Cougar QBX - A Surprisingly Capable $50 ITX Case!

Today we review one of the most exciting ITX cases in a while... the Cougar QBX! Launched in 2015, this little guy deserves a proper spotlight in 2017 :)
Buy items in this video from Amazon at the links below:
Get your GLASS on with Phanteks Eclipse P400 Temperd Glass:
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P400 TG (White) - geni.us/WI4R
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Review unit provided free of charge by Cougar. This video is sponsored by Phanteks. As per Hardware Canucks guidelines, no video direction was received from manufacturer. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Gear list (Available on Amazon):
Panasonic GH4 - geni.us/2hzK
Panasonic G7 - geni.us/24nm
Canon C100 - geni.us/vDI
Sony RX100m3 - geni.us/dtb
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[@Juancaphi]

I buiilt my pc inside this case, and the case looks stunning. Big tip for looks: THE COUGAR LOGO ON THE FRONT IS A STICKER AND CAN BE REMOVED, thus leaving a completly minimalistic look to it. It trully looks like a budget NCASE. Leave likes so potential buyers see my tip :).

[@pranavmalhotra8551]

wat psu did u go with??

[@Juancaphi]

Pranav Malhotra heres a link to the cpu cooler, power supply and fans i used: pcpartpicker.com/list/GWMFpb here's a link to someone elses build but with a complete guide through using pictures: pcpartpicker.com/b/kw2RsY

[@psychotricot]

Got the same case and went with corsair SF600+adapter bracket. The build is not finished since I'm waiting for Ryzen release to make a choice on the CPU but it looks like with the clearance gained from the psu, I'll be able to fit a 240mm aio with both fans has opposed to what the manufacturer said (240mm w/1 Fan)

[@ShimoYukimura]

Juancaphi That is honestly good to know because I do not know how I feel about the word "Cougar" in general... I know it's the brand, but to my friends who have never heard, they would just see and think some things right off the bat.

[@psychotricot]

jonny geigle it usually depend on what model of x card you go with but my strix 1070 fit and it's a very long card so most likely yes. I can't say for the thermal as the build is not yet completed but shouldn't be too bad

[@Isaiah094]

This is what happens when a company makes their objective to be consumer first, not profit. I'm sold. (of course it jumped up to $64.99 on Amazon after release of this video)

[@strzeldrob6422]

It's like a ikea case. awesome looks,cheap price and incredible practicality.

[@ilhamwicaksono5802]

Ikea is considered luxury brand here

[@Wistbacka]

Yes! Finally a GOOD reviewer reviews this case! I have been looking at this case for a while, as it is a poor man's NCase M1 (pretty much identical layout with minor exceptions). Dimitri thankfully showed the 2.5" drive tray behind the mobo, something I have not seen previously. What he didn't mention is that you can mount a 2.5" drive in place of the slim ODD, if not installing the ODD (obviously). Thanks for this review!

[@MattsPaddock]

Cool little chassis! Cougar has some pretty decent models in their portfolio considering the price point!

[@titanclaw2488]

TekTick hi Matthew!

[@maxchilla732]

TekTick German engeniering

[@Potato-ns9se]

German Engineering? Not really. Cougar blantly stole NCase M1 design and used lower quality material. The real engineers came from NCase (USA).

[@fishywtf]

I have this case and built in it over and over trying to get cables right. The best way to route all the cables is into the top area where the 24 pin was routed. makes everything so much cleaner. you can place 2x 120 mm fans on the side by removing hdd tray. all in one cooler is hard to shove in there with the long tubes, best to go with low profile coolers.

[@haanri1451]

plant not included?? Na, I wont buy this shit

[@boenike]

HAANRI :D

[@ucnguyenminh9393]

I was going to buy that case in the promo just because I love the plant...oh well :

[@MatthewMoniz]

Sooo clean.. nice little case and great video as always !

[@HardwareCanucks]

Thanks man :D

[@annonymousblueduck]

If they made a premium version of this with dust filters (and maybe tempered glass?) I would definitely buy one. The mounting looks so efficient and the aesthetic is quite nice but improvable imo.

[@TroyGrimes]

Alec also they should make it a little taller for micro atx

[@ShadowDragoon004]

5:14 Great shot of the power supply bracket so you can compare orientation when planning your build.

