The Cooler Master MasterBox NR200 is a Mini-ITX case praised for its compact design, exceptional airflow, and compatibility with high-end components. It supports dual-slot GPUs, multiple cooling configurations, and tool-free access for easy assembly. Its 18L volume maximizes space efficiency without sacrificing performance, making it a top choice for small form factor (SFF) enthusiasts seeking power in minimal footprints.
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Mini PCs for AutoCAD in 2024
Table of Contents
Top 5 Mini PCs in 2025
| Rank | Model | Processor | RAM | Storage | Price | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GEEKOM Mini IT12 (Best Performance) | Intel i5-12450H (8C/12T) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD | $379.00 | Check Price |
| 2 | GMKtec N150 (1TB SSD) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 1TB PCIe M.2 SSD | $191.99 | Check Price |
| 3 | KAMRUI GK3Plus (Budget Pick) | Intel N95 (3.4GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB M.2 SSD | $169.99 | Check Price |
| 4 | ACEMAGICIAN N150 (Cheapest 16GB) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 256GB SSD | $139.99 | Check Price |
| 5 | GMKtec N150 (512GB SSD) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB PCIe SSD | $168.99 | Check Price |
How Does the NR200’s Design Optimize Space Utilization?
The NR200 employs a sandwich-style layout, separating the motherboard and power supply to reduce clutter. Removable panels and modular drive cages enhance customization, while vertical GPU mounting saves horizontal space. Its steel frame and tempered glass side panel balance durability with aesthetics, enabling builders to showcase hardware while maintaining structural integrity.
One innovative feature is the dual-chamber design that isolates the PSU and storage drives from the main components. This prevents cable interference with airflow paths while allowing easy access to storage bays. The case also includes adjustable mounting points for radiators and fans, enabling users to shift components millimeters in any direction to accommodate unusually sized hardware. Builders have successfully fit 3-slot GPUs by modifying the vertical bracket, demonstrating the chassis’ adaptability beyond factory specifications.
Why Is Cooling Efficiency Critical in the NR200?
Dense component placement in SFF cases risks thermal throttling. The NR200 addresses this with mesh panels for unrestricted airflow and support for liquid cooling. Configurations like bottom-to-top or side-to-rear airflow paths let users optimize temperatures based on hardware. Independent tests show 5–8°C lower CPU/GPU temps compared to similar cases under load.
For optimal thermal performance, consider these configurations:
| Cooling Type | Fan Setup | Max GPU Length |
|---|---|---|
| Air Cooling | 2x 120mm bottom intake, 2x top exhaust | 330mm |
| AIO Liquid | 240mm side radiator intake, 2x top exhaust | 305mm |
| Custom Loop | Dual 240mm radiators + slim fans | 280mm |
Note that bottom-mounted radiators perform best with reverse-flow fan orientation to combat heat stratification. The case’s perforated metal panels achieve 63% open area for airflow – 22% more than average SFF designs – while still filtering out larger dust particles.
Which Components Are Compatible with the NR200?
The case fits Mini-ITX motherboards, GPUs up to 330mm long, and CPU coolers under 155mm tall. It supports SFX/SFX-L PSUs, up to seven 120mm fans, and 240mm radiators. Storage options include two 3.5″ HDDs and four 2.5″ SSDs. Compatibility with large GPUs like the NVIDIA RTX 3080 makes it suitable for gaming rigs.
Recent hardware iterations have pushed these limits further. With modified brackets, users install micro-ATX motherboards by sacrificing front storage bays. The 155mm CPU cooler clearance accommodates towers like the Noctua NH-U12A, while SFX-L PSUs like the Corsair SF750 leave enough room for cable management. For storage-heavy builds, the 3.5″ drive cages can be relocated behind the front panel, though this reduces maximum GPU length by 15mm. Modularity extends to fan controllers too – the case includes mounting points for PWM hubs beneath the front panel.
“The NR200 redefined SFF expectations by proving compact cases don’t need to compromise on cooling or compatibility. Its modularity caters to both novices and modders, which is rare in this segment. Cooler Master’s focus on community feedback during development shows in its user-centric design.” — PC Building Industry Analyst
FAQs
- Does the NR200 include fans?
- No, the base model doesn’t include fans, but the NR200P variant ships with two 120mm Arctic fans and a tempered glass panel.
- Is vertical GPU mounting safe in the NR200?
- Yes, using the included riser cable. Ensure the GPU is securely fastened to the bracket to avoid sagging.
- Can the NR200 fit an ATX power supply?
- Officially, no—it supports SFX/SFX-L only. However, third-party brackets like the ATX-to-SFX adapter from Cooler Master enable limited ATX PSU compatibility with reduced GPU clearance.