Cougar QBX: Still a good Mini ITX case in 2021?

We decided to take another look at the Cougar QBX in 2021 to see if it's still a case worth considering.
► Chapters
0:00 - Intro
0:49 - Why we made this video
1:41 - Build Time
3:59 - Thermals
5:23 - How does it hold up in 2021 to build in?
6:31 - Things I wish we could have done
7:30 - Fitting out of spec hardware in
8:25 - Quick NR200 side by side size comparison
9:19 - Price at time of filming
11:44 - This is supposed to be function over form
13:49 - Short Cinematic Mode
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[@renzuuu3969]

I still remember, the 1st video that I watched on your channel was about this case and since then I continue watching. Anyway I enjoyed watching the build like I did before.

[@la009895]

Thank you for the side my side with the nr200. I can’t wrap my head about the sizes most of the time and having a direct comparison is super helpful.

[@igniter009]

Honestly your past video about QBX is the reason why I oftenly watch Gear Seekers contents until now.

[@andrewc20]

QBX still holds up for sure ! really enjoy listening to your insights ! more videos like this please !!

[@OdinHardware]

Exactly this comparison I needed, And cherry on the cake is, you shown side by side comp of nr200 and this case. awesome job

[@jayvaunmanos9673]

Qbx owner here, just built it early this year. Originally I had a midtower inwin case, and I usually bring my system to my girlfriend's house every weekend. I decided to switch to a mini itx build to make it easier to transport. I chose this case because I can use most of my parts from the previous build, the only thing I swap was the motherboard and case.

[@fikririnaldi9065]

Can you fit it in backpack?

[@jayvaunmanos9673]

@@fikririnaldi9065 you need a big travel backpack for it to fit. it won't fit in a typical school backpack.

[@izudinhasan4669]

hi.. is it support matx motherboard too? itx board is such costly. i planed just to recycle old mobo

[@jayvaunmanos9673]

@@izudinhasan4669 unfortunately, it only supports mini-itx motherboards.

[@SpreadTheLoveNotSTDs]

I seriously JUST looked up this case yesterday and he makes a video of it today! 🤯🤯🤯

[@AMXTomzo]

An other QBX owner here, built in Dec,2020, in part because of your videos, great information for the folks out there, minne is a simple HTPC, R5 3600, Asrock B450, GTX1650 Super, 32 GB 3200mhz ram, 500GB Samsung 970EVO, Noctua U9S cooler, Noctua 120 mil slim fans top and bottom, smaller Noctua fan for rear exhaust, Again simple HTPC, use it everyday, no problems, mounted a screen in front and set up a sensor panel to monitor temps and performance, using the AIDA64 program, that was a fun project, its quiet, its fits in the stand below the TV, i will at some point put in a SFX psu, just to make myself feel better, Love your videos, check every day to see if you have posted anything, thanks for all you do keep up the great work

[@yum4yy]

@@AMXTomzo future qbx owner, i like your build :)

[@AMXTomzo]

@@yum4yy thank you very much, I hope you will enjoy yours as much as i enjoy mine, hello from USA 👍

[@gadgethound]

My first SFF case. Built one with a Scythe BS3 for a R5 3600 and Vega 64 GPU watercooled with an Alphacool block and radiator. Performed amazingly well, esp with undervolting GPU. Finally sold it this year and moved to the Meshlicious. The NR200 is the spiritual successor to the QBX for sure, but 100% agree the case is totally viable today for mid-range builds.

[@muhammadbobbyraisdarring2210]

This is the first case that i watched from your channel and made me subs you nick, good job

[@harleyadam4813]

I've built my new PC in this case in 2024 and I'm still impressed. Size is almost everything lately. I've built a Ryzen system with an APU, 32GB of RAM and 18TB of storage and with the minimal cooling necessary, this case fits my needs like a glove. I was even able to use a leftover ATX power supply, which means I still have a 500W SFX PSU for another even smaller build.

