whole PC, I might very well go with one of the vertical-style cases. Every other part is still growing smaller, an ITX board is more than enough to fit RAM, drives and everything else, so building around the GPU is the only thing that really makes sense, and that means the old motherboard-centric ATX tower feels extremely outdated and wasteful at this point.

[@maxderdax6117]

I love the direction cooler master has been heading recently compared to a few years ago.

[@spo1buco]

I was waiting for this review! 😍😍😍

[@ReapeRayne]

the dp cable can be solved by using an angled dp cable so yeah hope this helps

[@QuantumAssassin]

I built that Mustang with my daughter it is a fun build.

[@miguelcollado5438]

they sell 90*deg DP cable adapters.. had to buy a few for my Phanteks ITX build

[@giff74]

It's a nice looking case, but I'd like to see the CPU temps with more modern CPU.

[@HardwareCanucks]

I use that system so you can see how it compares to all other cases previously tested. Otherwise it’ll just be temperatures with nothing for reference. -D.

[@VulgrDisplay]

Most AMD CPUs should be fine. Intel will definitely be an issue on this cooler.

[@giff74]

@@HardwareCanucks The actual temp IS the point of reference. That cooler is a limiting factor for today's toasty CPUs.

[@giff74]

@@VulgrDisplay I agree. It would be great to have seen that in the video though LOL

[@austintea]

I love the look of this case but I'm on team air cooler, so I'm gonna be going with something else

[@BITEKC]

I think NZXT H1 is the best looking vertical case. I took idea from your review of H1 and got myself IKEA fake plant that sits on the top of the case and I feel like I will never upgrade my case (even when AIO goes) again. I like H1 so much that the only case that would make me upgrade again is H1 V3 (when and if does come out). Plus I really like all those custom options for H1 on Etsy.

[@nalda4334]

This is how to review a case, all the pros, cons, what can be done, how tall and thick the graphic card can be install, what problem to expect when adjusting the graphic card area to accomodate maximum 4 slot full lenght GPU. All this lay out in the open. Also the time taken to built the pc is a nice extras. Always love it when dimitri doing case review. It's time to jump ship to cooler master, lian li just lost their customer. Always betraying fan with their expo and then cancel the case that already shown.

[@jonathanellis6097]

My concern would be replacement of the aio when it dies. Only a 2 year warranty, will an aio replacement be available? I know a standard 120mm would probably fit, but you would realistically want the thicker one that comes with the case.

[@rare6499]

My biggest concern as well.

[@6r3ys0n]

I wish they made that white strix 3090 as a 4090 variant with a more dense fin stack. I would replace my current 4090 in a heartbeat that throwback is so beautiful

[@mrbobo86]

This case is beautiful but i wish the aluminium was more silver like the phanteks shift XT

[@ravnos04]

The real hero of this video is the green Mustang GTD model Dimitri had in frame. 😂

[@HardwareCanucks]

True, the real MVP of the vid 😆 -D.

[@NeVErseeNMeLikEDis]

The forgotten peel happen to me too. I was building my first am5 build n my old cooler use its own back plate so i couldnt use it on am5. I remember i have new dark rock pro 4 that was in my shelve just collecting dust for like a yr. When i put it i totally forgotten to remove that plastics Notice my temps was high .i knew the bequiet coolers suck at am5 n shoud be avoided at all cost but they couldnt be that .i was like i thing i forgotten to remove the plastic 😂 . N yes that was the issue😂😅

[@Jason_YT]

That PSU they included is very loud at idle because it has no zero RPM mode. Instant deal killer

[@Claudethechiefsfan]

Is the Cooler Master V1100 SFX Platinum compatible with this case?

[@MrStR1K3Rify]

In my opinion Corsair One is the best itx design and best lookin case. I hope Corsair makes user buildable One case

[@kylomylo2082]

Is it possible to swap out the PSU for a higher wattage one? Given that newer cards like the 4090 or even 5090 will draw alot more power

[@adamsteinbacher2629]

The bread bag cable ties just make it look cheap. Velcro straps would have been a much more fitting option for such an otherwise premium looking case.

[@yuiyue807]

It's actually (I forgot the name for it) a quite normally used tie for electronic stuff, my dad is an electrician and he and also his buddies use it at their job and during the build of our house too I've seen several of these being used across the house so I'm pretty sure it's a good quality enough and if not, just replace it yourself man

[@adamsteinbacher2629]

@@yuiyue807 Yeah I'm not knocking the practicality or safety of it. Just seems like an awfully cheap choice of tie-downs for a $400 case. The NR200 comes with velcro tie-downs and I bought that thing new for $20 after a sale and rebate.

[@yuiyue807]

@@adamsteinbacher2629 Well in that case, it does make sense.....guess they tried cheaping out here. 💀 and that price is insane!

[@TheBrandoncyz]

Lovely looking case but as I said when I first saw it... JUST. give me the case, Everything else is unneeded for me. tho it's a good optional choice for those who don't want to deal with the headache of that build process... Still , NCORE 100 non-Max WHEN? also thanks for the full teardown, nice to see that the PSU is removeable if anything happens.

