The PC building community is grappling with a significant loss as Cooler Master officially confirms the retirement of the NR200, a mini-ITX case that has left an indelible mark on the landscape of small-form-factor builds. The NR200, known for its pivotal role in numerous pandemic-era PC constructions, has become synonymous with versatility, affordability, and a compatibility that appealed to enthusiasts seeking horizontal GPU configurations.
The recent introduction of the NR200P V2 at CES 2024 had sparked optimism among users that the NR200 would persist as the standard version of the case. However, those hopes were dashed when Cooler Master revealed that the NR200 has reached its “end of life” (EOL). The successor, NR200P V2, comes with a paradigm shift, departing from the NR200’s celebrated features. The price tag has seen a considerable hike, shifting from the original NR200’s $80 to the V2’s $140. More significantly, the NR200P V2 bids farewell to horizontal GPU mounting—a cherished aspect for the SFF (small-form-factor) community, which has expressed discontent over this design change.
This decision raises questions about the rationale behind retiring a case that has been a mainstay in SFF recommendations and a go-to choice for many builders. As the NR200 steps into its twilight, enthusiasts face the reality that this beloved case is evolving into a collector’s item. For those wanting to secure an NR200 for their builds, the window of availability is closing, marking the end of an era in the world of mini-ITX cases.
