© ROOT-NATION.com - Use of content is permitted with a backlink.
This season, Cougar has essentially introduced two new case lineups. The first is the CVF series, which I will review separately. The second new release is the subject of today’s review: the Cougar Airface FLO RGB..
Read also: All PC case reviews
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Specifications
- Case form factor: Mid Tower
- Motherboard type: Mini ITX / Micro ATX / ATX / CEB / E-ATX
- Dimensions: 240×509×480 mm
- I/O panel: USB-C 10 Gbps, USB Type-A 10 Gbps ×2, combo mini-jack, reset button
- 3.5-inch drives: 2
- 2.5-inch drives: 1
- Expansion slots: 7 (horizontal slots can be converted to vertical)
- Front fans: max 180 mm ×2
- Top fans: 120 mm ×3 / 140 mm ×2
- Rear fans: 120 mm (pre-installed) / 140 mm
- Maximum number of fans: 6
- Water cooling support: up to 360 mm
- Graphics card length: up to 390 mm
- CPU cooler height: up to 190 mm
- Power supply length: up to 200 mm
Cougar Airface FLO RGB Video Review
Price and Positioning
The black and white versions are priced at approximately $110, with the black model being slightly less expensive, though the difference is minor. With a price point above $100, the Airface FLO RGB falls firmly into the upper mid-range segment. This becomes apparent from the package contents alone.
Package Contents
The attention to detail is evident from the packaging itself. The case is secured with expanded polypropylene foam, while a separate accessory box contains screws, cable ties, and a detailed user manual.
Cougar Airface FLO RGB Design
Now, on to the exterior design. Here, Cougar itself has already hinted at the broader direction of the lineup. Remember the Airface ECO? Those were more expensive cases featuring aerodynamic front ventilation and 180 mm front fans. At the time, I noted that the practical value of such fans largely depends on their popularity – and, consequently, their availability.
In that regard, the Cougar Airface FLO RGB turned out to be a solid case in its own right, while also indirectly improving the appeal of the Airface ECO. This is largely due to the growing availability of 180 mm fans on the market, which are also included here as front intake fans out of the box. The case additionally features an attractive metal mesh front panel. Its design is simpler than the aerodynamic approach used in the Airface ECO, but that does not make it any less effective.
Airflow and Peripherals
Continuing with airflow, the case includes dust filters throughout, and their implementation is generally well executed. The front filter uses a slide-out design commonly found in higher-end cases. The bottom filter is also removable via a slide-out mechanism. The top filter is mounted in a plastic frame, which is nearly on par with premium implementations, although it lacks a finger groove for easier removal. This detail will come up again later in the review.
Next is the I/O panel. It is well equipped, offering two USB Type-A 5 Gbps ports, one USB Type-C 10 Gbps port, a combined audio jack, and a reset button. Its main feature, however, is modular placement: the panel can be removed, the cable routing adjusted, and the assembly relocated to the lower-left side of the case. Relocation to the right side is not supported.
Why is this important? In addition to making the Cougar Airface FLO convenient to use both on and under a desk – with the front I/O remaining within easy reach – it also means that the entire front-panel cable management system was designed with modularity and repositioning in mind.
What is impossible without a well-designed internal space behind the panel. In this case, such space is available. Cable routing depth is about a finger’s width, with Velcro straps and plastic guides included. On the side of the motherboard, there is a separate cutout covered by a removable plate. The only missing element is silicone grommets.
Cooling
Fans: three included. Two are CGR 180-CW models and one is CGR120. The primary focus is clearly on the 180 mm units. They have an official listing and a dedicated page on the Cougar website, although no retail price is provided. The CGR 180-CW is 27 mm thick, with a speed range from 300 to 1200 RPM. Airflow is rated up to 117 CFM (cubic feet per minute), and static pressure is 1.4 mm H₂O.
The bearing is a fluid dynamic bearing. Noise levels are rated up to 30 dBA, and the sound profile is notably smooth, resembling a soft wind-like rustle. Each unit weighs 250 g and draws more than 5 W when RGB lighting is enabled. For 180 mm fans, this is within a typical range and can be considered acceptable or even good.
Read also: Review of Cougar Airface ECO RGB Black/White case
The main issue is compatibility with other fans. At the front, there are no additional mounting options beyond 180 mm. At the top, however, the case supports up to three 120 mm fans, two 140 mm fans, or a 360 mm radiator. At the rear, there is a mounting point for a 140 mm fan. No fans can be installed on the power supply shroud.
Other compatibility
On the other hand, compatibility in other areas is excellent. There are six PCIe expansion slots, and vertical GPU mounting is supported. The maximum supported graphics card length is up to 390 mm. The maximum CPU cooler height is 190 mm, and the maximum PSU length is 200 mm.
There are two mounting locations for 3.5-inch drives, along with a separate dedicated 2.5-inch mounting position. With dimensions of 240 × 509 × 480 mm and a weight of nearly 10 kg, the case supports Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX, CEB, and E-ATX motherboards. Reverse-connector motherboards are not supported.
Drawbacks
Now, let’s discuss the drawbacks. Somewhat unexpectedly, I observed several issues with build quality. These range from minor details, such as a thin partition under the power supply and the absence of mounting slots for the top dust filter, to more significant concerns. One example is the captive thumbscrews, which can easily come loose from their positions – something they are not supposed to do.
I also do not like the side panels. Instead of finger cutouts, they use metal tabs. The panels fit very tightly into their slots, which makes both reinstalling and removing them difficult. I even bent those metal tabs in the process. This is especially disappointing compared to the Cougar CVF235, where finger cutouts are provided and the panels are significantly easier to remove.
Conclusion
The case could be described as a simplified version of the Cougar Airface ECO RGB, although it is as much a different model as it is a related one. I am glad to see 180 mm fans used again, and the repositioning of the I/O panel is a good design change. Many other features and design choices are also positive. Not all of them, but most. Overall, I can recommend the Cougar Airface FLO RGB.
Read also:
- Cougar FV150 Pink/White Case Review: More Than Just Its Color
- Cougar OmnyX Review: An Unusual Gaming PC Case
- Cougar MX600 Mini RGB Case Review
Where to buy the Cougar Airface FLO RGB