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:
P400 TG (Black) - geni.us/c9gSY
P400 TG (White) - geni.us/WI4R
P400 TG (Special Edition Black/White) - geni.us/zZnZ
P400 TG (Special Edition Black/Red) - geni.us/siBU7
Silent Edition:
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P400 TG (Gray) - geni.us/NCBAwN
P400s TG (Gray) - geni.us/fV7Of
P400s TG (Black/White) - geni.us/ixc9fw
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
Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 - geni.us/dLL
Cinevate DUZI Slider - geni.us/1Hwt
AKG C314 - geni.us/6o9
AKG C 568 B - geni.us/1D2S
Zoom H5 - geni.us/2LUm
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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)

[@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).

[@strzeldrob6422]

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

[@ilhamwicaksono5802]

Ikea is considered luxury brand here

[@haanri1451]

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

[@boenike]

HAANRI :D

[@tonylarose4842]

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

[@EphruzTech]

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

[@dbmeed]

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

[@ArchWinds]

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

[@superabdo3]

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

[@MatthewMoniz]

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

[@HardwareCanucks]

Thanks man :D

[@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.

[@ShadowDragoon004]

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

[@LeicaCat]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@HoldMeForever]

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

[@HuyNguyen-vk8iq]

The go to source for case reviews, thanks!

[@ucnguyenminh9393]

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

[@livetowin-pj7yl]

ITS HERE! IVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS!

[@WiseGuy3683]

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

[@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.

[@saferat10K]

i was litteraly about to email you to ask for this review o.0 you rock man

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@NickIam]

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

[@zypher6018]

Gotem

[@joaopelosi.]

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

[@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. :)

[@taimoorshafiq7783]

fantastic review

[@LitoFlautist]

OMG YES FINALLY A LEGIT REVIEW FOR THIS CASE.

[@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!

[@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.

[@Sholities]

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

[@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.

[@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?

[@devondewes5239]

Finally, someone reviewed this case.

[@fatherWolt]

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

[@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.

[@bfgtech48]

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

[@jonnolags]

I like that the title says $50 not $49

[@pandalife_gaming]

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

[@grizzly9960]

Good solid review!

[@chakra2380]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@fohstick]

great informative video.

[@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)?

[@adigitalhermit]

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

[@ygolohcysp8755]

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

[@Squall88uk01]

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

[@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 :(

[@DogeMcLovin]

Cleanly shot and informative review! Yummy!

[@olesteenlarsen3274]

I Love it ! But any ideas of how to improve the cooling of the GPU ? (All my attempts just worsened it)

[@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.

[@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

[@lordesmond3810]

Awesome Video! I might be building a pc using this case soon.

[@Unbrutal_Rawr]

0:48 I had to stop and have a good chuckle at this point.

[@heihei2300]

Was that size comparison at the end with the Fractal Define Nano S? I was wondering because I'm looking to build a mini-ITX system.

[@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?

[@MinecraftSource]

Unboxing's are like a form of ASMR

[@Nathan-gm5nn]

Is the side panel see through? The mobo I want is rgb and I want to put it to use

[@saiclon3]

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

[@alexrambolton]

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

[@ExxInferis]

Is that USB3 header cable buckling the board to make that turn at 5:52? Was that just down to a build done in a hurry for the video or a limited length cable supplied?

[@YarugumaSou]

I did bend the piece to fit my 160mm power supply and now it kinda sits on the backplate of my graphics card is that really okay?

[@muffinxcancer]

do you think this case would fit a mini dtx mobo like the rog crosshair?

[@Rychillie]

this is my pc Case, and is amazing, i love it!

[@beaulieuRule]

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

[@lianchu4236]

Which one you would recomend thermaltake core v1 or this?

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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?

[@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 :) )

[@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

[@Biggarou]

ITX has a huge future to me.

[@ethanyamar1299]

Question: Corsair 200r, Corsair 270r, or CM HAF 912? Which is better for airflow? I might go with 200r since it has 8 fan mounts while the others have 6.

[@HiteshBhagatGameTech]

crisp quality AF.. is why i am subscribed to your channel since you were at 70k sub base. this is tech porn.. ! visual quality.. eyegasm !!! WOW WOW WOW

[@eternaya]

Would that dark silver brushed plastic part peel in a certain amount of time? I just bought it by the way. But I think it's not painted but the natural color of the plastic itself.

[@alangillette4699]

what is the cpu cooler height clearance? can i fit a cooler master maker 8 in there?

[@ralphmcmahan2139]

have used 3 cougar cases, had good experience with Cougar

[@noel5413]

Can you mount a radiator at the top?

[@alexvillalobos7137]

That's such a good case in my opinion

[@max-lee]

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

[@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?

[@6ChrisWeng9]

Review the Raijintek Styx please!

[@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.

[@MrZattack101]

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

[@22joek]

could you also fit a 240mm rad o the side panel? would the sind be ling enougth?

[@TheRonron1994]

Is the bottom panel removable?

[@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!!

[@f4rensabri]

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

[@JackBandicootsBunker]

I was close to getting this case, but needed the portability, and ended up getting the Lian Li PC-TU100.

[@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

[@josephhutchins8]

Definitely gonna get this and a mini itx mobo so I can bring me pc on the road

[@gjj1]

what about zotac or NUC mini computers with external or internal (if possible) gpu's for gaming? any chance of a review on such systems?

[@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 :)