Hello MAX - Cooler Master NR200P MAX Initial Review!

[@chairs-dimension]

Looks interesting for a great 'out of the box experience' for someone who wants a straightforwards build, but I can't help but feel they have taken a step back in terms of component compatibility and flexibility that the NR200 is so great for.

[@RojasTKD7]

Agreed. Fixing the AIO orientation has brought many limitations and actually hurt cooling.

[@radicalturkey]

I agree also. Should have reconfigured the top fan mount to accept a slim rad like custom builds and kept the horizontal gpu position. It is clearly worse than stock.

[@radicalturkey]

The plus side, more nr200 videos by this epic channel.

[@MachinesMore]

That’s got to be on their radar, because that would be an actual upgrade path for existing NR200 folks. This one kind of branches out more in the “let’s get more folks on the SFF bandwagon” direction, and up next I hope to see a version(s) serving the enthusiast market.

[@BenyaminLorit]

Agreed. It lost some of its magic. Honestly, I wish they just made a top hat accessory instead.

[@infinikeys]

I wish CM would release a MAX variant with no AIO & PSU. I just love the color & new improved layout so much.

[@kenopyowo]

SAME!

[@informative_walrus]

Would you actually be able to buy it, unlike this one?

[@Paul-if1jq]

I built a full water build in the Max... - great case

[@pvchmykh]

@@Paul-if1jq can you share pictures please?

[@Mr.DJones]

Thank you for posting. I knew the MAX was coming out but wasn't interested. Yesterday, had my new computer built. NR200, R9 5900X, RTX 3080 Ti FE, ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Impact, SF 750 W 80 + Platinum, and the Noctua C14S did fit on the Impact MB w/ about 5mm spacing between. 5 Noctua fans. Thank you very much for all your videos on NR200. Everything worked great. Also, I bought extra grills and 15mm fan pins from Etsy which worked great.

[@kaos_4043]

Thanks!!! As a first time SFF build (actually my first build of any kind) this video really helps, and gives me a lot of confidence.

[@IsRandySuck]

thank you so much for answering my question at 14:41!!! now I can buy this case and install a 17mm thick 240 rad at the bottom.

[@jasonames7452]

I've avoided all the other reviews for your take on the new NR200P Max.

[@swizzler8053]

Stop lying. You watched them all😙

[@jasonames7452]

@@swizzler8053 Yeah, but I didn't finish them, lol

[@MachinesMore]

Hah, I like this guy 👊😀

[@swizzler8053]

@@MachinesMore Hello. I have a question. I want to buy a linkup PCI riser 4.0 for my NR200 but they sell left or right corners. Which one should I choose and which length? Thnx and keep up the great work.

[@MachinesMore]

You’re going to want a “right angle” one. As for the length, the actual cable part end to end is a little more than 10cm, however it’s only 1.5cm longer than what CM calls 5cm on their MAX. So I’d check how Linkup measures the cable and pick one as close as possible, slightly longer is OK.

[@Macho_Man_Randy_Savage]

16:31 The only video I seen that mentions this! This has to be one of the best and most in depth reviews of this case.

[@JudgeBreddUK]

I'm definitely the target audience for this, I've been thinking of building a new PC and I wanted a small form factor because I've always had huge builds and I want to try a little one for a change, I can get a small case, cooler and PSU for £350 here in the UK which is a good price anyway and after watching this review I know it'll be a good sff case so I'm pulling the trigger

[@BCdesu]

Master, Max, Machines, & MOARRRRR How many 'M's do you need? YES

[@thehobbyist6963]

A few minutes into this video, I realized I had watched a ton of your videos over the past few days. So why wasn't I subscribed? Fixed! Thanks for the great content!

[@MachinesMore]

You rock! Welcome aboard!

[@lucamosca3392]

Would love to see a top intake and bottom exhaust configuration with the TG panel. I think this could be the most balanced thermal performance.

[@Manulajes]

Hot air goes up(?)

[@jam471975]

The Optimum Tech youtube channel has done many videos testing this and he said with this style case with a side mounted GPU you'll have the best thermal performance with negative pressure by mounting the top and bottom fans in exhaust.