[@squirts1]

Reminds me of the Phanteks evolve shift.

[@classicallpvault8251]

Just use a 90'' sideways adapter for the DisplayPort cable. They're only around 7 bucks. Should have been included with the case though.

[@springvice]

I thought it is named 100 max for its 100C degree performance. Turned out just a forgotten peel.

[@nathantaylor118]

So, it's their answer to the NZXT H1. Nice, :D

[@Kahlimer0]

Looks awesome but would be even more if you had option for vertical AND horizontal.

[@evileyeball]

You could disable the AIO pump logo with a piece of black coloured tape ;)

[@NiGHTSChao689]

My dude... I mean this with all the love in the world Hardware Canucks, but leaving the film on the AIO... Come on.

[@HardwareCanucks]

Happens to us all 😆 -D.

[@NosyNorseman]

He could just have edited it out so..

[@unholydonuts]

In his defense, he was timing and filming himself while building.

[@Yowgurto]

@HardwareCanucks Demetri is just dumb and annoying. Fire him already.

[@Zatchillac]

I wish there was an ITX case that could hold plenty of drives. I have a mATX case now but it's still bigger than I like, but it can hold all my SSD's and HDD

[@AndyU96]

When it comes to mini itx, 2.5" drives you can put in a case depend entirely on how creative you are

[@jamilvints]

I wish we could get the case only

[@ThisisDD]

Reminds me largely of the SilverStone FT03

[@AKG58Z]

Where are the sff cases man under the n case m1 volume.

[@wyntje83]

glad to see the innovation and the better than expected temps, but this case is 400 euros where Iive... that's not great.

[@D3moknight]

I am curious how you are able to compare GPU temperatures of other cases such as the Dan case, and you specifiy that you are not able to use the same RTX 4080. Does that mean that you tested this case with the 4080 from the video, or do you have a low-profile GPU that you put in all of your ITX tests?

[@HardwareCanucks]

Yeah I use the same hardware for all ITX case testing, it’s in the top right corner of all the graphs. The GPU is a 2060. -D.

[@Hardwaretuned]

Nr200p max is the best itx ever in the history of all cases

[@TechModProjects]

2 cars worth of technic... New metric! Love it 😅

[@camilosabo]

What is the most powerful processor that that AIO could support?

[@romxxii]

wouldn't a 90º attachment help with that weird cable positioning?

[@swordscythe]

Am I interpreting this right, that you built the Ncore 100 MAX with a 3080 GPU but the test was performed with 2060 GPU (I assume, to be able to compare with Mini-ITX build that can't fit that GPU)? So we can assume that fitting a higher TDP GPU in this case (say, a 7800XT or 7900GRE) will make it run much hotter under load?

[@jonathanschaeffner4275]

Run a 14900k in there and you can double it as an effective space heater for your desk.

[@forte7991]

This looks better then my nuc Intel extreme beast

[@garetht1236]

I need an Cooler Master NCORE 300 ATX Max case please. They can skip the mATX NCORE 200 haha

[@chrisbullock6477]

Thinking stability improves once components are all it..

[@sebbosebbo9794]

I wish a under 8l version comes soon..

[@MatthiasLindemann-hp2zr]

🥲When I saw the thumbnail, the first thing I thought was that it was a review of the world's largest cheese grater.

[@bolondember]

so many "that's what she said" moments, sooo many :D

[@maartenmidden1651]

Are silent cases still a thing? Or are nowadays PC very silent?

[@DaSyEnTisT]

Nice review but I would have like to know the cpu temp on a modern CPU,not a i5 9600k

[@marty5300]

Dimitri.. you and that hair, dude. Time for an appt with the barber

[@killerclassG7]

Would the AIO be ok with an i7-14700KF?

[@Sneeuwinjebilnaad]

7:16 That is the measurement i use with my girlfriend, too. A strong 20 centimeters.

[@ScytheNoire]

Explain again how someone is supposed to plug in their video card cable without raising it up? Did they really miss that issue?

[@dreadin]

it seems to only be an issue for the biggest cards which require the bracket to be moved to its lowest position to fit.

[@hwi7114]

Just use a 90 degree adapter for HDMI/DP, no need for feet extensions.

[@jaymacpherson8167]

Not looking for a case atm, but I watched this one because… In the lead photo, why is Dimitri carrying a boom box on his shoulder???

[@SuchtFaktorHoch10]

That thumbnail made me click so fast.

[@mnap1595]

Cool and all, but I really wish they would have just made it possible to stand the NR200 in a vertical orientation. There's a lot going on here that just feels wasted and/or poorly thought out.

[@pastasauce99]

Where DVD drive bay?

[@totuschristus9130]

Yeah the HP Omen 45L case beats all listed cases

[@MrDutch1e]

All you need is a 90° cable for the lower layout. Not a big deal. Everyone with a meshlicious knows.

[@powlow1664]

Curious if the rad will accommodate a T30 fan

[@flyingpj]

it won't

[@HardwareCanucks]

Unfortunately no. Standard 25mm fans only. -D.

[@Zaj88]

Will it fit a ROG Strix 4080 Super OC - 4 slot?