3 Best Cooler Master PC Cases Under $150, Compared
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Choosing the best cooler master PC cases under $150 requires looking at published specifications rather than marketing claims. We compared 3 models to find options that fit your specific build needs. The top pick is the Cooler Master NR200P V2 Mini-ITX Case because it supports 280mm radiators in a compact Mini-ITX form factor. This dense design allows for high-end GPU support without sacrificing space efficiency. Our analysis focuses strictly on the specs listed for each chassis. This guide helps you decide which case matches your motherboard size and cooling requirements.
Quick picks
| # | Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cooler Master NR200P V2 Mini-ITX Case Best overall | Compact Mini-ITX builds with 280mm AIOs | Check price of Cooler Master NR200P V2 Mini-ITX Case on Amazon |
| 2 | Cooler Master MasterFrame 500 Mesh Case Best budget | High-airflow open-frame builds | Check price of Cooler Master MasterFrame 500 Mesh Case on Amazon |
| 3 | Cooler Master MasterFrame 400 Mesh Best premium | showcasing hardware with high airflow needs | Check price of Cooler Master MasterFrame 400 Mesh on Amazon |
The best fit for you
- You need a compact Mini-ITX case for small spaces Cooler Master NR200P V2 Mini-ITX Case It supports Mini-ITX motherboards and fits a 280mm radiator in a small volume.
- You want an open-frame ATX case for maximum airflow Cooler Master MasterFrame 500 Mesh Case The open design and 200mm fan support provide high airflow for ATX builds.
- You want to showcase hardware in a mid-size frame Cooler Master MasterFrame 400 Mesh Its open-frame mesh design showcases components while supporting Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX boards.
Our 3 picks
Cooler Master NR200P V2 Mini-ITX Case
Best for: Compact Mini-ITX builds with 280mm AIOs
- Motherboard Support
- Mini-ITX
- Side Panel
- Tempered Glass or Vented Steel
- Radiator Support
- 280mm
- Max GPU Length
- 357mm
- Case Volume
- 18.25L
- Dimensions
- 14.7 × 7.28 × 11.5 inches
View on Amazon: Cooler Master NR200P V2 Mini-ITX Case Affiliate link
The Cooler Master NR200P V2 is a compact 18.25-liter Mini-ITX case designed for small form factor builds. It supports GPUs up to 357mm and top-mounted 280mm radiators. The unit includes a vertical GPU riser cable and offers a choice of tempered glass or vented steel side panels. It features a USB Type-C port and a bottom 120mm fan for targeted cooling. This case suits users prioritizing a compact footprint without sacrificing high-end component compatibility.
Pros
- Compact 18.25L volume for Mini-ITX motherboards
- Supports GPUs up to 357mm in length
- Accepts top-mounted 280mm radiators
- Includes PCIe 4.0 riser cable for vertical GPU mounting
- I/O panel features a USB Type-C port
Cons
- Strictly requires SFX power supplies
- Only accommodates Mini-ITX motherboards
- Heavier at 10.9 pounds compared to standard mid-towers
Good fit if
- You need a small footprint for a Mini-ITX build
- You want to use a 280mm AIO cooler
- You prefer vertical GPU mounting with included riser cable
Skip if
- You require ATX or Micro-ATX motherboard support
- You need to use a standard ATX power supply
- You want a larger case for extensive cable management
Verdict: Cooler Master NR200P V2 Mini-ITX Case is a dense, compact solution for builders who need a 280mm radiator and high-end GPU support in a small volume. It fits users who prioritize space efficiency and vertical GPU aesthetics over standard ATX compatibility.
Cooler Master MasterFrame 500 Mesh Case
Best for: High-airflow open-frame builds
- Motherboard Support
- Mini-ITX to E-ATX
- Case Type
- Open-Frame
- Included Fans
- 2x 200mm
- Radiator Support
- 360mm
- Max GPU Length
- 390mm
- Lighting
- ARGB
View on Amazon: Cooler Master MasterFrame 500 Mesh Case Affiliate link
This open-frame ATX case prioritizes airflow and modularity. It includes two 200mm intake fans and supports up to seven fans or 360mm radiators. The aluminum Exo-structure allows for flexible configurations. You can install motherboards from Mini-ITX to E-ATX. The large chassis measures 21.4 inches in height. This design suits builders who want maximum cooling potential and a customizable look.
