A Masterpiece - Cooler Master NCORE 100 Max Review

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@MHillaryPhotography]

Does the stock case cooler work with an AM5?

[@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.

[@EffectualPoet]

brown noser.

[@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

[@pooty9998]

A friend of mine had the nr200 max that either had the aio or fan go out, and he only had to send in the one part, not the whole case

[@DivineThreshold]

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 ✌🏼✌🏼

[@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

[@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.

[@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 >:)

[@johnfritzcabahug665]

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

[@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.

[@DR4K0R3X]

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

[@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.

[@MrBillDaBear]

Short moment to appreciate the wrist watch - a beautiful orange Seiko 5 GMT on jubilee. Great choice, and great video!

[@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.

[@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

[@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..

[@M3huehue]

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

[@zS39SBT4fe5Zp8Q]

That's absolutely gorgeous! Flat pack itx is the way to go

[@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.

[@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.

[@teknolojigundemi]

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

[@devtank]

I love that logo! Why does every body hate it? It's distinctive and a pretty classic take on the shape of power company logos in the 1950's.

[@stewart9540]

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

[@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)

[@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.

[@ElXtrick]

I love that you left your mistakes in here. However the Cable and rocking the case back and forth was anxiety inducing

[@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.

[@springvice]

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

[@5yearshed]

It is a looker!

[@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!

[@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!

[@TheDungkaka1993]

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

[@maxderdax6117]

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

[@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.

[@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 ......

[@jrno93]

This looks slick but after going full open case with the Xproto-L from XTIA and having maximum airflow and best temps possible on all my components its hard to go back to suffocating my hardware by stuffing it in a box. Having a small footprint helps too and placing a circular fan at the back of the case and to you to cool you and your pc down simultaneously is a win win.

[@CarnisChampion]

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

[@nix9583]

What happens when the AIO pump dies in 3 years, needs to be replaced, and is no longer in production?

[@emgee44]

Good review and you covered the pros & cons nicely, definitely food for thought if considering such a case 🤔. Price wise it isn't too bad either considering it comes with a psu and aio. However my concerns are the stability of the thing, cable access / routing of the monitor cable and just how loud it'll be sitting next to me on the desk?

[@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.

[@DrBreezeAir]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@Hardwaretuned]

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

[@eTiMaGo]

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

[@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.

[@vmbra6255]

Angled DP cable is a must I see

[@DowsettReviews]

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

[@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

[@Alex-up5kw]

But why did you put there 4080, and then shown tests with 2060s+i5-9600? :/

[@mat967]

...Of course it does not fit in its box in expanded mode. Why and how would it??

[@HardwareCanucks]

Just an observation, useful for those who might travel with the case in a box during relocation or w/e.

[@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.

[@pedrosk445]

Great review, wish we saw real world gaming temps

[@nathantaylor118]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@djnes2k7]

I changed both fans to t30s, and a noctua a9 for the psu fan…. Game changer

[@RipperRayne]

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

[@classicallpvault]

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

[@mysticode]

👏👏 transparency! 👏👏

[@JitHster]

Impressive case! Good vid

[@QuantumAssassin]

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

[@DaSyEnTisT]

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

[@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.

[@MrStR1K3Rify]

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

[@evileyeball]

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

[@MickeyMolad]

Love the thumbnail

[@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?

[@DesuVR]

I just wanted to say, what the hell is Corsair doing?! I was considering getting a Corsair One but they haven't updated their configs since last generation. They're slacking!

My main question is, why are you testing it with a 4-5 years old cpu?

[@tokageebo]

*sees 120mm AIO* *throws up*

[@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

[@sonfoku73]

Always hate how a new best mainstream mini-ITX case comes out like every 4 years that makes me rethink my build & its upgradeability. Never get this problem with the mid/full-towers

[@mrbobo86]

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

[@paulking4908]

That thing is just asking to get knocked over. Knowing me I would not get over being as clumsy as I am.

[@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.

[@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.

[@djnes2k7]

They thought about the box, and then calculated the margins and decided smaller saves money. Not a bad move overall

[@jamilvints]

I wish we could get the case only

[@TechModProjects]

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

[@miguelcollado5438]

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

[@Kahlimer0]

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

[@blackbirdpctech]

Nice case … you guys do great reviews !!

[@hwi7114]

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

[@nickorozco4301]

This test bench needs to be updated

[@jirosaves_theworld]

hemmm i'm quite shock seeing Fractal terra are mini winter heater machine i need to reconsider about purchasing that case for travelling PC

[@americangulag]

5 years of watching tech reviews. 5 years of watching new laptop reviews. This is the one time I have to comment on a video and say the webcam quality of this laptop is insane. That video quality is absolutely insane.

[@marty5300]

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

[@jonathanschaeffner4275]

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

[@spo1buco]

I was waiting for this review! 😍😍😍

[@bolondember]

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

[@MrDutch1e]

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

[@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

[@austintea]

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

[@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.

[@jameslamb7197]

I tend to disagree around the sentiments with case manufacturers including PSU/AIO. Yes - if they offer a version without them (in this case, maybe not so much the AIO as fitment is specific to the case). But the entire SFF community usually already have these things, especially a PSU. I'm still salty that CM didn't offer a version of the NR200P MAX without AIO and PSU. Come on CM.

[@darth3pio]

What's the maximum height supported for the motherboard? Asking for a mini DTX.

[@makatron]

Looks great but honestly it's too tall, NR200P MAX still king.

[@AG-sb7pu]

Why isn't anything labeled at this price point come on cooler master!!