[@Def1an7]

This was my first PC case. It was a good case. Still have it stocked somewhere. Moved on to a TU150 and now an NR200P. Gotta get that TG

[@sheersha]

i couldn't understand why you does not have much subs and views. you deserve more nick : )

[@KlaireGearSeekers]

Need more peeps to share our videos around! :)

[@brandonvictor4160]

First ITX build was in this case. Using the meshlicious now but something is just so nice about the QBX layout (obviously since the Nr200 improved on the design). Now that I am running an AIO I might have to try this case out again, air cooling wasn't working well for me. Still very much a great budget case, as it's hard to find an NR200 in the US under $90

[@GR-cd2kx]

I still rock a QBX and also an NR200. I would pick the NR200 for any new build, but the QBX can still stand on its own. I run the 80mm front fan and find it helps with GPU temps. A must do mod on the QBX is raising it higher or swapping out the skids for normal legs. It’s a bit janky, but if you have a chunky GPU, you can mount the bottom intake fans on the outside of the case if you do the skid swap.

[@ruatahrahsel1625]

Always the one i want. Thank you

[@Chris-wz5zf]

Used this case for a build for my bro and got it in AUS for only $30 second hand! Such a good case and definetely recommend for more builds

[@charlieringor4187]

I just got mine and I would love to see case mods for this case. I love the case!

[@murdock94]

Thanks for posting this. I am currently looking to replace my current SFF case, a Geeek A30, with something a bit more rigid.

[@dimitriid]

It's not that much cheaper than the NR200 but back when it came out it was the affordable bigger brother of the Ncase M1. Overall while we've got better now I still really like this layout is my favorite itx layout in fact: good space utilization. Only thing you've gotta do is remove the obnoxious cougar sticker from the front but I see you're a man of culture and done that already.

[@ArthurRonquillo]

This is the case that got me following yourc channel

[@nilord__]

Still using my QBX with Ryzen 2700 (stock AMD Wraith Spire with RGB) + Gigabyte RTX 2060 S Gaming OC (undervolted for better temps), bought them last March 2020, before COVID lockdown happened. I was able to fit 4 slim 120mm fans, 2 bottom intake, 2 top exhaust, and had to buy a PWM 92mm fan and set it as intake for the CPU in the back of the case (much quieter than the stock fan). I didn't do anything on the side panel, since placing fans and choosing between intake or exhaust will affect either the GPU or CPU temps. I'm controlling all the fan speed using Argus Monitor, depending on the temps of the CPU, GPU, Motherboard, etc. My ambient temp is around 30-35C, so I had to remove the plastic feet (a must since it restricts airflow), and replaced them with proper rubber ones for better GPU airflow, and also removed the top sliding plastic cover so that all the hot air will get exhausted without any additional restrictions. On a hot day my temps max out at GPU 70-73C / CPU 70C, depending if I'm gaming or encoding video. I want to have a smaller case, but I still highly recommend the QBX, specially since I only bought it around $39 USD.

[@jawbfl]

My QBX is still waiting for a build since 2019, but parts are finally on the way no GPU though ugh!

[@kazielbonn]

Seriously? That thing must be caked with dust lol.

[@kenroybartley9397]

Me too. Sigh. Still in the box. Brand spanking new. Mods. I wish there was a site that you could go actually purchase the mods. For example. The fully mesh top or the side cut for the improved airflow instead of gutting it myself. Just purchased the attachments remove the old one and add in the new. Like the extra hats for the loque S1 case.

[@kumomeme7852]

Me too, since 2020. if not because of pandemic, all part already completed.

[@luuminhquan]

I understand how you feel. Cause I’m trying to build and cheap budget gaming and everything went over price but I just heard NVIDIA launching new card hope everything will set at the right price again like the good old day. Almost there bro hang in there!

[@RXP91]

Got this from a systembuilder for a MadVR HTPC that fits nicely into my A/V rack and is pretty silent even with a GTX 1060. Still up for tone mapping duties in 2023!

[@jwaye89]

Fantastic video fams. I still love the QBX case, though my preference has been taken over by the NR200 series

[@djlah]

still using it, love it.

[@nikoonikoo]

Still using my QBX from new since 2016ish. Almost 7 years and still practical.

[@ThePowerchimp]

QBX owner since 2016. Performed great. i7 6700K + GTX1080 + 32GBRAM. Motion graphics & animation workbox that doubles as gaming box on a 28" 4K AOC screen.

[@pliniopaolinelli]

QBX owner two! Really happy, but I did some mod to better give the sfx more space, cutting some metal. using 6 more coolers inside.

