Cougar MX330-G AIR review: minimalistic PC case
There are quite a few requirements for a modern budget computer case – even for a small amount of money, the buyer wants to get not only a stylish appearance, but also the functionality of the interior and compatibility with modern cooling systems. And if the case will be pre-installed fans-in general, it will be good. Today we have just such a case-the Cougar MX330-G AIR costs about 70 USD, but it is equipped with three fans, has a "rich inner world" and several interesting chips.
Cougar MX330-G AIR
The case is delivered in a large cardboard package with a simple design. The case is securely protected by transport material, so you do not have to worry about safety. The complete set, according to tradition, is located in the case itself on the sled for hard drives, so we'll talk about it a little later.
In the meantime, let's take a look at the appearance. At the front – there is an almost monolithic panel made of a perforated ventilation grille (all for effective air intake), and if you look closely, you will see that the case has one seat for a 5.25” device – a fairly rare phenomenon today. The body of the Cougar MX330-G AIR has a side panel made of tempered glass, and the "AIR" index means that we have a version with three pre-installed fans (the simple version has only one regular fan). But, again, about the fans a little later, but for now we note the fact that the right side wall has an impressive vyshtampovka for cable management (so that there is more space for cables).
The variety of ports and interfaces on the front panel of the case can not but please-there are two USB 2.0 ports, two USB 3.0 ports, two audio ports (output and input - for connecting headphones and a microphone). On top of the case, there are also ventilation holes, which are covered with a dust filter with a magnetic mount.
Another filter, but simpler, is located at the bottom, under the power supply. At the back, the Cougar MX330-G AIR stands out only, perhaps, by the plastic retainer of the expansion boards. The location of the building is lower, standard for today's realities. There is also a pre-installed 120 mm fan on the rear panel that works on blowing. Inside, the total volume is divided into two spaces – the main one, where the motherboard with components is located, and the lower one, where the power supply and the storage basket are located. Probably, you should start right away with compatibility with components. So, in the Cougar MX330-G AIR, you can install a processor cooler with a height of up to 155 mm, a video card with a length of up to 350 mm, and a power supply can be installed with any modern ATX PS2 form factor.
As for the cooling, two 120 mm fans are pre – installed in the front (as well as the rear-with blue LED lighting), plus two more can be installed on the top of the case itself. A total of five fans, three of which are already installed by the manufacturer. Accordingly, the maximum size of the radiator of the liquid cooling system is 240 mm.
And finally, I would like to say a few words about the glass side wall. The fact is that in the case of the Cougar MX330-G AIR, we have a solid wall, and not a metal wall with a window. The side panel is supported by four large-head screws, which are equipped with soft dampers so as not to damage the glass when twisting.
Conclusions
Overall, the Cougar MX330-G AIR looks like a good preform for creating a modern build, whether it's a multimedia or gaming computer. Of course, the key design element is the glass side wall, through which the components of the system will be viewed. Well, three fans with LED lighting offer ready-made lighting "out of the box", but if you really want – you can install components with controlled RGB lighting.
Lutovinov Maxim (aka. Kok)
26/02.2020