[@EphruzTech]

I'd had my eye on this case for like a year and I'm glad someone has reviewed it. Thanks.

[@Tkourtog]

Even I don't have in mind of buying a case like that, I watch that video just because of Dmitry's excellent video. Once more! As always it is pleasant to just watch your work man

[@tonylarose4842]

I found this a few months ago and I've been waiting for so long for someone reliable to review this!!!

[@NickIam]

0:22 "some corners had to be cut..." I can see that

[@zypher6018]

Gotem

[@isaacstewart8550]

Glad to see this case getting some recognition! I stuffed an i5-4690k and an RX 470 in one of these, works great and it looks good up on my desk.

[@hanyoukimura]

I think they did really well, especially considering the price point. I really like the design. It's not a brick yet not over designed. very contemporary. I hope you guys review their Panzer MAX in the future.

[@squishyp38]

The QBX Kaze is even better! I love it, such a good case.

[@ItsJsik]

how is the cooling? im looking for a smaller case but not too small. i went from a node 202 hated it due to thermals. im now using a corsair 350d i like it i use to have the bigger brother but its still tooo big thermals are great tho. i just need to keep my 1070 rog strix cool along with my i7 6700k.

[@DividedStates]

That case is out for a very long time already! When the NCase M1 became your "ITX case of the year 2015", this was already on the market as well. Just saying. And I would have hoped that you at least mention the QBX Kaze once as well.

[@d3x7r0]

The interior layout of this case actually looks a lot less compromised than some of the more expensive cases. It looks really sane and I like the fact that it has a slot loaded drive location for those HTPC builds. I wouldn't mind having something similar but with higher build quality. :)

[@chadlachlanross]

I've done 3 builds in this case. I love it!

[@junboo8730]

Chad Ross Can you recommend a power supply?, thanks.

[@GodofWisdomTHOTH]

Jun Boo i have this case right now with a 8700k and 1070. The sf600 from corsair is perrfect for it.

[@junboo8730]

Thankk you for the reply, I will get that. I just can't wait to get it. Thanks.

[@shmalax4802]

@@GodofWisdomTHOTH how are the thermals with this setup? Are you water cooling or using a tower cooler? Gpu thermals?

[@sadmanh0]

that's one hell of a case, great pick for anybody wanting a cheap but sleek looking case and can do without a big motherboard

[@ichinichisan]

Always good to see case manufacturers include an optical disc drive bay, especially in the mini-ITX form factor, which practically screams "Media PC!" Computer fashionistas may scoff, but the utility is very much appreciated. Wouldn't mind more USB ports, though.

[@MrRyanfisher]

When I used this case, I was using a Silverstone SFX PSU. Which allowed me to use a Corsair H105 with 2 fans installed in Pull configuration on the multiuse bracket.

[@HoldMeForever]

Finally, someone reviewed it! I modified the side panel and will add an acrylic window on my case.

[@ItsABassDammit]

I actually own the QBX KAZE, which is the same case with fully ventilated panels instead of solid panels. About the same except it's very loud. Air flow is technically better, but since the right side panel is ventilated you can see all of the cable routing.

[@erebusparcae]

i just bought this case because i wanted to up my case from a coolermaster elite 110 (had it for 2 years now) and i saw this video so i said why not :) the QBX is fine but the cable management is a little tricky, yes tricky! than the elite 110 cube.. I had almost the same layout as dimitri's cable management in this video, as for the powersuppy ac socket you can still use the U shape format(using a CM-g650m), the cable plug will fit as long as you are not using an optical disk drive. the challenge with this case here is how you get a good airflow going in and out of the case.... due the gpu having restricted air in the bottom of the case...

[@bm7087]

erebusparcae how well does the power supply fit with a full size gpu?

[@erebusparcae]

as long as you are using the recommend size 140 mm powersupply i wouldn't see any problems, there would be an inch or two of space for the cables to maneuver i would recommend semi or full modular PSU(atleast you dont need much cable to hide/worry about), hence cable management and slim static pressure fans is the key for good air flow, if you want to see the build i made go to pcpartpicker and search Pug Build. :D

[@kneithelcayleocio4589]

For those who are wondering, it is compatible with ATX PSU with any power plug orientation, the Optical Drive area is just block so unless you're not planning to get a slim slot loading drive, you're okay.