[@faiflowright01]

Yeah man, I'm still using this case ever since the Zen+ came out. Serving me well. A few scoffs and scratches here and there, upgraded to a 120mm aio, I'm thinking of going for a G12 for my GPU, and swapping my cooler to one of those Noctua low profile coolers. Or I swap to a SSUPD

[@maaingan]

All air coolers should perform significantly worse then even a cheap AIO unit. The liquid cooled units are already the pinnacle of cooling technology. Even the finest air cooled unit available is automatically a downgrade.

[@Mr402TA]

I picked up one of these for a home server. One thing I like over the NR200 is that it has the option for a slot loading ODD. Thats very rare for a SFF case nowadays.

[@datdudeinred]

The intro alone worth a like.😂🙌❤️

[@the-turd-eye]

Just bought a new QBX for around 25usd... Can't wait to build in it 😁

[@OtakuAnime01]

I would like to see a custom liquid cool loop built in this case

[@sch-corp]

Have built and sold a few rigs in the QBX. Great ITX case still because it takes a normal ATX PSU (if only the NR200 could take an ATX PSU out of the box without requiring 3d-printed parts - in that situation, the QBX would be truly obsolete).

[@christopherjames9843]

It takes small ATX psu's and it is awkward at that.

[@danielfarnell2708]

Just sold my old one on eBay as I've upgraded to a meshlicious. It made my zotac 3070 run very loud and hot

[@adonnismariano940]

Have you tried the slim fans from deepcool? I forgot the name but i used to have one of those.

[@DannysTechChannel]

Jealous of your color options on the NR200. Hope to see some theme builds with them soon!

[@Voyex]

My 1st case currently have a P360a

[@strangetube0219]

I was going to get case when I was upgrading from atx to itx until I saw the Phanteks Evolv Shift 2 Air

[@erebusparcae]

i retired my QBX for a Phanteks shift Air 1... but wanting to change my case again maybe back to QBX or NR200p white...

[@hans.4513]

So how would you install the HDD and SSD in that case? Just wondering since I didnt see it in the building section.

[@lens571]

hi gear seeker. what type of psu i am going to use for this kind of itx case

[@jeydi_yt]

can u try maximum cpu cooler on qbx without the radiator side mount

[@abduktedtemplar]

QBX Kaze is one of my all time favorites! Cover that one as well won’t you? :)

[@masodlagos9380]

Hi. If I have ATX PSU, will stay enough place for 240mm AIO?

[@zulkiflibahtiar1122]

can you tell me what liquid cooler is suitable for this casing?

[@noodlehair6566]

will I be able to fit, say, 2x 120 mm rads (1 aio for cpu, 1 aio for gpu) if I use an sfx psu?

[@EURIPODES]

Please review the Cougar dust 2. I was so surprised by how good it looked I thought I was going to Puma pants.

[@michaelmuller2776]

Ive got the same case, with a Asrock x370 itx, Ryzen 5 1600, 2600x and 3600x aircooled by a Scythe Kabuto topblower with fits in exactly, with an 92x15mm exhaust fan in rear and a 120mm exhaust on top. at the moment a GTX 980 and 2 120x15mm intake at the bottom. And using a BeQuiet SFX L 600W PSU. the 120mm fans (including the CPU fan) are at 800rpm the 92mm is about 1200rpm...and cpu thermals in gaming are never above 65 degrees (ambient ist 23 degree). Only the old blower GTX 980 is about 90 degree in fully load, but no thermal throttling because the fan only runs max. about 60%. I am searching a while for an other case, but only the Thermaltake Tower 100 is an alternative for me, because especialy it's a showcase.

[@Deathcultify]

I'm on a Geeek a60 plus now but I still have my qbx, I won't sell it. I'm thinking about my next upgrade cycle, or new system next year and use the qbx..

[@SpaceTravelerCinema]

I got an increase in airflow by replacing the pedestal below with 4 more raised rubber feet. Much more air enters.

[@hoppyt3ch]

I own an NR200 and I am very satisfied with it, but the QBX seems like a pretty decent contender despite its age

[@manofwheel16]

What are the following specs please? Planning to build with this type of case.

[@Exitore]

You should get one of those graphite thermal pads

[@analoguniverse5592]

could you tell me if a 17mm x 215mm motherboard would fit in this case. I know that the recommended is only ITX 17x17 but it seems to me that there is a space for a MB a little bigger that has the same measurements as the Stand-Off screws.

