Cougar MX500 ATX Mid-Tower Gaming Chassis Review

Complete System

The MX500 was a joy to work with and while there are a few little tweaks that I would like, I’ve really nothing to major to complain about. Total build time was just 25 minutes, and the speed is thanks to the more than ample cable routing space behind the motherboard, which helped keep the build looking clean despite the lack of rubber grommets. Cable management is nice, but of course this chassis has no side panel windows, so cable routing is just for improving airflow rather than aesthetics.

The hard drive bays are easy to work with and allow for quick installation and removal of your drives.

The tidy cable management has left airflow nice and clear, giving plenty of room for our Corsair H80i and GTX 560Ti to breath. We would have loved to have a 240mm radiator in the top, but unfortunately there just wasn’t enough clearance.

120mm radiator in the back is hardly a bad thing and is more than enough cooling power for most mid to high-end gaming system, there is also a lot of room for tall tower air coolers.

Our GTX 560Ti fit’s easily and while we could have moved the middle hard drive bay out completely to make a LOT more room, there really was no need, although it’s always nice to know you can make room for monster cards such as the 7990 and GTX Titan.

All panels back in place and the Cougar looks simply stunning, there are a few areas such as the top panel where you can faintly see your components, but overall the case is sealed up nicely and all intakes a filtered, which is always a welcome bonus.