This is the first PC case I’ve reviewed since the start of the war. 6 months passed, I managed to sell my computer, switch to a laptop and became a complete stranger to the beauty of the Mid-Tower format. However, the Cougar MX660 Iron RGB is far from the worst reason to get back in shape, so to speak.
Cougar MX660 Iron RGB video review
If you don’t want to read, watch the video:
Market positioning
Let’s start with the price, and it floats UNDER $100, most often $90. This is a mid-budget segment for Mid-Tower, and does not reach mastodons like Fractal. However, you expect less from it.
Features
What can the case of this kind attract attention with? First, the design, as always. The front panel here is a monolithic shield of an unusual shape with a rather small opening at the bottom… As I thought. But there is another thing below, which I will talk about later.
The holes are located on the sides and there are a lot of them. If you lack this and want more airflow, the Cougar MX660 Mesh is at your service. There, the front panel is a complete mesh, but due to the enhanced configuration, the price is also higher.
Cooling
The difference is in the number of complete Cougar VK120 ARGB fans on hydrodynamic bearings. The Mesh has 3 of them in the front, and Solid Snake has one in the back. I also and can’t wait for the release of the 140 mm fans.
But if you already have them, don’t worry, instead of three 120-millimeter ones, you can put 140-millimeter ones on top and in front. And since we are already talking about cooling, the case is compatible with radiators up to 360 mm in front and on top – but not at the same time, because they will interfere with each other. This is normal for Mid-Tower, don’t worry.
Also, a 120 mm radiator can be put at the back. The maximum height of the processor cooler is 165 mm, the maximum length of the video card and power supply unit is 410 and 200 mm, respectively. Up to 7 hard drives can fit in, two 3.5-inch and 5 2.5-inch.
Compatibility with motherboards is from Mini to E-ATX. The are up to 9 expansion slots, 7 plus 2 vertical. The front panel, by the way, does not have any USB 2.0, but two 5 Gbit and one 10 Gbit. That is, yes, Type-C. Plus power button, backlight and audio outputs.
I positively note the possibility of installing a video card vertically, including up to RTX 3090, as well as the possibility of installing a 120 mm fan above the power supply unit.
Read also: Cougar Blazer Essence Review: Open and Cool
And all this beauty will be perfectly visible through the tempered glass on the side. But I was especially pleased with the lighting from below. Because underneath, excuse me for a second, is the projector. Which not only lights up, but also synchronizes with the general circuit via the 5-volt connector.
Well, or it glows under the RGB control system. It is also an option. And yes, the projector is an RGB LED that shines through the transparent Cougar lettering. However, no one did this before Cougar, and still does not, so 1 point goes to Cougar for excellence and originality.
Now the disadvantages! The upper 360 mm radiator must be mounted on supports with a thickness of 30 mm. And this is a little unusual! Also, the RGB controller I got was a little flimsy. And that’s… that’s it. Or I lost a lot in the quality of criticism, but I can already give summaries.
Conclusions on Cougar MX660 Iron RGB
This is an excellent Mid-Tower case, the purchase of which is your conscious choice, taking into account the fact of knowing about the existence of the mesh version, because the airflow here will be less due to the designer front panel.
If this is not critical for you and you are not going to assemble the infernal Blender machine, or use a magnetic mesh and air intake from above, then we have a new generation of Cougar cases. Modern, stylish, functional and versatile to the extent that only Full Tower is better. I recommend the Cougar MX660 Iron RGB.
But I still want to get a hold of MX660 Mesh.
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