[@jam471975]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/op3Xq2Cemrxlgrc&ab_channel=OptimumTech

[@misericorde360]

Many thanks for your awesome and thorough content. Did a NR200 build, as per your recommendations, and the temps are amazing (3080FE, 5600X, Noctua U12A) : CPU is 50 degrees on load, GPU stays around 60, 65 top. Idle around 30/35 degrees. Couldn't be happier ! Greetings from Paris.

[@MachinesMore]

Greetings to Paris! Glad you are enjoying your setup, one of my favorite type of NR200 setup combos right there!

[@CantStopTheChopPvP]

Been waiting for actual SFF people to get hold of this case to test it, since I'm on fence between NR200P and the Max version. But so far you're the only reviewer who got CPU temps that high when others are running hotter CPU's. Wil be interesting to see the next videos on this case.

[@MachinesMore]

Thanks for checking in! At the end of the day, it’s not substantially different from a vertical GPU configuration in the NR200P. I think the specific thermal stress test matters. Just running a CPU only or GPU only test doesn’t tell the full story, gaming thermals helps but when you stress both components, you get a worst case scenario, and you really need that data point in SFF builds. I think a reconfiguration will vastly improve things.

[@CantStopTheChopPvP]

@@MachinesMore Yea, I'm looking forward to more videos on it. I was thinking of changing the radiator fans anyway since I don't rate CM fans, I would of put Arctic P12s on it instead. Are you going to try different fans in the case?

[@MachinesMore]

More likely I will try a 240 with NF-A12x25 or T30s… either of those smoke an average 140mm fan any day and I think the airflow will result in less interdependence of cpu/gpu thermals. A 240 would have a narrower intake or exhaust footprint which, from what I am theorizing, would eliminate some overlap with the GPU intake fans.

[@whatsanobeen]

@@MachinesMore could the FE cooler airflow path be the cause of the temperature differences?

[@MachinesMore]

The GPU is absolutely causing the higher CPU temps under load, and it’s not specifically the FE airflow path. Assume half is dumped out the blower end, no problem, half is dumped out the flow through end, problem. If you could visualize a side exhaust card, about half is dumped through each side, one side would be close to the rad but the other side doesn’t leave the case right away unlike with the FE. It will raise the ambient case temps as well, and the rad is still the exit point. Plus many AIB cards nowadays have a semi flow through design as well. It’s not materially different compared to the NR200P in vGPU mode, just 280 vs 240 rad width. Flipping the fans ought to yield some gains, I surmise.

[@shinek243]

The most well-analyzed NR200 reviewer.

[@shady6443]

Hey thanks for the amazing content man! I just build a system using this case and I am loving it!

[@noahkersey5382]

This would have been perfect if it allowed for a horizontal GPU. Forcing a vertical GPU kills my interest tbh.

[@khamisi__6378]

Man they missed an opportunity there. I wanted that too

[@flaitzi]

I bought it for 280€ and thought the look and the temps would be worse by mounting the gpu vertically but with 2 fans in the bottom and the mesh panel the temps are very good

[@KaldekBoch]

I'm the opposite. But then I use custom cooling loops and it's nice to see the water block.

[@tommysheal]

this case is perfect for newbies

[@clewfirstcfer]

Appreciate the comparison to the structure of the NR200P; Jay didn't do that. My choice to buy the NR200P is probably at least 75% due to this channel, the build guide and cooling configuration comparisons. Keep it up!

[@DaNieL8Productions]

[@RojasTKD7]

In fixing the AIO orientation they actually hurt the CPU cooling and brought other limitations to the case. I'll stick with the original and a good air cooler. Was interested I'm what the Max brought to the table. After seeing the air cooling limitations, GPU mounting and how exhaust works... I have no real interest in the Max now.

[@limw79]

Indeed, it seems the improvements brought by the max, also bring some limitations

[@radicalturkey]

I am building a custom dual loop in the original. It fits fine with tx240 slim rads and a mod to the plastic vents on the top panel. Many reddit threads about it. Only cooler master don't make a 20mm thick rad. Xspc does and the cooling performance is within a couple of degrees of the 30mm. In fact this channel showed that. Nr200 non max ftw.

[@kazielbonn]

28-minute initial review lol... I was expecting this :)

[@24kmetal99]

I don't have any heat issues with mine, I think those two fans under the gpu should be exhausting hot air from the case instead.

