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One trend that I’ve either just noticed or caught right on time is the growing popularity of Mini Tower cases. These cases, like the Cougar Uniface Mini RGB, offer less space than Mid Tower or Full Tower models but provide significantly more room than ultra-compact builds, which often require specialized power supplies.
Regardless of how long this trend has been around, it makes sense. Motherboards compatible with Mini Tower cases—Mini-ITX and Micro-ATX—can be either more affordable than standard ATX options or noticeably more expensive. This means the Cougar Uniface Mini RGB can accommodate both a budget-friendly build and a high-end gaming setup. That topic deserves a separate deep dive, but for now, let’s focus on the case itself.
Cougar Uniface Mini RGB specifications
- The form factor of the case: Mini Tower
- Motherboard type: Mini ITX / Micro ATX
- Dimensions: 210×422×390 mm
- I/O panel: USB 3.0 ×2, USB 2.0, microphone/audio, RGB button
- Bay for 3.5 in: 2
- 3.5-inch bay: 2+2
- Expansion slots: 4
- Support for fans on the front: 120 mm ×3 / 140 mm ×2
- Fan support on the top: 120 mm ×2 / 140 mm ×2
- Support for fans on the back: 120 mm
- Pre-installed fans: Front – 140mm ×2 ARGB fan, Rear – 120mm ARGB fan ×1
- Speed: 1000 RPM (140 mm), 1200 RPM (120 mm)
- Connectors: 5 V 3-pin (ARGB) / 3-pin (fan)
- Maximum number of fans: 6
- Front radiator support: 280 mm / 240 mm / 140 mm / 120 mm
- Support for radiators on top: 240 mm / 120 mm (when installing the top heatsink, the RAM height limit is 45 mm)
- Support for radiators on the back: 120 mm
- Max. length of the video card: 340 mm
- Max. height of the CPU cooler: 160 mm
- Max. length of the power supply: 160 mm
Video review of Cougar Uniface Mini RGB
Price and package contents
The Cougar Uniface Mini RGB is priced at $71 or €68, which is an interesting indicator. It shows that Mini Tower cases can vary widely in price, from budget-friendly to more premium options. Not long ago, I reviewed a case that was about 50% more expensive, and while it had its advantages, it also came with its own set of drawbacks.
The packaging for the Cougar Uniface Mini RGB is fairly standard, with basic foam inserts for protection. All additional accessories, including the manual, cable ties, and screws, are stored inside the case in the drive bay area.
Design
The Uniface Mini RGB closely resembles the standard Uniface RGB. I previously reviewed the larger model and considered it one of the best cases available. The front panel has the same plastic design, and the tempered glass side panel is identical.
The dimensions are, of course, smaller—210×422×390 mm—while the weight is just under 6 kg. This makes the case compact but not tiny. It’s also relatively heavy, which is easy to explain: the tempered glass side panel is a standard 4 mm thick with soft padding inside. The case stands on elevated feet with rubber inserts, providing a decent 20 mm of clearance.
It’s worth noting that the Uniface Mini, available in both Black and White, is well thought out in terms of color consistency—I’d rate it an 8 out of 10. Screws and fan housings match the overall design, but details like the USB port tabs on the front panel remain standard. This isn’t a complaint—expecting custom-colored USB connectors in a case at this price point would be excessive—just an observation.
By the way, the front panel is one of the surprising advantages of this case. It offers a variety of ports: three USB slots, including two 5Gbps Type-A and one USB 2.0. While there’s no Type-C port, there are also power and RGB control buttons, along with two mini-jack audio ports.
Fans
Regarding the fans, here’s what I’ll say: In one of my previous reviews, I mentioned how surprising and impressive it was to find pre-installed 140mm fans in a case under $150. The Cougar Uniface Mini RGB continues this trend, offering pre-installed fans for under $75. It comes with two 140mm fans at the front and a 120mm fan at the rear. While they aren’t PWM-controlled, all the fans are ARGB and of decent quality. The fan models are JR140 and JR120.
The 120mm fan operates at 1250 RPM, while the 140mm model runs at around 900 RPM. In terms of noise, the 120mm fan is average in terms of sound output, while the 140mm fans are nearly silent.
The RGB is controlled by a hub located at the rear of the case, which supports up to six connections and handles only the lighting. It’s also worth noting that there are no 4-pin splitters included, so each fan needs to be connected separately. While that’s something to keep in mind, the lighting itself is quite good.
On camera, the RGB lighting can appear overly bright because the diffusers in the JR120 and JR140 fans are relatively thin, making the areas with LEDs noticeable even on film. However, in real life, it’s not as overwhelming, especially with the mesh front panel installed. Plus, the RGB can be synced with the motherboard or completely turned off if preferred.
The overall fan compatibility allows for up to six fans. Two can be mounted at the top, either 120mm or 140mm. The front can hold three 120mm fans or two 140mm fans. There’s also one rear fan slot, which is 120mm by default but can accommodate a 140mm fan. Additionally, there are a few sets of holes for 120mm fans located near the PSU area with perforated ventilation, although the manual doesn’t mention them. The usefulness of these additional mounts is questionable, but they are there.
Compatibility
It’s also worth noting that the radiator compatibility is among the worst, at least on paper. A 360mm radiator won’t fit anywhere. Even if you want to install a 240mm radiator at the top, you’ll need to consider the clearance for the RAM, with a maximum of 45mm.
The case has four expansion slots. The maximum GPU length is 340mm, the maximum CPU cooler height is 160mm, and the maximum PSU length is also 160mm. The PSU length could be a potential issue, but Cougar offers models like the GX 600 or CMX700, which should fit. Overall, you won’t be left without a power supply—just keep this in mind when planning your build.
On the positive side, the case features a well-designed mesh system. The front mesh is double-layered, with a plastic frame and magnetic mounting. The top mesh is also magnetic, while the bottom one uses clips, which Cougar has designed well, making it easy to manage—even though it’s not magnetic, it’s not an issue. Additionally, the cable management is well thought out, with plenty of cable routing holes, dedicated spots for cable ties, and sufficient clearance on the sides, around 12mm.
The storage compatibility is hybrid, with a drive cage that can hold two 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch drives. There are also two detachable trays for 2.5-inch drives. The cage can be unscrewed from the bottom, and what’s great is that it won’t be obstructed by power supplies, particularly non-modular ones like the Xilence XP400R7.
Drawbacks
I’ll just mention that the Cougar Uniface Mini RGB feels a bit like a compromise in several areas. You’ll definitely need a fan hub, the screws aren’t self-threading and are quite tightly screwed in, there are no silicone grommets around the holes inside, and overall, the compatibility with fans and radiators—I’ve already mentioned—is limited.
But if you’re surprised by this, keep in mind that this case costs less than $75.
Conclusions
Yes, the Cougar Uniface Mini RGB occasionally surprises with its cost-cutting measures, but more often than not, it exceeds expectations for its price range and even sets some records. That said, compatibility with components here requires extra research and checking.
However, I must positively highlight the included fans, the glass panel, the meshes everywhere, and the thoughtful cable management. In other words, building a PC in this case will be both enjoyable, and the end result should satisfy you.
Read also:
- Cougar MX220 RGB Case Review
- Cougar Duoface Pro RGB Computer Case Review
- Cougar FV270 RGB Computer Case Review
