The Cooler Master MasterBox NR200P V2 is a compact yet highly capable mini-ITX case designed for enthusiasts who want to build a powerful system without taking up too much space. With its sleek design and intelligent cooling layout, it offers a balance of aesthetics and performance, making it an appealing choice for gamers and PC builders alike. Its small footprint makes it a great option for those looking to create a high-end setup without the bulk of a traditional mid-tower case.
Despite its compact size, this case is built to accommodate high-performance components while ensuring efficient cooling. It supports both 240mm and 280mm liquid cooling solutions, ensuring that even demanding hardware stays at optimal temperatures. The inclusion of a bottom-mounted 120mm fan enhances airflow, while the vertical GPU layout, combined with a PCIe Gen 4 riser cable, maximises space and thermal efficiency.
Cooler Master has also prioritised versatility, offering both a mesh panel for improved airflow and a tempered glass panel for showcasing internal components. The new NCORE design integrates cooling and style, creating a modern and efficient aesthetic. With an emphasis on usability, performance, and a clean look, the NR200P V2 presents itself as a strong contender in the mini-ITX market.
Design and Functionality
The Cooler Master MasterBox NR200P V2 boasts a minimalist yet refined design, making it a visually appealing choice for compact builds. The front panel maintains a clean, solid appearance with a subtle Cooler Master logo cut into it, reinforcing its understated elegance. Instead of relying on traditional front-to-back airflow, this case utilises a bottom-to-top cooling approach to ensure effective heat dissipation.
On the left side, a large ventilated metal panel enhances airflow, which is particularly beneficial for the vertically mounted GPU. This design allows for fresh air intake directly to the graphics card, helping maintain optimal performance during intense workloads. For those who prefer aesthetics over maximum airflow, the case includes a tempered glass panel as an alternative to the mesh side.
The right side features a high-airflow mesh design, ensuring that heat from internal components can be efficiently exhausted. This layout also provides sufficient ventilation for the power supply, which is mounted along the side of the case. The careful positioning of vents and panels helps maintain an effective balance between cooling and component visibility.
At the rear, the NR200P V2 accommodates mini-ITX motherboards and includes three expansion slots. Despite its small form factor, it supports up to a triple-slot GPU, providing ample room for high-performance graphics cards. A removable plate above the expansion slots offers flexibility for installing larger components, making the case more adaptable to different build configurations.
The power supply placement is another thoughtful design choice, as it is mounted towards the front of the case. To accommodate this layout, a pass-through power cable extends from the rear of the case to the PSU, ensuring a tidy and efficient setup. This positioning allows for better cable management while freeing up interior space for improved airflow and easier component installation.
Every external panel is designed for tool-free removal, making system assembly and maintenance more convenient. With quick-release pins securing the panels, users can access internal components with minimal effort. This thoughtful approach to usability ensures that both novice and experienced builders can easily work within the compact yet spacious confines of the NR200P V2.
Key Features
The Cooler Master MasterBox NR200P V2 is designed to support high-performance cooling solutions, accommodating both 240mm and 280mm liquid coolers. This flexibility ensures that even the most demanding processors can be kept at optimal temperatures, enhancing stability and longevity. The inclusion of a bottom-mounted 120mm fan helps maintain efficient airflow, directing cool air towards the GPU to prevent overheating.
A key highlight of this case is its vertical GPU mounting capability, which optimises airflow and enhances the visual appeal of the build. The NR200P V2 includes a PCIe Gen 4.0 riser cable, allowing for seamless vertical GPU installation while maintaining high-speed connectivity. Additionally, a sturdy support bracket ensures compatibility with graphics cards up to 356mm in length and 160mm in height.
The exterior design balances aesthetics and functionality, with interchangeable panels catering to different user preferences. The case comes with a high-airflow mesh panel pre-installed, promoting better thermal performance, while a tempered glass panel is included for those who want to showcase their build. This level of customisation allows users to choose between superior cooling efficiency or a more visually striking setup.
Ease of access is another standout feature, as the NR200P V2’s external panels can be removed without tools. The quick-release mechanism makes installation, upgrades, and maintenance straightforward, eliminating the need for screwdrivers and reducing setup time. Inside, a removable GPU panel further simplifies component installation, providing more room to work within the compact space.
Cooler Master’s updated NCORE design takes a modern approach to combining style and cooling performance. The overall layout is engineered to maximise airflow, ensuring that high-end hardware remains thermally efficient. Despite its compact size, the NR200P V2 offers a well-ventilated interior that promotes stable performance for intensive workloads and gaming sessions.
For connectivity, the case features a front I/O panel equipped with a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port, enabling fast data transfer speeds up to 20Gbps. This ensures compatibility with modern peripherals, providing convenience for users who frequently transfer large files or connect external devices. The inclusion of a power button and an audio jack further enhances accessibility without cluttering the case’s clean front design.
