The NCORE 100 MAX introduces a familiar concept to those acquainted with cases like the NR200P Max or the NZXT H1. Much like its counterparts, the NCORE 100 arrives as a kit, featuring pre-installed components aimed at streamlining the entire build process. This setup can be particularly appealing if you’re considering constructing an ITX PC but wish to avoid the complexities of researching component compatibility in a compact case. Opting for this kit means you can have your PC up and running quickly and effortlessly.

Priced at $399 USD for the complete package, the NCORE 100 MAX includes the case itself, a 120mm liquid cooler, an 850W 80 Plus Gold rated SFX power supply complete with a 12VHPWR cable, and a PCIe Gen 4 riser cable. 

Initially, the $400 tag might seem steep, but when you break down the components, the value becomes clearer. A standalone power supply of similar quality can cost around $160, while a reliable Gen 4 riser cable typically ranges from $40 to $70. Similarly, a decent 120mm AIO cooler usually falls in the $60 to $80 range. Considering these individual costs, the case itself seems to be priced at around $120, making it a reasonable proposition, especially given the convenience of having critical components pre-installed.

The NCORE 100 MAX offers a choice between two striking colors: a bronze finish and a stealthy grey. While the bronze hue appears slightly more subdued than anticipated, it still exudes a unique charm that sets it apart as a captivating centerpiece on any desk. I lean towards the grey option, having a preference for understated device colors.

Upon delving into the build process and exploring the contents of the accessories box, several noteworthy items stand out. One such item is the secondary top cover, essential for accommodating larger graphics card options. Additionally, the kit includes a variety of power supply cables, complementing the pre-installed 12VHPWR cable. These cables prove handy for systems requiring standard 8-pin connections, offering convenience and versatility.

Underneath the top cover lies a bag of hardware crucial for installing the AIO cooler. This comprehensive package ensures that builders have everything they need, whether working with Intel or AMD setups. 

In my case, I’ve opted for an AMD configuration, featuring a 7800X3D paired with an ASUS X690E-I motherboard and 32GB of low-profile DDR5-6000 RAM.  

For an AMD motherboard setup, the pump installation is quite straightforward. Utilizing the default brackets already present on the board, there’s no need for additional mounting hardware at this stage. 

However, if you’re working with an Intel board, you’ll require a backplate and the corresponding mounting hardware, which must be installed onto your board before securing it into the case.

Now, let’s delve into the case assembly process, which can initially be a bit perplexing. To begin, you’ll need to extract the push pins located on the backside of the case. These pins secure the panels in place. Additionally, there are push pins on the opposite side, facing towards the back. To release these panels, you’ll need to pull them towards the back of the case. Repeat this process for both panels.

Next, you can remove the front brace by unlocking it from the top and bottom and moving it out of the way. This step prepares the case for further component installation and customization.

To kick off the build, let’s first set up the brackets for the water block. Note that these brackets will vary depending on whether you use an Intel or AMD processor. For AMD, attach the corresponding brackets to the block.

Before proceeding, ensure you’ve unpacked everything inside the case and removed any twist ties from the case and power cables, allowing for a clearer workspace. Now, let’s make room for the motherboard and secure it using the included screws.

Next up are the case cables. Connect the USB 3.0, USB-C, and front panel connectors. If your motherboard supports HD audio, don’t forget to plug in the HD audio connector. Additionally, connect the rear exhaust fan at the top to the chassis fan connector. Lastly, the long fan cable from the top-mounted radiator should be connected to the CPU fan header.

Now, locate the PCIe cable hanging at the bottom and plug it into the PCIe slot. This might be a bit tight, especially if your motherboard has a large M.2 heatsink, but it’s manageable without removing the heatsink.

For thermal paste, you can use the one provided in the box or your preferred paste. Apply it to the CPU and then lower the water block onto the CPU, securing it by finger-tightening. Remember, there are no Phillips head inserts on the top, so aim for even pressure by alternating rotations.

To complete this side of the build, ensure the wire coming off the block is plugged into the pump header on the motherboard. This step ensures the proper functionality of the cooling system.

After tackling the cable management, we’re ready to move on to installing the graphics card. In its default position, the case accommodates a 3-slot GPU up to 337mm long. However, you can adjust the riser cable and bottom piece to support longer cards, up to 357mm. Since I typically work with smaller builds, I’ll stick to the default position for testing.

First up for testing is the Founders edition 4090, featuring a blow-through style cooler that intakes air from one side and exhausts heat from the opposite side. This setup is intriguing given the case’s design, especially regarding thermal performance under heavy loads.

Installing the GPU is straightforward: remove the covers, open the riser cable latch, and slot in the card. Plugging in the 12vhpwr connector completes the process. Reattaching the front bracket, adding the side panels, and adjusting the case to access DisplayPort and HDMI ports round off the setup.

Performance Review

An advantage of this case is easy access to motherboard IO ports, unlike some other cases. This convenience extends to the infrequent use of display cables compared to regular USB access.

Moving on to performance tests, the CPU maxes out at 84ºC under the Cinebench 2024 CPU multi-core stress test, while the GPU, tested with the new Cinebench GPU stress test, peaks at 49ºC. These results provide a glimpse into CPU and GPU thermal management within the NCORE 100 MAX setup.

When delving into actual gaming scenarios, the NCORE 100 MAX continues to impress with manageable temperatures. Testing Avatar Frontiers of Pandora, GPU temps stabilize at 68ºC while handling up to 390w, a performance that exceeds initial expectations given the case’s sandwich layout. The exhaust fan effectively dissipates the heat expelled by the 4090 GPU. CPU temperatures also fare well, averaging 70ºC, albeit slightly higher at 75ºC in Cyberpunk 2077.

System noise, when running at a standard fan profile, remains reasonable at 43dB, a level that I find optimal. For those curious about maximum speed noise, it registers at 46dB, still within acceptable limits.

Comparing this performance to the NR200P MAX, another Cooler Master kit with a larger 280mm liquid cooler at the same price point of $400, yields interesting insights. While these cases differ significantly in appearance, they share a common goal of simplifying the building experience.

In stress tests like Cinebench 2024, the NCORE 100 MAX shows temperatures only 2ºC higher than the NR200P MAX. However, the real divergence occurs during gaming sessions. In games like Avatar and Cyberpunk, the NR200P MAX demonstrates temperatures significantly lower than those of the NCORE 100 MAX.

This disparity is expected due to the larger 280mm radiator in the NR200P MAX, showcasing its superior cooling performance in comparison. Despite this, the NCORE 100 MAX remains a commendable choice at the same price point, showcasing Cooler Master’s versatility in catering to different builder preferences.

The NCORE 100 MAX indeed offers a notable advantage in GPU support, accommodating larger cards at 357mm in length and up to 79mm thick compared to the NR200P MAX’s 336 by 75 dimensions. This capacity to house massive GPUs could sway some users to choose the NCORxE 100 MAX.

However, in evaluating the overall package, I find the NCORE 100 MAX to be a great case kit. Its aesthetics are appealing, the build quality stands out as excellent, and the assembly process is straightforward and user-friendly. My only reservation lies in its pricing, which I believe could have been more competitive, perhaps around $350, to present a more compelling value proposition against existing alternatives.

Therefore, unless you have a strong preference for the design or face severe constraints in desk space that necessitate a smaller footprint, my overall recommendation would lean toward the NR200P MAX.