[@vaynardw1]

Just did a build in this case, pretty awesome indeed, do note because of the close space between CPU position and the radiator bracket, you might have a hard time positioning your fan radiator and its fan, and that fan with ugly red and yellow cable? plug em out and get a noctua redux 92mm fan

[@HYDRAdude]

I'm really interested in the QBX Kaze. It might be the "poor mans M1", but it actually has more features despite being 1/4th the cost. I hope this makes NCase do another revision to keep it competitive.

[@LucasA84]

I build my core i7 on this.I was afraid to cram an AIO in there as it seemed like it would not bend it's tubes the right way but in the end it worked. The power supply placement as pointed out has some minor problems and can block the sata ports depending on the motherboard as mine got 4 blocked by it. This case is ideal for air cooling if your itx board has the conection for multiple fans or you have a fan hub.

[@dbmeed]

Been waiting for a comprehensive review of this case for quite awhile now. Thanks!

[@DSDSDS1235]

This is a really cool, but kinda old case. The optical drive mount would work great with a decent multi-card reader and USB dock. Also, the side fan mount, drive support and the dedicated GPU room should be great for the airflow, for an ITX build, that is.

[@MRshrir1985]

I BUILT a ryzen 1500x in this case with a 980, semi modulor power supply , was able to put a fan on the top, and one on the side, im waiting for 2 low profile fans which are 15mm height to put on the bottom of the case, i have a founders edition 980 in there, and temps max out at 81c. its a nice little case, and sits well in my living room.

[@themobhani]

Literally had this delivered yesterday. Fits my 300mm, 2.5 slot R9 Fury. Now I just need an SFX PSU because my ATX PSU is too big. The PSU is not even in the case.

[@BernieEng]

1. Route the cables through the front if you're not using the slim optical drive to the top of the PSU. This will result in a much cleaner look & avoid blocking that front fan slot. It'll also avoid having the cables visible on the back of the motherboard (the chassis is perforated) 2. There will be heat build up at the bottom back of the case if you use a open shroud GPU. You'll need to attach at least one slim fan at the bottom to mitigate this. Using a Zotac GTX 1070 mini, I dropped at least 5c. 3. You can ignore the incompatible PSU warning if you don't plan to use the optical drive. There is enough room (barely) to rotate the power cable.

[@TCWordz]

Should this slim fan at the bottom be intake or exhaust (when using an open GPU)?

[@steverogers8163]

There's also a style variant of this one. They remove the plastic fake metal parts and just opt for a generic metal grill style instead. makes the overall package slightly smaller, interior is still the same.

[@LukeReynoldsMusic_13]

bought this in June 2016. had it for a month but didn't love it. bought a fractual nano s instead, and have this in storage for another build.

[@f4rensabri]

i would probably use an HDplex psu for this case. just a little modification to the psu socket will not do much harm.

[@ygolohcysp8755]

The only mini it’s case I’ve seen with wire management routes this case is actually godlike

[@LeicaCat]

Love your videos. Very informative. I even enjoy the commercials. They are short, sweet and relevant. Good job!

[@joaopelosi.]

Can I bend the PSU support just fine? I'm afraid it will conflict with something

[@halfey]

I just bought one earlier this year. Really 'cool' chassis and quite surprised at how little desk space it occupied. I reused the 500w PSU from my older mATX build. Turned out the PSU is 'incompatible' with this chassis but I managed to fit it in anyway, by sacrificing the space for ODD (but who really use ODD these days lol).

[@sendypratama3315]

Halfey Halphstein for better airflow, best position of fan for intake and exhaust?

[@halfey]

I haven't installed any extra fan yet so I don't know.

[@MrZattack101]

Pretty cool, I already ordered my Sentry ITX tho. Plus the sentry is 7 liters and I think the Cougar is 17 liters.

[@AstroTrain100]

They should just make small form factor cases sfx only, saves more room. Do you need a bracket for sfx power supplies? Like someone else said I wish they had a window version. Ryzen?