Storage options are thoughtfully implemented, with multiple mounting points for both 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch drives. A removable bracket on the right side doubles as a PSU cage, offering flexibility for different power supply sizes while providing additional storage mounting points. This efficient use of space allows for a clean build while maintaining cable organisation.
The NR200P V2 is built with versatility in mind, accommodating both SFX and SFX-L power supplies to suit a variety of system configurations. The adjustable PSU bracket allows builders to optimise internal space depending on their chosen components, ensuring better airflow and an uncluttered layout. This adaptability makes the case a strong choice for both casual users and enthusiasts aiming for high-performance builds.
Experience Using the Product and Performance
Building a system in the Cooler Master MasterBox NR200P V2 is a smooth and straightforward process, thanks to its well-thought-out layout. The tool-free access to panels and the removable GPU bracket make it easy to install key components without unnecessary complications. Even with its compact size, the case provides ample room to work with, ensuring that assembling a high-performance system is not a frustrating experience.
One of the standout features of this case is its ability to support high-end hardware while maintaining efficient cooling. The bottom-to-top airflow design works effectively, directing fresh air towards the GPU and exhausting heat through the top and side panels. This layout helps keep temperatures stable, even during intensive gaming sessions or demanding workloads.
The inclusion of a PCIe Gen 4.0 riser cable allows for seamless vertical GPU mounting, which not only improves aesthetics but also enhances cooling performance. By positioning the graphics card away from the motherboard, airflow is less restricted, reducing heat buildup within the compact chassis. The sturdy support bracket ensures that even larger GPUs remain securely in place.
Cooling options are well-implemented, with space for up to a 280mm all-in-one liquid cooler at the top of the case. This provides excellent thermal performance for high-end processors, making it easier to maintain stable clock speeds. While the case includes a single 120mm bottom-mounted fan, additional cooling fans or radiators can be added for even better airflow.
Cable management is another area where the NR200P V2 excels, offering multiple routing options to keep the interior tidy. The PSU mounting position, combined with a pass-through power cable, helps maintain a clean and organised layout. While space is limited, careful planning and the use of cable ties ensure that everything fits neatly without obstructing airflow.
Storage flexibility is also well-considered, with mounting options for both 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch drives. The removable bracket on the right side serves a dual purpose, acting as a PSU cage while also providing additional storage installation points. This allows users to maximise storage capacity while keeping the overall build compact and efficient.
For those opting for an air-cooled CPU, the case does provide some room for a cooler, though height restrictions should be taken into account. Low-profile coolers are the best choice for this build, ensuring compatibility without interfering with other components. However, an AIO cooler is the optimal solution for achieving the best thermal performance in this form factor.
Aesthetically, the NR200P V2 delivers a sleek and modern look, whether using the mesh panel for better airflow or the tempered glass panel to display internal hardware. The case’s compact size allows it to fit neatly on a desk, making it an attractive option for users who prefer a minimalistic yet powerful system.
Throughout testing, the case demonstrated excellent thermal performance, with CPU and GPU temperatures remaining within safe limits. The efficient airflow design, combined with liquid cooling support, ensures that even power-hungry components stay cool under load. This makes the NR200P V2 a solid choice for those looking to build a high-performance mini-ITX system.
The Cooler Master MasterBox NR200P V2 offers a fantastic balance of functionality, cooling efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. It provides a great building experience while delivering strong thermal performance, making it a standout option for anyone looking to create a compact yet powerful PC.
Conclusion
The Cooler Master MasterBox NR200P V2 stands out as a well-designed mini-ITX case that balances compact size with impressive functionality. Its intelligent airflow design ensures that high-performance components remain cool, making it an excellent choice for gamers and PC enthusiasts. With support for both liquid and air cooling, users have the flexibility to build a system that meets their specific thermal requirements.
The thoughtful inclusion of both a mesh and a tempered glass panel adds versatility, allowing users to prioritise either cooling efficiency or aesthetics. The vertical GPU mounting, reinforced by a PCIe Gen 4.0 riser cable, optimises airflow while enhancing the visual appeal of the build. Additionally, the easy-access, tool-free design simplifies the building process, making it more user-friendly even for those with minimal experience.
Beyond aesthetics and cooling, the NR200P V2 offers great hardware compatibility despite its compact form. It accommodates high-end graphics cards, provides sufficient storage options, and supports both SFX and SFX-L power supplies for flexible configurations. The front I/O panel with USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C ensures modern connectivity, adding to the overall convenience.
For those seeking a compact case without compromising on performance, the NR200P V2 is a strong contender. Its sleek appearance, efficient thermal design, and well-thought-out layout make it an appealing option for anyone looking to build a powerful, space-saving system. Whether for gaming, content creation, or general computing, this case delivers a premium experience in a compact and stylish package.
