Cooler Master MasterBox NR200P – small dimensions, big features

Detailed analysis of the PC case

SFF PCs are gaining popularity, so manufacturers are naturally expanding the range of cases in this category. But what if you want a small PC, that’s packed with powerful hardware and with a liquid cooling loop as well? MasterBox NR200P, quite interesting case from Cooler Master, recently appeared on the market. It appears to be well suited for this scenario. But is it really good idea to combine small case and a custom liquid cooling?

Key features

With a volume of eighteen and a half liters, the MasterBox NR200P can be safely classified as SFF case. However, its total length of 376 mm is not completely negligible. But the smaller dimensions of the case could already limit the selection of graphics cards, which have recently become literally giant. This case uses a traditional component layout, so it is not a highly compact sandwich configuration, where the motherboard and graphics card are placed back to back, such as the Louqe Ghost S1 or DAN A4.

The classic configuration therefore increases the overall dimensions, but on the other hand most CPU coolers can be used. Even the very powerful Noctua NH-U12A will fit into the NR200P, on the dot. The ends of the heatpipes are touching the dust filter, but do not push on the side panel. However, the tempered glass side panel takes a few millimeters from the maximum supported height, which must be taken into account when choosing a cooler.

Detailed analysis of the PC case

Recent small case favorites include without a doubt Louqe Ghost S1, Streacom DA2, DAN A4-SFX or NCASE M1. However, the small number of pieces produced and the high purchase price of these cases can be discouraging for many people. But, the MasterBox NR200P is an interesting SFF case that won’t make a big hole in your wallet.

The NR200P has the shape of a compact cuboid and is most similar in layout to the M1 v6 case from NCASE. Unlike the M1 v6, however, it costs barely half. I’d rather not talk about the purchase price of Ghost S1 or Streacom DA2 at all. But a lower price usually means some trade-offs. Fortunately, for the NR200P these are just little things that most users shouldn’t mind. Extruded aluminum has been replaced by a high-quality steel structure and only the upper panel is made of plastic. Due to its compact dimensions, the NR200P is surprisingly heavy, which hopefully testifies to the fact that the manufacturer did not save material unnecessarily here. In addition to the classic black color, the NR200P can also be purchased in non-traditional white, but at the time of writing the white variant was absolutely nowhere to be found. In the end, I’m glad that Cooler Master provided me with at least a black version.

The whole case gives the impression that airflow was one of the main priorities in its design. Both side panels, the top and bottom of the case are greatly perforated and equipped with dust filters. The bottom and side filters are attached magnetically, so it is not a problem to simply remove and clean them. However, the upper filter is firmly attached to the upper panel. This should not be too annoying though, the top panel is primarily used to remove air from the case. Therefore, the dust should settle mainly on the outside, which can be easily vacuumed or wiped off. The front panel is without perforation and its matte black is disturbed only by the inconspicuous logo of the manufacturer in the lower third.

The front of the top panel contains an I/O interface. In the middle is the main switch, shaped into the Cooler Master logo. On its sides you can find a pair of USB 3.2 Gen1 type A ports. It’s a pity that there is no USB 3.2 Gen2 type C yet. Unfortunately, this feature was probably excluded as part of reducing production costs. On the edges of the I/O panel we find a recessed reset button and a combined 3.5 mm TRRS connector. A look at the back panel then reveals the possibility of fitting large graphics cards with a three-slot frame in the classic position or a two-slot card in a vertical position. PCI riser is included in the package for using the vertical position. Alternatively, this part of the case can be used for a 92 mm fan. The power connector is located quite smartly above the I/O interface of the motherboard, so that inside the case, the power cable can be run to the power supply alongside all components.

The accessories include the aforementioned PCI riser cable, as well as the necessary screws to install everything you need, rubber grommets to minimize the transmission of vibrations from hard drives and several cable ties to organize the cabling. The user manual is a bit blunt but clear. The accessories are complemented by a pair of SickleFlow 120 fans with PWM control with a speed range of 650–1800 RPM. These fans are equipped with a protective grille against collisions with cabling. The grille is then connected to the plugs, which are used to install fans on the top panel. Classic screws cannot be used. There is also a hub for three fans, whose red connector indicates a fan with a preserved RPM signal.

The front, top and both side panels can be easily removed without the use of tools. The bottom panel is secured with a single screw and all panels use a snap-fit mechanism. After removing them, we are offered a view inside the case. However, to gain maximum access to the inside, the side frame for the fans and the support rod to the top panel still need to be unscrewed. Then you get unlimited access to build the rig.

The power supply holder can be moved slightly higher if you want to use the SFX-L format. However, you will lose the opportunity to use the front fan on the top panel. Alternatively, you can move the power supply to the front wall of the case to gain more space between the power supply and the motherboard. Cooler Master also offers materials for 3D printing of the frame for the ATX power supply on the web. However, such a large power supply will limit the fan on the top panel or the maximum length of the graphics card.

Overall, the NR200P is a pleasantly modular case, it’s up to you how you take use of it. Here you will find support for up to three SSDs in 2.5″ format, two can be placed behind the front panel and one on the power supply holder. For classic 3.5″ discs there are two positions, one is again on the power supply holder and the other position then uses the side frame for fans. The native support for mounting the water loop pump behind the front panel or on the power supply holder will pleasantly surprise you. The large hole in the bottom then serves to make it easier to install the graphics card, however, personally it seems easier to remove the bottom panel, which gives you much more space.

As a cosmetic feature, the NR200P accessories also includes a tempered glass panel. It is carefully packed in a separate box. However, I will not use it for the intended build, because I also need to use the side frame for fans and the perforated side panel. I do not avoid an attractive appearance, but it must not limit the cooling efficiency of the whole build. It is nice that you will find both the TG panel and the ventilated side panel in the case packaging. Everyone can easily choose what suits them better and it is not necessary to buy anything extra.

• Contents
• Detailed analysis of the PC case
• Building a large water loop in a small case
• Conclusion and rating