Pros
- Pre-installed dual 200mm front fans
- Supports up to 360mm radiators
- Accommodates Mini-ITX to E-ATX boards
- Open-frame aluminum design
Cons
- Heavy at 22 pounds
- Open frame exposes components to dust
- Large footprint requires ample desk space
Good fit if
- You want maximum airflow for high-end builds
- You plan to use large E-ATX motherboards
- You prefer a customizable open-frame aesthetic
Skip if
- You need a closed case for dust protection
- You have limited space for a large chassis
- You prefer a lightweight portable build
Verdict: Cooler Master MasterFrame 500 Mesh is ideal for enthusiasts building high-airflow systems with large motherboards. The open design offers flexibility but requires you to manage dust and space carefully.
Cooler Master MasterFrame 400 Mesh
Best for: showcasing hardware with high airflow needs
- Motherboard Support
- Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
- Case Type
- Open Frame
- Side Panel
- Tempered Glass
- Included Fans
- 1x 120mm ARGB
- Radiator Support
- 360mm
- Max GPU Length
- 390mm
View on Amazon: Cooler Master MasterFrame 400 Mesh Affiliate link
The Cooler Master MasterFrame 400 Mesh is an open-frame case built with an aluminum chassis and tempered glass side panels. It supports Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards, fitting graphics cards up to 390mm and CPU coolers up to 190mm. The design accommodates up to nine case fans and 360mm radiators for robust liquid cooling. It includes a USB 20Gbps Type-C port and one 120mm ARGB fan. This setup suits builders who prioritize airflow and component visibility.
Pros
- Aluminum frame with tempered glass side panels
- Supports Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards
- Fits graphics cards up to 390mm long
- Accommodates up to nine case fans and 360mm radiators
- Includes USB 20Gbps Type-C and USB 5Gbps Type-A ports
Cons
- Open-frame design exposes internal components to dust
- Only one 120mm ARGB fan included in the box
- Heavy build at 17.6 pounds
Good fit if
- You want maximum airflow for high-performance cooling
- You prefer to display your hardware through an open chassis
- You need support for large graphics cards and tall coolers
Skip if
- You require a closed case to keep dust out
- You are building a full-tower ATX system
- You prefer a lightweight, portable build
Verdict: The Cooler Master MasterFrame 400 Mesh is an open-frame chassis ideal for builders who want to showcase high-end components and maximize airflow. It fits Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX systems with large GPUs and coolers, making it a solid choice for performance-focused desktops.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Cooler Master NR200P V2 Mini-ITX Case | Cooler Master MasterFrame 500 Mesh Case | Cooler Master MasterFrame 400 Mesh |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motherboard Support | Mini-ITX | Mini-ITX to E-ATX | Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX |
| Case Type | not stated | Open-Frame | Open Frame |
| Side Panel | Tempered Glass or Vented Steel | not stated | Tempered Glass |
| Included Fans | not stated | 2x 200mm | 1x 120mm ARGB |
| Radiator Support | 280mm | 360mm | 360mm |
| Max GPU Length | 357mm | 390mm | 390mm |
| Case Volume | 18.25L | not stated | not stated |
| Fan Size | not stated | 200mm | not stated |
| Lighting | not stated | ARGB | not stated |
| Compatible Device | not stated | Graphics Card | not stated |
| Dimensions | 14.7 × 7.28 × 11.5 inches | 18.5 × 10.3 × 21.4 inches | 18.5 × 10.3 × 14.7 inches |
| Weight | 10.9 pounds | 22 pounds | 17.6 pounds |
| Size | Mini-ITX | Large | not stated |
| Color | White | Black | Silver |
| Model | NR200PV2-WCNN-S00 | MF500M-KHNN-S00 | MF400M-SHNN-S00 |
Check radiator and fan limits
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Match radiator to case size
You must verify that your chosen liquid cooler fits inside the chassis. The top pick, the Cooler Master NR200P V2, supports a 280mm radiator despite its small Mini-ITX volume. This allows you to use high-performance cooling in a compact build. Larger cases like the MasterFrame 500 Mesh may offer more flexibility for different radiator sizes. Always check the manufacturer's specifications for maximum radiator length before purchasing your cooling solution to ensure physical compatibility.
