Cooler Master NCORE 100 Air Mini-ITX PC Tower Case, Anodized Aluminum, 356mm Vertical Triple-Slot Mount GPU, SFX PSU 130mm | Air Cooler Up to 70 mm, Compatible RTX 5080 | RX 9070 XT
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AI Verdict
This is a 14.7L Mini-ITX case with an anodized aluminum shell, supporting 356mm vertical triple-slot GPUs and SFX PSUs up to 130mm, for builders prioritizing a compact footprint with high-end air-cool
This case is a strong fit for its intended purpose: housing powerful, air-cooled Mini-ITX systems in a small footprint. Its 14.7L volume and support for 356mm triple-slot GPUs directly address the needs of compact, high-performance builds.
If you need more CPU cooling headroom, look for cases that support CPU coolers taller than 70mm or consider an AIO liquid cooling solution.
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Pros
- Accommodates triple-slot GPUs up to 356mm, including RTX 5080 and RX 9070 XT, via vertical mounting.
- Features an extendable frame that expands the width from 155mm to 172mm for larger GPUs.
- Includes a bundled PCIe 4.0 riser cable, simplifying GPU installation.
- Constructed with premium anodized aluminum panels, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.
- Offers an ultra-compact 14.7L footprint, making it space-efficient.
- Designed with an efficient thermal layout that pulls air from the largest side panel surfaces.
Cons
- CPU air cooler height is limited to 70mm, which can restrict high-performance CPU cooling options.
- The included PCIe 4.0 riser cable may cause compatibility issues with newer Gen 5 GPUs if not manually set to Gen 4 in BIOS.
- Only supports Mini-ITX motherboards, limiting upgrade paths and component selection.
- Requires an SFX power supply up to 130mm, which can be more expensive and less common than ATX PSUs.
- Cable management can be challenging due to the compact internal volume, even with tool-less access.
Dimension Scores
The case efficiently houses high-performance triple-slot GPUs up to 356mm within a 14.7L footprint, a challenging feat for its size.
While it has an efficient thermal layout, the compact nature and 70mm CPU cooler limit mean fan speeds might need to be higher for optimal cooling, potentially increasing noise.
The use of anodized aluminum panels and an extendable frame design indicates a premium construction and thoughtful engineering.
Despite tool-less access, the ultra-compact 14.7L volume inherently makes cable routing a tight squeeze, requiring careful planning.
Best For
- Gamers building a high-performance, air-cooled Mini-ITX system with a large GPU.
- Users needing a compact desktop PC that can fit into tight spaces.
- Enthusiasts who appreciate premium materials and a minimalist design.
- Content creators requiring powerful GPU performance in a small form factor.
Not Recommended For
- Builders who require extensive CPU overclocking with large air coolers.
- Users planning to use ATX power supplies or larger motherboards.
- Anyone looking for a budget-oriented case, as SFX PSUs and Mini-ITX components can increase costs.
- Those who prefer horizontal GPU mounting.
Watch Out For
- The 70mm CPU cooler height restriction means many powerful air coolers won't fit, potentially limiting CPU thermal performance.
- The PCIe 4.0 riser cable might require a BIOS setting change to Gen 4 for stability with Gen 5 GPUs, which can be a headache during initial setup.
- Despite tool-less access, the small internal volume can make cable routing and component installation feel cramped.
- Some users report that the included fans, while present, are not exceptional and may be replaced for better acoustic or thermal performance.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0DWBQPWBW |
| Brand | Cooler Master |
| Color | Black |
| Series | NCORE 100 Air |
| Material | Alloy Steel, Aluminum, Plastic |
| Case Type | Mini-Tower |
| Model Name | NCORE 100 Air |
| Item Weight | 8.59 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Cooler Master |
| Cooling Method | Air |
| Item model number | NR100-KNNN-S00 |
| Product Dimensions | 6.1 x 8.3 x 17.7 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 6.1 x 8.3 x 17.7 inches |
| Motherboard Compatability | Mini ITX |
| Power Supply Mounting Type | Bottom Mount |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Business, Gaming |
What Buyers Say
Users are consistently impressed by how much high-end hardware, especially large GPUs, fits into such a small footprint. The extendable frame is a standout feature, allowing flexibility for GPU size. While the premium aluminum panels are frequently praised for aesthetics, some builders find the CPU cooling limitations and the PCIe 4.0 riser cable's potential Gen 5 GPU compatibility quirks to be notable considerations.
