Cooler Master NR200 - Details on Drive Mounts and Accessories

Summary

In this follow-up to the Cooler Master NR200 case review, the speaker dives into the finer details of drive mounting and accessories. Key tips include mounting a two and a half-inch SSD before installing the PSU shroud to ensure easy access and secure installation. The case features clever solutions like flathead thumb screws and rubber grommets for tool-less SSD mounting, although screws are recommended for more security. Additional accessories include a fan splitter for connecting multiple fans to a single header, a tool for tightening motherboard standoffs, and a PCIe slot hanger for vertical GPU mounting. Stay tuned for upcoming thermal testing results.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Cooler Master NR200 case is designed for a small footprint and optimized for air cooling, with detailed thermal testing results coming soon.
• 😀 Drive mounting in the NR200 can be tricky with the PSU shroud in place, so it's recommended to mount 2.5" SSDs before the PSU shroud for easier access to screws.
• 😀 The NR200 comes with 12 flathead thumb screws and 12 rubber grommets, providing an innovative, tool-free solution for mounting 2.5" SSDs.
• 😀 Although the tool-free mounting is convenient, it might not be secure enough if you frequently move your PC—consider using screws or switching to NVMe drives for more stability.
• 😀 The case also supports 3.5" HDDs with Phillips head mounts, but given their weight, it's best to use screws for a more secure installation.
• 😀 The Cooler Master NR200 includes a fan splitter that allows you to connect up to three case fans, useful for ITX motherboards with limited fan headers.
• 😀 The splitter has a red four-pin connector that reports fan RPM back to the motherboard, which is useful for monitoring fan speeds.
• 😀 For builds with multiple fans, you need to decide which fan you want to monitor the RPM from, though this isn’t a critical issue if all fans are similar.
• 😀 The package also includes a motherboard standoff tool, which is helpful for tightening or removing motherboard standoffs during installation.
• 😀 For users interested in vertical GPU mounting, the NR200 includes a PCIe slot hanger, and if using the NR200 version, you'll need a riser cable for vertical GPU support.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The video primarily focuses on providing a follow-up to the initial impressions of the Cooler Master NR200 case, specifically addressing drive support mounting, accessories in the box, and some thermal testing details.

Why is it recommended to mount the 2.5-inch drive before installing the PSU shroud?

It is recommended to mount the 2.5-inch drive first because the PSU shroud blocks access to some of the screws, making it difficult to secure the drive once the shroud is in place.

What unique feature does Cooler Master include for mounting the 2.5-inch drives?

Cooler Master provides flathead thumb screws and rubber grommets for mounting 2.5-inch SSDs. The rubber grommets fit into cutouts in the case panels and PSU shroud, allowing for a simple, tool-free drive installation.

Are the drives fully secured using Cooler Master's tool-free mounting solution?

No, while the tool-free solution works for mounting, the drives are not completely secure. They may shift slightly, so it's recommended to screw the drives in for maximum security, especially if the case is frequently moved.

What are the considerations for mounting 3.5-inch HDDs in the NR200 case?

Although 3.5-inch HDDs technically fit in the case, their increased weight and sensitivity mean they require more secure mounting. It’s advised to screw in 3.5-inch drives to avoid potential damage or dislodging if the case is moved.

How does the Cooler Master fan splitter work?

The Cooler Master fan splitter allows you to connect up to three fans to a single PWM header on an ITX motherboard. It also provides future-proofing for additional fans by letting you add more splitters, and the red connector relays RPM data back to the system.

What should you do if you're running different sizes of case fans?

If you're using different sizes of fans, like a 92mm and a 120mm, you should choose one fan to relay the RPM information to the motherboard, as only one fan will provide RPM data. However, this is mainly for informational purposes.

Why is it useful to use a fan splitter in an ITX build?

A fan splitter is useful in ITX builds because these motherboards usually have limited fan headers. By using a splitter, you can connect multiple case fans to a single header, saving space and making future fan upgrades easier.

What is the purpose of the tool included in the Cooler Master NR200 accessory kit?

The tool in the accessory kit is used for removing or tightening motherboard standoffs, which can be handy when installing or adjusting the motherboard.

What is the function of the extra PCIe slot hanger included in the accessories box?

The extra PCIe slot hanger is for installing a vertical GPU. It allows users to orient their GPU vertically by replacing the normal horizontal PCIe slot bracket with this additional hanger, provided the system uses a riser cable for connection.