Cooler Master MasterBox NR400 Case Review

If there is one trend we noticed at CES this year, it was the move towards smaller cases marketed at custom builders.  The Cooler Master MasterBox NR400 is a perfect example of a case designed to provide all the performance and custom cooling options enthusiasts expect in a streamlined smaller footprint.

Building smaller can come with its challenges but the NR400 aims to give you all the performance you need without the gaudy extras.  Let’s see how they do!

The MasterBox NR400 can be purchased with an optical drive bay or without if you have no need for an external 5.5” bay. Both versions are black and feature a single tempered glass window and an attractive racing stripe effect on the front bezel.  The overall effect is subtly sporty and I like it.

Product Name: MasterBox NR400
Product Number:  

• MCB-NR400-KG5N-S00 (NR400 with ODD)
• MCB-NR400-KGNN-S00 (NR400 without ODD)

Exterior Color: Black
Materials – Body: Steel, Plastic
Materials - Windowed Side Panel: Tempered Glass
Dimensions: 411 (L) x 210 (W) x 411 (H) mm
Motherboard Support: Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX
Expansion Slots: 4
5.25" Drive Bays:

• 1 (NR400 with ODD)
• N/A (NR400 without ODD)

3.5" HDD Drive Bays:

• 4 (NR400 with ODD)
• 3 (NR400 without ODD)

2.5" SSD Drive Bays: 4
I/O Panel - USB Ports: USB 3.0 x 2
I/O Panel - Audio In / Out: 1x 3.5mm Headset Jack (Audio+Mic)
Pre-installed Fan(s) – Front: 120mm x 1
Pre-installed Fan(s) – Rear: 120mm x 1
Fan Support – Front:

• 120mm x 2 / 140mm x 2 (NR400 with ODD)
• 120mm x 3 / 140mm x 2 (NR400 without ODD)

Fan Support – Top:

• 120mm x 1 / 140mm x 1 (NR400 with ODD)
• 120mm x 2 / 140mm x 2 (NR400 without ODD)

Fan Support – Rear: 120mm x 1
Radiator Support – Front:

• 120 / 140 / 240 / (280mm may interfere with HDD mounted below ODD) (NR400 with ODD)
• 120 / 140 / 240 / 280mm (NR400 without ODD)

Radiator Support – Top:

• 120mm (NR400 with ODD)
• 120 / 240mm (NR400 without ODD)

Radiator Support – Rear: 120mm
Clearance - CPU Cooler: 166mm
Clearance - Power Supply:

• 325mm max (w/o front radiator & HDD cage)
• 140mm (HDD cage in backmost position)

Clearance - Graphics Card: 346mm
Cable Routing - Behind MB Tray: 22mm
Dust Filters: Top, Bottom
Power Supply Support: Bottom Mount, ATX PS2

Cooler Master has come a long way from their 1992 beginnings as a heat sink manufacturer.  Today Cooler Master is an industry leader offering a wide range of Custom PC coolers, cases, peripherals and more.  Odds are pretty good any custom built or boutique PC will have Cooler Master parts under the hood.