I walked in, unsure what to think of the COUGAR MX600 RGB PC Case, but consider me convinced. COUGAR is a company I’ve typically associated with budget-friendly PC components that get the job done without much flair. So when COUGAR sent over their new MX600 RGB mid-tower chassis for review, I’ll admit I wasn’t expecting much. At first glance, it looked like a generic case with the usual tempered glass side panel and addressable RGB lighting that’s become standard these days. But as soon as I unboxed it and started examining things more closely, I realized there was more there than meets the eye.
COUGAR has managed to subvert my expectations at every turn while testing the case. The MX600 has a surprising number of premium features that I would normally see on cases double or triple the price. The perforated steel side panels and angular intake ducts are specifically designed to optimize airflow. The power supply shroud is a cavernous 110mm tall and even has ventilation on the side panel to facilitate better PSU intake, all working together to make one of the easiest cases to build in priced at under $150.
Once everything was unboxed and I was building our new test system, it was immediately apparent that COUGAR put real thought into the cooling capabilities with the MX600 RGB PC Case. This chassis can fit multiple 360mm radiators, including front, top, and side positions. Large CPU air coolers up to 170mm can be accommodated with no problem. The case even manages to include a universal PWM fan hub to control speeds and RGB lighting right out of the box.
“…it was immediately apparent that COUGAR put real thought into the cooling capabilities with the MX600 RGB PC Case.”
Beyond cooling, the overall build quality and design show attention to detail that masks this case’s reasonable cost. Little touches like the integrated GPU brace (something more enthusiast cases need) and captive thumbscrews make the building experience smoother. There are removable dust filters on all major intake vents, and the square mesh perforations are an ingenious way to maximize airflow and look good doing so.
I especially like the modular drive cages and cable management options that make the MX600 surprisingly versatile for a wide range of system needs. The back panel offers about 2cm of room for hiding cables, while the steel cable bar keeps the wiring tidy. And if you don’t need the drive cages, they can be removed to improve airflow even further.
“…the angular styling and mesh front panel give the COUGAR MX600 RGB PC Case an aggressive gaming aesthetic that I think looks fantastic, especially with RGB fans and lighting installed.”
While not to everyone’s taste, the angular styling and mesh front panel give the COUGAR MX600 RGB PC Case an aggressive gaming aesthetic that I think looks fantastic, especially with RGB fans and lighting installed. As if that weren’t enough, unlike some cheaper cases, the tempered glass side panel here is nice and clear with no warping or distortion, giving the finished system a truly premium feel throughout. I also just love that there is plenty of room to fit most of the coolers I would need for a top-end system without making the entire installation feel overly cramped or limited.
Considering its outstanding cooling abilities and well-made construction, the MX600 RGB’s $120 MSRP is a downright steal. This case offers features and performance that meet or exceed many premium mid-tower options.
COUGAR has always been a value brand, but they have shattered expectations with the MX600. This isn’t just a good value case. It’s a great mid-tower case at any price point. The amount of cooling, features, build quality and design you get here is exceptional. With the MX600, COUGAR has achieved that rare combination of value and performance that exceeds all my expectations. This is a mid-tower that punches well above its weight class and looks good doing it.