[@al_agator]

I really love the color. Wish this case was sold separately...

[@indigomontari9022]

One thing I would change is to have the rectangle opening in the front frame be switched to vertical to allow longer GPUs to stick out between the frame and the front panel.

[@SsRazer]

Great review as always!

[@saniarao7250]

Favorite channel

[@the-patient-987]

I wish they release something like "NR200 Max Air" that supports six regular 140mm fans and 3 slot cards mounted horizontally. That being 2 intakes at the bottom, good for the GPU, 2 intakes at the side, good for the CPU, and 2 exhausts at the top, improving temps and lowering noise levels. Also I think they could add to the PSU cage a 2,5" drive cage for extra storage. I don't have a case to make measurements but it can probable take two, maybe three such drives in that position while still leaving room for airflow.

[@Lofff371]

I bought NR200 like half a month ago... I should wait for the MAX for better value

[@kid1fornow651]

The nr200 king is back

[@9to5__]

great review! already have the NR200P air-cooled setup so I think I'm good for now. Like you said, maybe will wait and see what v2 bring?

[@simonsol5084]

People always forget that the extra riser cable just automatically make future upgrades more expensive just by having that extra part to buy. I will be going for the NR200

[@ibdustin15]

I hope this comes in black.

[@emlangsalahe5541]

Great video

[@UnknownUser-fg3fs]

SSUPD for life

[@weirdodude1173]

It's not my kind of case, but you do great reviews. Thumbs up.

[@extroex7744]

Top and Bottom fans as exhaust would be the best option. This would reduce the hot air from graphics card going into the rad

[@TheGlobuleReturns]

Hi there, I would be so happy if you answered my question! I followed your advice to build in the NR200, and have an L12s with a side mounted fan pointed at it, with bottom fans for GPU and two top exhausts. However, I managed to snag a 3070ti at msrp recently, and failed to appreciate that the airflow would be altered due to the front and back fan on the higher end RTX 30 series cards. Should I vertically mount the gpu now? Or perhaps even get a bigger tower cooler and reverse its direction (like you did with your 4k 3080/5600x build)? To be honest, the thermals aren't that bad as it is, with the gpu reaching a max of about 78 degrees. Thanks

[@daanyalhassan2171]

28 minutes long. Let me go grab some popcorn and enjoy the content

[@khamisi__6378]

Much appreciated vid. I have the nr200p but I been wanting to top Mount my rad. This case would have been perfect if I could horizontally Mount the gpu and use my own parts

[@CaveyMoth]

I can't believe they actually went with the purple stripe on the PCI-E rise cable. Didn't you read the comments, Cooler Master?!

[@edwardpersaud]

Great vid

[@RangerAmateur]

Bough the NR200 for $5x on Amazon, same 280 MasterLiquid for $70 from Woot. Haven't really seen the value proposition of the MAX yet.. Granted it's an SFX 850w but SF750 Plat nowadays is often on sale for $170.

[@MachinesMore]

That's a screaming deal.... and yeah, I'd get two NR200s at that price!

[@ragemydream]

it's cool but that price point is crazy. Would have been great to see how it compares like for like with the NR200p

[@MachinesMore]

Yes- in the upcoming video I'll be testing every fan configuration including the way the NR200P was tested.

[@mrb3991]

Hi I just found your awesome video, I have the same board and case, but can not decide which CPU to use my 3900x or 5900x, and I kept my strix 2080ti, and i also have an msi 3080, which of my componets woud you choose from my list , ?????

[@felixsalazar7500]

I think they should have made the case taller to be able to fit 2 rads, one at the bottom (this might be possible as it is using a slim rad and setting the fans outside of the case) and one at the top, also the back panel for the GPU should have been swappable so you can choose the position you prefer. I did not notice if it is possible, but 240 rad compatibility on the top so you can use one for a custom loop. Ideally, coolermaster can offer 3 different kits, 1. barebones with no rad, no riser cable, and with horizontal GPU, 2. Barebones with riser and vertical GPU , 3. 280 rad, riser, PSU and vertical GPU mount.

