Gamers have long been on the lookout for small form-factor PC cases that can efficiently house powerful systems without taking up too much space. This trend has gained even more traction with the rise of vertical PC cases like the Cooler Master NCore 100 Max. This compact case offers gamers a stylish and well-ventilated platform to build their dream systems around.
Equipped with an included PCIe 4.0 riser cable, a 120mm AIO cooler, and an ATX 3.0 850W SFX PSU, the NCore 100 Max certainly packs a punch. However, it comes at a price—$379 to be exact. While it may not be the quietest case due to pump noise, its unique design places the AIO cooler and PSU fan front and center, showcasing its performance capabilities.
Building a system in the NCore 100 Max is a breeze, thanks to its pre-installed PSU and AIO cooler. However, there is some disassembling and unpacking involved, as the cooler’s pump/cold plate comes encased in foam and the cables are carefully tied together with twist ties. The side panels are easily removable, allowing for regular cleaning of the non-removable dust filters.
One notable feature of the case is the pre-installed 850W SFX modular power supply, which can handle any components that fit within the case. However, the decision to ship with the 12VHPWR cable pre-attached may not be ideal for most users, as it is not widely used by current graphics cards. Nonetheless, the necessary 8-pin power cables can be found in the accessory box.
Installing a motherboard in the NCore 100 Max can be a bit challenging due to the pre-installed cables. However, once the cables are managed, installing the PCIe 4.0 riser cable and a 2.5-inch SSD or hard drive is relatively straightforward, albeit in tight quarters. The graphics card installs easily on the other side of the motherboard tray, with most GPUs fitting without issue.
For those with larger graphics cards, such as the Colorful RTX 4090 Vulcan OC, additional adjustments may be needed. The NCore 100 Max can accommodate cards up to 13.27 inches long and 2.44 inches thick by default, but with some modifications, cards up to 14.06 inches long and 3.11 inches thick can be installed.
Overall, the Cooler Master NCore 100 Max offers a compact and versatile option for gamers who want a powerful system without sacrificing space. Despite its higher price tag, it is a great investment for those seeking a sleek and efficient PC case.
The source of the article is from the blog combopop.com.br