[@3vil8unny]

you dont need slim fans in the bottom standard 120mms do fit in the bottom just fine. if you have a larger gpu like a 1080 strix you will need to modify the case a tiny bit for it to fit. Corsair h60 aio works great with this system also :)

[@sergioaraujo7943]

Nice review. like all the case reviews here ;) my 2 cents 1) depending on PSU plug position, the 120mm fan on top of it can be blocked even with one of the recomended orientations; 2) A 240mm AIO can be utilized with BOTH fans switching the ATX PSU for a SFX one

[@TigaGame]

Thanks to this review i bought the case. The build quality is great, and it looks awesome, love the black. Got some difficulties when i install the cooler but overall it's really good. It will be really great if there is a place to install 3.5hdd on back side of case but again overall this is a great case.

[@warnacokelat]

Just finished my build with this. Few important point to consider: 1. The side HDD bracket is too close with the power supply. Your hard drive will run considerably hot because of the heat generated by the power supply and the heat will stay trapped there without ventilation. Solution? Don't use the side bracket for hard disk. Definitely wont recommend using 3.5 HDD with this case. 2. The case feet is too close to allow air entering the case. You need to put something underneath to give it extra clearance height for your case to breathe. At least 2 slim 120mm fan is a must for this case. So, put a few bucks more to that 50$ budget. 3. Poor build quality. Many of the screw holes are misaligned. The black metal finish scratches way too easy. 4. Using full size or longer than 210mm graphic card will cause the case to have no other active fresh air intake. 80mm fan at the front doesnt do much. You can put 2 120mm fan at the top (slim profile) as intake fan but it is not very effective. Intake fan on top of the PSU will only causes pushing hot air back into the case. The side bracket is placed too close inside the case that you have high chance pulling hot air back if you place side intake fan. Installing side intake fan over the PSU need some DIY modding as it does not support any fan placement. Bottom line, I won't recommend this ITX case unless you're willing to go through some trouble modding it (drilling some ventilation and fan screw holes etc.)

[@AntiProPHO]

I have the Fractal Design Core 500. Seems similar in design and size but better looking. The Core is a whole lot more functional imho

[@saiclon3]

i love these small form factor cases but i will always love the Corsair 250d

[@alexallan3337]

I'm using this case and I love it. My GPU is ASUS GTX 1070 STRIX. The GPU will fit but you will need to unscrew the io plate from the GPU, put it in the case first then screw the GPU back on it from the back of the case.

[@alexallan3337]

LOL. That will work too I guess.

[@WiseGuy3683]

I have this case. and I'm loving it. Looks fantastic and can fit a surprising amount.

[@chakra2380]

finally an itx case with a price that suits it's size!

[@bfgtech48]

Nice looking chassis, an ATX version would be interesting. Nice presentation as always Dimitri.

[@max-lee]

i love that they allow for atx psu. so, i got cut some budget since sfx is more expensive.

[@macintosh8328]

I have a build with the one. I have some complaints about it. Although, it's very nice for the price.

[@ThePowerchimp]

I did a build in this case. Committed to small form-factor everything : i7, 16GB ram : Corsair SFX 450 PSU, Noctua low-profile cpu cooler. low profile 750ti GPU : end result : plenty of space for passive airflow. Awesome case, but header panel wires were flimsy - soldered them in tight myself. A.M.A.

[@alexrambolton]

I was seriously considering this case for my next build. I almost got it but went for the ncase m1 instead.

[@AnimilesYT]

To be honest, I really like that advertisement of a different case in a case review. I usually don't like ads at all due to the manipulative intentions, but this time I have the feeling it works differently. It brings another option for a case in the video, which would make people do more research about that one, and possibly about other cases too instead of going to the first option they like. (Hard to explain why I like the ad, but I hope you can understand it :) )

[@jonnolags]

I like that the title says $50 not $49

[@devondewes5239]

Finally, someone reviewed this case.

[@theantemon6720]

Bottom and top filters and change the mesh side with a window and it's perfect for me.

[@Zecrid.]

2:34 I was about to make a comment on how there was no 5.25 drive, then you pointed that out and holy $!*# I know what's going to be my next home theater desktop now! Thanks Cougar and HardwareCanucks!

[@ralphmcmahan2139]

have used 3 cougar cases, had good experience with Cougar

[@CheungyNSX]

Based on your review, it does appear that the Cougar QBX is a pretty damn good case, especially considering its price point. However, it does appear to be kind of like a Fractal Design Core 500, except it's rotated around and is a bit thinner with slightly more constraints to work around. In the UK, the Fractal Design Core 500 is around £10-£15 more expensive than the Cougar QBX, but there is far more potential in the Core 500 compared to the QBX imho.