[@carlwells9504]

I was waiting for a itx tower option - have to stick to modding a NR200 instead

[@kgb3209]

Can you please start a Fractal Design Node 202 series

[@tronus98]

The nr200 has that punch out card on the back to allow for vertical mount. Every time I pick up my case I have to remember not to accidentally push in on it. It's lost a corner snap but still holds it's shape, thankfully. That's my biggest gripe lol. Oh yea, they should throw you a few extra plastic panel clips. This MAX is sort of a strange option. I don't like the proprietary nature of it. It's not a case at that point. It's like it's a half built Apple product that needs more parts added before you can use it. What is it trying to be?

[@bbarxx]

Just picked up this case with the Asus ROG Strix X570-I MB and a Ryzen 9 5900X, still need to pick up Ram, M.2 and a GPU. Leaning towards the Strix 3060 Ti due to financial constraints, any recommendations or thoughts are welcome?

[@daanyalhassan2171]

yhhhh baby

[@IsRandySuck]

is it avaliable to install a 15mm slim fan outside the bottom of the case without touching the table?

[@MachinesMore]

Yes, about 18mm under the case. Not sure you'll get meaningful airflow but you have a few mm clearance.

[@IsRandySuck]

@@MachinesMore as there is not enough space for a slim rad and a slim fan together at the bottom, that will be my only option to increase the maximum airflow

[@MachinesMore]

Yeah, you can also try taller feet! It’s a great idea to mount the rad and fans like you are thinking!

[@dimitriid]

While I might consider the Max for the future, I really wish Coolermaster makes the top and back panel available for current NR200 owners: I'd love to top mount a rad but I don't need an AIO or a PSU I got those a while back then the NR200 came out.

[@jam471975]

Since the motherboard mounting points are lower in the Max and the back panel is not removable I'm not sure how this would work?

[@MD-sc1jk]

I want this case, but I just saw the price on cooler master site $499 :(. I was hopping it would be $349

[@MachinesMore]

The freight costs are going out the roof now with stuff sitting on the ocean… but yeah that’s getting up there 🙁

[@BelliSenior]

its a shame that the cpu temps are higher but maybe using a after market gpu cooler will help lower temps, really interested in this bcs is the exact bundle I was looking for

[@lemonjuice147]

Tbh, I would still grab the NR200 with mesh panel with intake AIO 2 intake fans on bottom and 2 exhaust fans on the top over this...

[@caesarjohnmatencio9739]

i want that pcie gen 4 riser cable..with all black or all white color

[@MrGetsilly101]

Hey M&M, can you please make a ATX build in the SFF-Time N-ATX case. Particularly with watercooled parts. I have a i7-7700K under a 240mm corsair aio on a ASUS TUFF Z270, a EVGA 1080ti 120mm aio Hybrid, and a EVGA G2 850W ATX psu. If possible, I would like to move them into this slim ATX case to better fit my cramped dorm desk. I've come to despise my Corsair Crystal 570X RGB case younger (very dumb me) purchased.

[@evilmunki54]

Great review! Do you think replacing the stock fans with Artic P12's would provide better temps/noise?

[@MachinesMore]

P14 fans I assume (it’s a 280), and yes, better than the stock fans. Thing is though it depends on how high you intend on running your fans to begin with- if it’s a low TDP chip and low speeds anyway, then it really won’t matter that much.

[@filiplukic1448]

I have same case and same mb, where to connect AIO pump and where to connect radiator fans?

[@nobeenx]

We just want a gray edition of nr 200

[@ramiru3264]

This would be perfect for custom looping with 2 rads (top 240mm and bottom 120mm)

[@taman82]

What's the noise level like with the mesh panel on? Can you do a noise level test please?

[@Kolzach]

Thanks for answering my question! Very interesting that it fits, although not surprising since the measurements are the same. I asked because I was curious about the possibility of top rad custom loops where you don't need to do any destructive mods like drilling holes into the case or cutting off the ram clips. I wonder of cooler master would be open to selling parts of the MAX by themselves since most of them seem interchangeable?

[@lisa-marierieger6643]

That's my husband!

[@jovancvijanovic7457]

No clue why they didn't shift the GPU 5 mm higher and make it possible to have 2 25 mm fans on the bottom...