“Man, I can't believe my huge RTX 4090 actually fits in this tiny thing, but getting the CPU to stay cool with a 70mm cooler was a real struggle, and I had to mess with the BIOS for the GPU to even work!”
Common Praise
- The case's small footprint is genuinely tiny, making it ideal for desk placement.
- The anodized aluminum exterior feels premium and looks fantastic on a desk.
- Fitting a 356mm triple-slot GPU in this volume is a significant engineering achievement.
- The tool-less design makes initial assembly and future upgrades surprisingly straightforward for an SFF case.
- Thermals for the GPU are reported as good, with efficient airflow from the side panels.
- The inclusion of two case fans and a PCIe 4.0 riser cable adds value at its price point.
Common Complaints
- The 70mm CPU cooler height limit severely restricts options for powerful CPU cooling, leading to higher CPU temperatures.
- The PCIe 4.0 riser cable can cause boot issues with Gen 5 GPUs unless the motherboard's PCIe slot is manually set to Gen 4.
- Cable management, especially with a fully built system, can be a frustrating puzzle due to the limited internal space.
- The included case fans are functional but often considered basic, with some users replacing them for quieter or higher-performance alternatives.
Ownership Tips
- Even with the extendable frame, routing all cables neatly requires patience and specific SFX PSU cable kits.
- The side panel airflow is effective for the GPU, but CPU temps can still climb under heavy loads with the 70mm cooler limit.
- The case's vertical orientation means GPU exhaust often goes directly upwards, which can be a factor for desk placement.
- The premium aluminum finish is prone to fingerprints, requiring occasional wiping to maintain its appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size power supply does this case support?
The Cooler Master NCORE 100 Air supports SFX power supplies up to 130mm in length.
What is the maximum GPU length and slot count supported?
It supports vertical triple-slot GPUs up to 356mm in length, including high-end cards like the RTX 5080 and RX 9070 XT.
Does this case come with a PCIe riser cable?
Yes, it includes a bundled PCIe 4.0 riser cable for vertical GPU mounting.
What is the maximum CPU cooler height?
The case can accommodate CPU air coolers up to 70mm tall.
Is the case expandable?
Yes, it features an extendable frame design that can increase its width from 155mm to 172mm, expanding the internal volume from 14.7L to 16.4L.
Buying Guide
When looking at a Mini-ITX case like this, you're trading size for potential build complexity and component limitations. You need to be acutely aware of maximum GPU length, CPU cooler height, and PSU type, as these dictate what hardware you can even consider. Don't just look at the volume; check the specific component clearances.
14.7L Footprint
This is the physical volume of the case, indicating how much desk space it will occupy. A 14.7L case is very compact, roughly the size of a small shoebox standing upright, which is great for small desks but means less internal room for components and airflow.
70mm Air Cooler Up to
This is the maximum height for your CPU cooler. Most high-performance CPU air coolers are much taller than 70mm, so this spec forces you to choose specific low-profile coolers, which might not be sufficient for powerful CPUs, especially if you plan to overclock.
SFX PSU 130mm
This specifies the type and maximum length of the power supply. SFX PSUs are smaller than standard ATX PSUs and are necessary for compact cases, but they can be more expensive and have fewer options. The 130mm length is a common SFX size, but some SFX-L PSUs might be too long.
Alternatives
If this case doesn't fit, search for Mini-ITX cases with higher CPU cooler clearance (e.g., 120mm+) or those that support AIO liquid coolers, and consider cases that allow for standard ATX power supplies if space isn't as critical.
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