The Cougar MX600 RGB computer case stands out significantly even within the company’s arsenal, as it is one of the few Full-Tower models among the plethora of Mid-Tower options. And considering the luxurious trends of the company’s novelties, I am only happy to experiment. In this regard, the MX600 is much more often successful than not. And that’s all I’ll say… for now.
The Cougar MX600 RGB is priced at $130. Among the novelties of this season, it is arguably the most expensive model. It is also available in two colors – black and white.
Also, do not confuse the MX600 RGB with the more old-school MX660 Mesh. Because sometimes the Google redirect goes to the latter. Although it has one similarity with the new model, which I wouldn’t say I like. And this will be the only drawback of the MX600.
The case is packed securely and standardly, and it comes with an operation manual and a set of screws, ties, and other accessories.
The packaging of screws and standoffs comes in a separate box inside the HDD mounting space, and I would really like to see this approach become a standard for cases priced over $100.
Externally, we have a new Cougar case. And if you’ve already read our review of the Cougar Uniface, you probably understand what I mean when I talk about a “new case.” Because the novelties have a very modern, clean, some might say unremarkable, I would say purposeful aesthetic. You can compare the MX600 and MX660 yourselves and see.
At the same time, the MX600 goes even further. I would call it a mesh city. Because I’ve seen airflow holes on top, front, next to the motherboard, and even on the PSU shroud… But underneath the glass – I see for the first time.
And there’s a 99.99% chance that you won’t understand HOW cool and HOW useful it is. The thing is, Linus Tech Tips had a video a long time ago, it feels like many years ago, about how in big cases with hot components, increasing the number of fans can make the components… hotter.
So, it actually harms cooling rather than improving it. Specifically, graphics cards with non-blower and non-liquid cooling suffer.
Because if the case doesn’t have an obvious airflow path, areas of turbulence can occur where airflow is obstructed. Specifically in our case, these are areas around the graphics card where hot air stagnates. In the case of blower-style graphics cards, there’s somewhere for the air to go; it’s pushed out through the rear panel.
Read also: Cougar Uniface White Computer Case Review
And regular graphics cards simply push air downwards, which swirls together with the cold air and heats up what goes to the graphics card from below. And the more fans there are, the stronger this air turbulence becomes. There won’t be any cold air there.
The placement of even two 120mm fans at the bottom, which will draw fresh air from where no case I can remember has holes for it, completely nullifies the turbulence problem.
And the front fans will continue to provide airflow to the motherboard and CPU cooler as they did before. I need to emphasize the words “CPU” and “cooler.” You’ll understand why later. I’ll also add that there is perforation on the backside of the case, even though there are no fans there.
Another interesting solution is the plastic ramp at the bottom, in front of the first fan. It’s also for directing airflow.
Moving on. The compatibility with fans here is arguably the best for its price. And I remind you, the case costs $5,000. You can install three 140mm models upwards, three in the front, and even one at the back.
And on top of that, there are two 120mm fans at the bottom. Compatibility with power supplies is up to 180mm, maximum graphics card length is up to 400mm, maximum cooler height is 180mm. Compatibility with motherboards includes Mini ITX / Micro ATX / ATX / CEB / E-ATX.
The peripherals are standard, with two USB 3.0 Type-A ports, one Type-C 10 Gbps (the manual specifies 20-pin). Plus a power button, a combined mini-jack, and a reset button, which also functions as an RGB switch button.
You can install up to 4 storage devices: up to two 3.5-inch drives plus two 2.5-inch drives. Or three 2.5-inch drives and one 3.5-inch drive. Moreover, the mounting spot for the latter can be shifted left or right. There are 8 horizontal expansion slots, 3 vertical slots, and a separate bracket for vertically installing the graphics card is included in the package.
Models up to 3 slots in height are supported. For horizontal installation, there is a built-in shelf support included. I note that spacers are provided for the riser for vertical installation, but the riser itself needs to be purchased separately.
Now, for the sweetest part. The Cougar MX600 RGB comes with… three 140mm fans, plus one 120mm at the rear. All are ARGB, with PWM on the front panel. They are all pre-connected to an RGB hub, which supports a total of 6 fans and motherboard synchronization.
The hub features six 3-pin 5V ARGB connectors and six 4-pin fan connectors, powered by SATA and connected to the reset button. Holding it for six seconds turns off the lighting, while a two-second press switches the mode to motherboard synchronization. This is how brightness will be adjusted, with a total of 18 presets available.
The cable clearances are wide enough, plus there’s a magnetic cover on the back panel. However, the coolest part is how quickly and thoroughly you can disassemble the case. The top, front, and side panels can essentially be removed independently. The tempered glass comes off without screws; it’s held by magnets.
The front filter lifts up, and the frame for mounting the front fans can be removed and flipped backward if needed. The top panel is essentially the only one that needs to be unscrewed, and the screw there requires a screwdriver, not just hands. It’s not that it’s particularly useful, because I’m already used to the fact that installing, say, liquid cooling is always troublesome. But the idea is promising like no other.
There are two drawbacks to the Cougar MX600 RGB. The first is that Cougar Uniface exists. It’s the only case I’ve rated 10/10. And undoubtedly, comparing Mid-Tower to Full-Tower seems idiotic; the airflow in the MX600 is significantly better, overall component compatibility is also much better, and the configuration is absolutely perfect, but…
The MX600 does not support 420mm radiators. It supports 140mm radiators, but not the 420mm ones. Yes, it happens because there may be height incompatibility. And the fans + radiator have a greater height than just fans. Nevertheless, this is the only Full-Tower case in my memory that does not support liquid cooling of maximum capacity.
The case is one step away from perfection. It’s ideal in terms of equipment. It’s magnificent in terms of interesting ideas. Its overall compatibility is impressive. And the cooling system is truly innovative. If you need to build a PC that will have a top-tier processor but the hottest graphics card in the world, then the Cougar MX600 RGB is your best choice. Highly recommended!
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