[@doctor9633]

usually that variant of an MATX will fit in the cost of not being able to mount one of the bottom fans which drastically helps in cooling the gpu

[@utilityaccount8514]

Looks like a good case for a router, node, or web server if you put one of those 5500 RPM fans in the front

[@thethiagosc]

i put two watercoolers of 120mm (1x GPU, 1x CPU), Full ATX 140mm Core Reactor 750W Modular, Ryzen, 2x Sata SSD's, 2x M.2 SSD's, 8x Coolers (including the 120mm on radiators), aditional air filters, hell yeahh, THAT WORKS!

[@denisgrubenko614]

What motherboard model?

[@Goten.2752]

Does a 3070 TI FE fits into that case ?

[@happyhogan40]

Can you put a ryzen 9 in the case ?

[@brandenprateek273]

Ooook I'll still buy it if it's available in my country (which its not sadly)

[@WiseGuy3683]

I've had both of those cases. 2 of the best imo. Ultimately though, I upgraded from the Cougar QBX to the NR200 due to the NR200 being that much better for hot components, specifically, hot GPU's. I'll say this though, had I been able to figure out a cost effective way to get better GPU temps in my Cougar QBX, I would have kept it. Even though the NR200 gets better cooling and feels roomier with more customization options, I actually prefer the aesthetics and the back panel area significantly more on the QBX.

[@kumomeme7852]

lot of people mod the feet of the case.

[@arnoldthegreat4138]

hows your temp mine is at 50 degree celcius at idle room temp is 30 im using ryzen stock cooler cant overclock my ryzen 5 3600 might get a better cpu cooler.

[@pliniopaolinelli]

I did mod to QBX to have the GPU at the top!

[@danielhart2012]

"deshrouding is a waste of time" OptimumTech has entered the chat...

[@ThePhoenixWylde]

PC Part picker list where?

[@christopherjames9843]

I have both. The QBX is the better case imho. I keep the NRP 200 because it has a window.

[@ConfusedRaccoon]

You need a .gif of a pea doing the peanut butter jelly dance to superimpose over the thermal paste pea =D Get a couple of Noctua 92mm fans. They're pretty good. Got one blowing through the basement of my h210.

[@oilpatch432]

I have one sitting next to me as I type this. Ryzen 5 1600af and a 1660 supper. I own 3 of these cases 2 still NIB. I got them for 60 USD each from US amazon.

[@sleepynotded]

qbx case i really wish the front io is on the other side.

[@RafitoOoO]

Here in Brazil the QBX is less than half the price of a NR200 non P. And I think it's still looks good, anyone wanting to join the SFF world on a budget should really consider de QBX. Also, the QBX walked so cases like the NR200 could run.

[@michaelcarson8375]

Add a handle to the QBX while replacing the top mesh while adding mesh to the front.

[@MarcoGPUtuber]

0:19 _That wasn't the case back in 2015_ Very punny.

[@GearSeekers]

;)

[@Artemixez]

Ha July 2021 I just got one to build a new PC. Not bad paid $51

[@caesarjohnmatencio9739]

you have to mod this case to fit everything..replace the feet with a hifi amp feet to avoid choking the air for the gpu

[@brandonvictor4160]

I didn't have to mod anything to fit hardware in this case. I did sawp the feet out though, should be a mandatory step for anyone looking to build in it

[@ramonpilgrim6623]

Your thermals would be much better if you had included 4 more fans. 2 at the top for exhaust and 2 at the bottom for intake for the GPU. Or you could have gone top bot and front intake and do your exhaust through the radiator and the back 80mm fan. Would have had way better thermal performance

[@ikinzpermanenz260]

I Got Idea = Use Id cooling GPU aio 240 as cooler Gpu amd use best itx Hsf.

[@techienate]

Using a 92mm fall on the front is loud as hell, even with a Noctua. The intake/exhaust for the 92mm fan is extremely choked off and the air must flow around a 90 bend. The airflow itself is crazy loud. Don't do it unless you're going to mod the front panel. I wish I hadn't waisted my money on a 92mm Noctua.