[@lewiswright4038]

Hi Thanks for the review does the AIO from the Max fit in the regular NR200P i only ask because i already have the on Air NH12A and wondering if they release the AIO later in the future if it would fit if i wanted to make the switch or if if i would have to buy the case again thanks in advance

[@MachinesMore]

It won’t fit in the NR200P at the bottom but if you use the vented panel the side mount can work since the panel takes a 280. Tubes are longer but you can snake under the PSU when in a side mounted position as well.

[@daanyalhassan2171]

hmmm cooking steak with the mesh panel, I guess I'll have to try that next time I eat steak

[@MachinesMore]

"what's with all these dots on my meat!?!!"

[@nocxt3073]

nice review. and your voice veryvery similar with Joker in The Dark Knight. auto subs!

[@user-is1ox5bo6v]

Will the Gigabyte 3080xtreme fit in this case?

[@atoms_dancing]

Hey, I'm thinking of using a storeMI setup with a 3.5" HDD and SATA SSD. I was wondering if it's possible inside this case with a beefy GPU like the Asus Strix 3080 OC edition. Also could you make a video about the thermal performance of the case with the addition of a HDD inside. THANKS!

[@MachinesMore]

Hey! The only option for the 3.5" (and that's pretty incredible given that there even is one) I'd put the HDD at the bottom- figure slightly worse thermals than without bottom fans. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@12danny21]

Might be a dumb question, but is it possible to swap the fans and radiator position to have air pulled through radiator instead of pushing air through?

[@MachinesMore]

You can- IIRC it didn’t come with longer screws to mount the rad through the fans, however. It will also change how the tubing runs though a little, but other than that you can run that way, will also eliminate the thickness from the grills since you no longer need them.

[@horse1154]

I still am not able to find this case for sale anywhere :(

[@MachinesMore]

It was available very briefly on CM’s own site but as many mentioned it was pretty steeply priced and folks were having issues checking out, then it became sold out (sound a lot like GPU wars?😐) I’m awaiting info for availability from the bigger retailers such as Amazon.

[@bettyesperanzabelalcazarco9537]

Es interesante pratica y lista para usar paquien quieta adquirir

[@dougalemacalestyr8365]

Ok, now I need one in white, and one in blue...

[@omarbassal6281]

can we add a smal fan in the back

[@MachinesMore]

No, that option was removed when the vertical GPU became mandatory.

[@bettyesperanzabelalcazarco9537]

Mis amigos en colombia les encanto y agradesen su esplicacion

[@alejandroavila2646]

I really want to know what prevented CM from moving up the GPU 5mm to allow for a couple of full size fans at the bottom. I also hope they release a standalone version. What's the point of including a PSU on CM's "best" SFX capable case right at the same time of releasing a 1100W SFX PSU? Looking forward to that NR200P V2 if it even becomes a thing.

[@MachinesMore]

Hey Alejandro, moving up the card cuts down on card clearance so that's the likely consideration there. I would hope for a standalone version but more so for an eventual specialization of the NR200 into a liquid or air specific series.

[@alejandroavila2646]

@@MachinesMore I don't think 5mm would have made a difference. Check out Gear Seekers put a 3080 Strix in there with plenty of room to spare. Awesome channel btw.

[@little_fluffy_clouds]

A 1100W PSU would be pointless in this case since you're limited to ITX motherboards and a single PCI Express slot. You also don't have room to put a ton of drives into this case. There's no way you can add enough components to even stress the included 850W PSU, let alone a 1100W one.

[@alejandroavila2646]

@@little_fluffy_clouds You're kind of right. I agree with you from the technical point of view except for the following: -SFX is mostly designed for SFF builds so 1100W would be pointless in any case (They're also releasing a 1300W SFX-L) btw. Unless you plan to use them with a bracket on a bigger case which is also pointless most of the time. The point I was trying to make was more about marketing than about technical specs: The NR-200 family is the only SFX capable case from CM so it makes no sense to release an improved version of the case with an old PSU already installed and at the same time releasing two new sfx PSUs. People who buy the new PSUs will be forced to get the older NR-200 or go with a different brand. Do yo see my point?