[@tikuslaser]

Here's volume comparison between several ITX cases: SIZE - CASE 10.2L - Fractal Node 202 11.5L - Silverstone Sugo SG13B 12.6L - NCASE M1 15.1L - Cooler Master Elite 110 19.9L - Cooler Master Elite 130 19.9L - Cougar QBX 21.9L - Phanteks Enthoo Evolv Shift 22.7L - Thermaltake Core V1 22.9L - Thermaltake Suppressor F1 26.1L - NZXT H200I 26.8L - Fractal Define Nano S 28.1L - Corsair Obsidian 250D 34.1L - Phanteks Enthoo Evolv ITX 46.8L - NZXT Manta

[@agoogleuser9025]

Very helpful list thank you, though I am hooked between how the CM Elite 130 could be the same volume as the QBX while the TT Core V1 having a bit more. I'd assume the QBX still wins with the lesser footprint though, yes?

[@Biggarou]

ITX has a huge future to me.

[@ArchWinds]

I've waited so long for this review, thanks!

[@LitoFlautist]

OMG YES FINALLY A LEGIT REVIEW FOR THIS CASE.

[@sososleepie863]

It would be nice if they can make a "premium" version of this case (full aluminum and dust filter on all intake).

[@HuyNguyen-vk8iq]

The go to source for case reviews, thanks!

[@livetowin-pj7yl]

ITS HERE! IVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS!

[@4lc441]

A budget Ncase M1 basically

[@ItsJsik]

i was just thinking that pretty much all the same features excluding the 240 aio support. was thinking about the ncase but idk now xD

[@Sholities]

I built in the Kaze version of this and loved it!

[@beaulieuRule]

I have this case for a year now and still good looking

[@davidt.2726]

I actually REALLY like the features of this case! I just wish it was more expensive because I'd rather have less cost-cutting things and better less plasticy build quality

[@GFS695]

Make sure you get as PSU with 120mm fan, that's pretty much a 140mm PSU, larger then that will not fit.

[@guineafridge5154]

i was able to get my Fractal Define Nano S for only $50 on amazon. This case looks nice, but not as sleek as a Nano S

[@yellowpeaches6040]

GuineaFridge I agree

[@adigitalhermit]

Not bad. Looking forward to seeing this on the local shop shelves.

[@iaial0]

you know what? I'm fancying a custom loop to fit in that. Maybe some mods are required to resolve conflicts between GPU water block and bottom radiator but yes, I'm fancying that.

[@JHA854]

I wish it was mATX. It looks nice.

[@ryuuseiboi950]

They could release mATX model

[@Bob-ww9gq]

Please do this

[@ryuuseiboi950]

Wassim El-Khalil Yeah... It would look amazing

[@1ChilledDude]

Yes. There's so much that's done right on this case. If they made an mATX version with 5 PCI slots (instead of the 4 commonly seen on most small mATX cases) with all the functionality of this ITX case, it would be near perfect.

[@1ChilledDude]

I say 5 PCI slots because some may try to build a dual SLi setup within this hypothetical mATX and the third PCI slot may be necessary to allow for both clearance between GPUs as well as provide extra airflow.

[@hamburg1ar]

A tempered glass side panel and better filtration would make this case A-1

[@MRshrir1985]

then it wouldnt be 50 dollars

[@haningat16]

This is the one i have. It is good case. You need to use a slim liquid cooler to fit it in the side. don't use corsair h80i.

[@Krunkscooters]

I have the Kaze version of this case, but GPU temps are often a problem. my 970 SC hits 82C regularly.

[@stevenwex8966]

Little big for a ITX case, but like the NR200, I think the case is ideal for a cheap shorter length mATX like a Prime H510m-A,(?) just by looks, by with the shape of the bottom maybe the corner of the board cut off, but because it won't fit a standard mATX their can't call these case mATX case. Edit, NO that motherboard won't fit the QBX, but the NR200 says the max length for a motherboard and the power supply can mount on the front so it's only the NR200. just need plastic stand off for the bottom screw down points.