-
Consider open-frame airflow
Open-frame designs prioritize maximum air circulation over enclosed airflow management. The MasterFrame 500 Mesh and MasterFrame 400 Mesh utilize this approach. The MasterFrame 500 Mesh supports 200mm fans, which move large volumes of air efficiently. This design suits builders who need extreme cooling performance. However, you must manage dust carefully since there are no filters. This style is best for clean environments where dust accumulation is minimal and airflow is the primary concern.
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Check motherboard form factor
Your motherboard size determines which case will work. The NR200P V2 is strictly for Mini-ITX boards. The MasterFrame 500 Mesh supports full ATX motherboards. The MasterFrame 400 Mesh fits Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX boards. You need to select the case that matches your motherboard's dimensions. Installing a larger board in a smaller case is impossible. Ensure the mounting holes align perfectly with your chosen chassis to avoid hardware damage and installation issues.
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Evaluate side panel visibility
The side panel material affects how you view your components. The NR200P V2 features a tempered glass panel. This allows you to showcase your internal hardware clearly. Other models may use mesh or solid panels. Glass panels provide a clean aesthetic for display purposes. Mesh panels offer better ventilation but obscure the view. Choose based on whether you want to show off your build or prioritize airflow efficiency. This decision impacts the visual appeal of your final desktop setup.
-
Verify GPU clearance
You must ensure your graphics card fits within the case length. The NR200P V2 supports high-end GPUs in a compact volume. The MasterFrame series cases are larger, offering more room for long cards. Check the maximum GPU length specification in the product data. Exceeding this limit will prevent the side panel from closing. Proper clearance ensures you can install all components without forcing them. This step prevents damage to your graphics card and the case structure during assembly.
Frequently asked questions
Which Cooler Master case supports a 280mm radiator?
The Cooler Master NR200P V2 Mini-ITX Case supports a 280mm radiator. It is designed for compact Mini-ITX builds and fits high-end GPUs. This makes it suitable for users who need liquid cooling in a small volume. The other listed models do not specify 280mm radiator support in their published specifications.
What is the best open-frame Cooler Master case for airflow?
The Cooler Master MasterFrame 500 Mesh Case is an open-frame chassis built for high airflow. It supports ATX motherboards and 200mm fans. The MasterFrame 400 Mesh is another open-frame option that supports Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX boards. Both designs prioritize ventilation over dust protection.
Does the NR200P V2 have a tempered glass side panel?
Yes, the Cooler Master NR200P V2 Mini-ITX Case features a tempered glass side panel. This allows you to view the internal components. The case measures 7.28 inches in width, 11.5 inches in height, and 14.7 inches in length. It weighs 10.9 pounds.
Which Cooler Master case is best for showcasing hardware?
The Cooler Master MasterFrame 400 Mesh is ideal for showcasing hardware. Its open-frame design maximizes airflow and visibility. It fits Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX systems with large GPUs and coolers. The MasterFrame 500 Mesh is also suitable for showcasing components in ATX builds.
What motherboard sizes fit in the MasterFrame 500?
The Cooler Master MasterFrame 500 Mesh Case supports ATX motherboards. It is a large chassis with dimensions of 10.3 inches in width, 21.4 inches in height, and 18.5 inches in length. It weighs 22 pounds and is designed for high-airflow builds.
Is the MasterFrame 400 Mesh available in white?
The published specifications for the Cooler Master MasterFrame 400 Mesh list the color as Silver. The model number is MF400M-SHNN-S00. The data does not mention a white color option for this specific model. Other cases in the list, like the NR200P V2, are available in white.
How heavy is the Cooler Master NR200P V2?
The Cooler Master NR200P V2 Mini-ITX Case weighs 10.9 pounds. It is a compact chassis with a white finish. The model number is NR200PV2-WCNN-S00. Its small volume makes it suitable for builders who prioritize space efficiency over standard ATX compatibility.