[@little_fluffy_clouds]

@@alejandroavila2646Yes; but that would push up the price for no tangible benefit. After all, the Max is supposed to be an easy to use kit; so I can see why they chose the 850W PSU: it’s more sensible to include something that’s more than sufficient for all builds rather than including something beefier that will push the price up, yet won’t be fully utilised by anyone in the intended target audience. If they’re going to revise this, I’d much rather see a USB type C port included on the front panel in addition to type A. That would be a much more meaningful addition that will benefit many users.

[@ayemous]

Can you still put in a 3.5" HDD?

[@dunstondiaz]

If only there was a stripped down version of the MAX for people who already own PSU and a AIO

[@MachinesMore]

It is a possibility for the future, but right now there's no plan for that (from what I'm told).

[@raymondtan9576]

When you were testing with the bottom fans, were they intake or exhaust?

[@MachinesMore]

Intake, to balance out airflow. Exhaust out the bottom may be a viable config with the vented panel, but definitely won’t be good with TG.

[@raymondtan9576]

@@MachinesMore Thanks for the reply! If you can please test exhausting both the top and bottom fans with the vented panel. People seem to think that works well for sandwich layouts.

[@MachinesMore]

Hey Raymond, it does work well for sandwich style layouts when a component wants to draw air through the side panel. Where you sometimes run into issues (with a hot component like the 3080) is when you have a rad that is the exhaust point, then it is a bit tougher. Overall though with a vented panel though I think the exhaust on both ends should work well with the vented panel, stay tuned!

[@Vixus7]

Shouldn’t you put the radiator on top?

[@MachinesMore]

Ideally yes, which is one of the reasons why this case was designed as such.

[@notmatt5864]

so its an inverted sama im01

[@ARGO679]

Sir is it possible to modify the case for horizontal gpu? Thanks

[@MachinesMore]

It would take a heck of a lot of cutting and rerouting the plug, I’d say it’s not worth it when there is a readily available solution in the NR200, and at some point I’ll cover how to invert and get a top AIO in.

[@ARGO679]

@@MachinesMore thank you sir for the response. new subscriber here. godspeed to your channel.

[@ChemistryLemur]

Better grill marks, lol xD

[@jerma984]

Too big, they should have just updated the nr200 to officially support a top radiator and called it a day.

[@twoface9622]

Is it beginner friendly?

[@fr0stief0n]

mesh for grill marks 🤣👏🏽

[@MachinesMore]

Don't try this at home, folks!

[@Emma-tm1mx]

nr200pmax or nxztH1, sir?

[@MachinesMore]

The MAX has way more headroom from an AIO and PSU standpoint… so it is far superior for component selection and performance. That being said I’ve yet to see what the actual market retail price might be. I know it flashed up briefly on the CM site but need to wait until it shows up on the usual suspects like Amazon or Newegg.

[@Emma-tm1mx]

@@MachinesMore thanks, much apreciated

[@Cereal87Killer]

$450? That's overpriced. I'll prob just stick to the new 011D air mini

[@ecobasetech4558]

No usb-c front panel is a deal breaker for me

[@mirthumos]

It's a great layout. BUT, it's not a good deal because the color is ugly and you can only get it also with an ugly aio. I don't really mind the psu since it comes with nice sleeves. I'll wait until CM will release an all white case without the extra NONSENSE.

[@phenomeenah-yar]

But, will the gpu sag?

[@MachinesMore]

Not more than in a typical sandwich style case. The bracket is fairly solid once screwed down, unless your card is a monstrosity, I wouldn’t worry too much.

[@leonfdawson]

I thought this cam with a PSU, but I just opened mine and....no.

[@MachinesMore]

It was missing the PSU? That’s not right. Where did you get it from?

[@kcdub04]

Can you possibly do push pull with slim fans on the top?

[@MachinesMore]

It can fit, figure a 32mm rad with 15+15 = 62, so you'd be close to the max but it should still clear most boards.

[@kcdub04]

@@MachinesMore awesome, thank you. Is that something you could possibly cover in your deep dive compatibility video? I'd love to see how the thermals would respond and what motherboards offer the best clearance.

[@gustavoserena5079]

How much will the MAX cost?

[@henkdevries]

Same poop as the NZXT H1, included psu I don't need. Included cpu cooling I don't need. Really pricy since I don't need the components.

[@che-weihsieh975]

You could always go for the original NR200.