[@DoomWalker42]

Nice-looking case but the GPU airflow has me a tad worried. I got the Fractal Design Nano S instead. Very good case but again GPU airflow causes some concern due to the limited amount of space between the PSU and GPU. I get that the case is designed for watercooling but it would be nice to have some alternatives. Ah well, I may get a mini sfx psu in the future or upgrade to a blower style gpu for better airflow of the graphics card. Could you do a review of the Antek ISK mini itx case? That was one I was strongly considering but I got the Nano S instead. Many thanks in advance! Keep up the good work!!

[@danzy4474]

I personally have 240 h100 and it fits fine with a bit of modding sfx psu is a must tho

[@superabdo3]

I was waiting for this review for a month, as expected very informative review, good work, no excellent work :)

[@unknownuser0006]

Corsair 250D is still the best ITX case if you want decent room. Corsair should refresh this case a little bit and it could be the killer ITX case

[@RojasTKD7]

Just finished a 9900K build in this case. By removing the side HDD bracket I was able to mount an EVGA CLC280 AIO.Ihad to drill my own mounting holes but it worked great. I was fortunate enough to get a good 9900K that can do 5.0 GHz at 1.25V bench mark temps in the 80s and gaming temps in the 70s. SFX PSU was a must to fit the 280 AIO and full length GPU. I plan to cut out and install Silverstone fan grill on the top and bottom to increase air flow as my GPU run hotter than it did in my old case. Also plan to get RTX 2080/2080 Ti to replace my GTX 1080. All in all I LOVE my first. ITX build.

[@Ohakoo]

Wow, great build! 1 question, does cougar have capabilities of getting DDR4 ram and DDR4 GPU? Pretty concerned because of it's small size. Thanks!

[@RojasTKD7]

OhakoCore I'm not sure what your asking, " DDR4 RAM and DDR4 GPU"? Most ITX motherboards sorry two RAM slots so up to 32GB of DDR4 are not an issue. The motherboard will determine what kind of RAM you can run. GPU up to 13.78 in X 5.28 X 2.5 slots (maybe even more) should fit. Something really side like the MSI Gaming X will be an issue at you likely couldn't close the side panel. Again not really sure what's your asking, hopefully what I said above will help.

[@Ohakoo]

@@RojasTKD7 Oh, Thanks! I thought the case determine what fits in XD

[@RojasTKD7]

@@Ohakoo sure, but all will fit the motherboard which had the team slots. Biggest concern with the Cougar QBX is the GPU size and power supply (I highly recommends a SFX power supply).

[@Ohakoo]

@@RojasTKD7 Why is that?

[@pandalife_gaming]

That's actually some decent design for the price point. Nice!

[@Squall88uk01]

Good review. You should do one for the Cougar Panzer Max too

[@MinecraftSource]

Unboxing's are like a form of ASMR

[@fatherWolt]

Damn, that Phanteks case in the beginning though, I might get one of those whenever I do a major rig upgrade.

[@romano5785]

I been over the fence with this case the price is great and the style is amazing but just one thing has been holding me back, the airflow and that you can only use 1 HDD

[@76Richie19]

you should take a look at the zalman m1 - same size but I'd say a better layout overall. full size optical drive bay, hdd hot swap back mounted atx power supply.

[@ichinichisan]

That's a cool feature-set, but Newegg says that the M1 has over 2.5x the volume of the QBX. So there's a tradeoff in size (in addition to price).

[@76Richie19]

ichinichisan yes there is a difference in size - I didn't check that to be honest. I estimated it just from the size comparison in the video. it looked around the same for me. sorry.

[@g0ldslug]

I have been waiting for a good review on this case forever, and am so mad that I went for larger form factor for my Z270 build :(

[@DeilGrist]

I personally feel like the $10 extra for the Evolv ITX, Core 500, or Define Nano S makes this product irrelevant given how many more premium features and hardware support you get with the competition for such a small investment. They need to shave another $10 off to make it more in line with the Elite 130, which is basically what it matches aside from better cpu cooler clearance.

[@TheBlindphleb]

DeilGrist Exactly build quality is shit compared to Define Nano S or Evolv which is in its price range. It needs to drop its price to actually offer value.

[@codyadams1947]

DeilGrist aren't all those significantly bigger though?

[@gati5201]

Dmitri, in your opinion what are some of the best 'tiny' cases, ignoring price point.