[@nathanpurss4582]

God I wish they'd update it

[@hadesthedarkhelm]

i wonder how meshlicious is compared to this one

[@therattrap1997]

13:51 *b o o t i f u l*

[@cees-gc8xt]

Ive been looking into building my first mini itx and their no case like this all new models look ugly and another case that seems similar is that cooler master nr2000

[@happyendingservice]

That i5 is very lucky 😂

[@loufrancotajanlangit8257]

Still love the case but I think this needs improvement. More tempered glass to show off, still love the video

[@hollowheart6537]

🌼

[@ArthurRonquillo]

This is my current case

[@ArthurRonquillo]

I packed it with B450M AMD 3600 XPG 51Nvme Samsung SSD 1tb RTX2060

[@morbidcamel5921]

If you find the right Cougar. It's worth it ;)

[@X5XST4RK1L3R]

Just bought one as it was the cheapest on Newegg lol AsRock B650 PG-ITX, 7600x, a770, T-Force 6000mhz 16GB x2 DDR5, with a 2TB team group NVME. Kinda pricey build but its for my kiddies and when i upgrade the thing im hoping to hand down the 7600x and a770 to my youngest in an atx super cheap build. and give my older kiddo a new GPU and CPU cant shoe horn my 7900xtx into that case though. lol

[@MarcoGPUtuber]

Please make a Squeaky Table Rap. Thank you!

[@TB-up4xi]

7:35 I don't think the second fan here is making much if any difference to the cooling - It looks as though the radiator is pretty much hard up against the PSU even in the offset position.

[@GearSeekers]

It makes a huge difference

[@TB-up4xi]

@@GearSeekers Thanks - it would be interesting to see the data from this case setup specifically. Thought I might just try this on my system with an Arctic LFII 240 with a couple of 20min Cinebench runs (maybe not long enough but I got bored and seemed to hit peaks around 10min in and stayed there) I pulled one of the fans off and I get around 4--5 degrees difference peak load (5900x) running 1 fan vs 2 - that's with all fans having unrestricted airflow (push config) and at 100% That makes sense - I have seen lots of tests where the difference between the LF II 120 (1 Fan) and 240 (2 Fans) is around 6-7 deg at 140-180w load. This puts a 240 rad with 1 fan in between the 120 rad with 1 fan and 240 rad with 2 fans but closer to the 120 - logical. I then put the second fan back on and taped some cardboard to the intake grill in front of the bottom fan to simulate the case setup here. The result was right in between - about 2-3 deg worse than 2 unrestricted fans. So the difference for me between the 240 rad + 1 fan and 240 rad with 1 clear fan + 1 restricted fan is 1-3 degrees better....I'm not sure I would call that huge - at least not on this setup - it might make a much bigger difference on other systems with different rads/ fans / pumps etc. And it might see a much bigger difference after say 1 hour with one fan - not sure but based on a 20 min max load run it wouldn't be worth the expense / effort of buying an SFX PS and adaptor if I didn't already have one. If I have more time one day, I might try a 1-hour load with 1 fan and see how that goes. Temps were (HWiNFO64 + 21 deg ambient according to my aircon control panel) 2 fans 60-61 1 fan 65-66 1 clear + 1 covered 63-64

[@elnurmehdiyev5062]

can you stick mATX in it?

[@GearSeekers]

No

[@Drewkungfoo]

Sounds like spongebob’s squeaky boots 👢 OMAGLUL

[@estate-tidus1007]

Don't get why you put a sff psu in defeats the purpose of this case

[@ronaldmcdo5516]

ARE COUGARS WORTH IT?

[@FaridRudiansyah]

Yes, way cheaper.

[@keibohow69]

how good are you with a dremel

[@GearSeekers]

I'm a wizard

[@keibohow69]

@@GearSeekers ok on the side panel measure 15mm from the edge in all round then cut. Then source mesh and fit as you see fit. I would use car body filler to stick mesh to the inside of panel. That alone will drop gpu temps.

[@ffwast]

Depends if you're willing to start cutting holes in the damn thing when THE ONLY COMPATIBLE POWER SUPPLIES ARE THE ONES THE BOX SAYS ARE NOT COMPATIBLE. Good luck fitting exhaust fans into the fucker with a power cable in the way.

[@mr.electronx9036]

you shouldn't go with aio bcs the air flow is rly bad. top blower fan like noctua is the way to go

[@ThiagoCunha]

Still using in 2024... it has ODD!

[@Phalaxis83]

Groot vodoo foms. Stoll o solod coso. Kopp op tho hord work

[@faitho]

I had a qbx and is terrible all the hardware run super hot and loud