Cougar DarkBlader X5 RGB Review
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Cougar DarkBlader X5 RGB Review
Cougar DarkBlader X5 RGB: Introduction
The Cougar DarkBlader X5 is an affordable mid tower case with high-end features that retails for an MSRP of $89.99 USD. It comes with three VK120 120mm 5V RGB fans and a 5V RGB controller that can handle up to six fans and two LED strips, with one strip and three fan lighting headers in use. The fan lighting can also be daisy-chained to extending the lighting capability further. Cougar sells a variant without RGB fans called the Cougar DarkBlader X5 Black if you want to further save money (or choose different fans).
Other high end features include the tempered glass side panel, and a smoky translucent black plastic front panel that looks stealthy until it lights up when the RGB lighting from the fans are used. The front panel includes a button that can be used for either RGB lighting control or as a reset button, two USB 3.0 Type-A ports, and a USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C port. Users are also given an option to mount their graphics cards vertically, but you’ll have to buy a PCIe extension cable for that.
Cougar DarkBlader X5 RGB: Closer Look
The packaging for the DarkBlader X5 RGB is done very well, with dark black ink on every side making all text easily readable. The back and one of the side panels contain a good listing of the specifications and features of the case. There are distinctive renderings of the case on the front and back, and two colorful stickers on the front and side show what the fans and case look like when lit up. The case is well protected during shipping by two styrofoam trays and a large plastic bag. The case comes with various M3 and 6-32 screws and zip ties, along with all necessary documentation.
The translucent black front panel is very dark initially, and is well textured so much so that you can barely tell it is translucent until back lighting is activated! The vent holes will most certainly be restrictive especially at higher fan speeds, but are likely adequate at lower speeds. The back of the case highlights how the power supply can be mounted in two different orientations. All of the fan slots use extended holes so you can adjust the fan location to better suit your needs. The top of the Cougar DarkBlader X5 has two USB 3 Type-A ports and a USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C port, a pair of microphone and headset 3.5mm jacks, power and storage drive activity LEDs, and power and reset/lighting buttons. Fan filters are included for the front, and top fans, as well as the power supply area.
The tempered side glass panel feels very sturdy, and comes with a protective plastic cling wrap. Both the cling wrap and panel are easy to remove, giving us a glimpse of the VK120 RGB fans and their side lighting capabilities. Both the front and top panels support 140mm fans as well, with the top being limited to two 140mm fans. Users can elect to either mount their graphics vertically, or move and mount two SSDs to the hardware above the PSU area from the back of the motherboard tray.
Removing the back panel reveals the RGB controller already setup near the center of the motherboard tray; users just have to supply SATA power out of the box. Two Cougar-branded velcro straps keep the front panel wiring tidy until you are ready for installation. The single 3.5mm bay stores all of the hardware, leaving enough clearance with the front fans to mount up to a triple radiator for water cooling. The power supply is a tight fit, with neoprene foam padding intended to help guide it into place.
The Cougar DarkBlader X5 RGB looks beautiful when all lit up, as a cheap RGB AIO is all it really takes to finish off the build in style!
Cougar DarkBlader X5 RGB: Specifications
DarkBlader X5 RGB ( Translucent Black )
Mini ITX / Micro ATX / ATX / CEB / E-ATX
220 x 486 x 468 (mm)
8.7 x 19.1 x 18.4 (in)
Type C 3.1 x 1, USB 3.0 x 2, Mic x 1 / Audio x 1, RGB Button
2+2 ( converted from 3.5″ drive bays ) / ( 2 SSD trays included )
Front: * 120mm x 3 / 140mm x 3 ( ARGB VK120 fans x 3 pre-installed )
Top: 120mm x 3 / 140mm x 2
Rear: 120mm x 1
Front: *360mm / 280mm / 240mm / 140mm / 120mm
Top: *360mm / 280mm / 240mm / 140mm / 120mm
Rear: 120mm
Max. Graphics Card Length
400 (mm) / 15.7 (in)
(Horizontal graphics card slots are compatible with RTX 3090/3080/3070.)
Information Courtesy of COUGAR @ https://cougargaming.com/us/products/cases/darkblader-x5-rgb/
Cougar DarkBlader X5 RGB: Conclusion
The Cougar DarkBlader X5 RGB packs a lot of punch for such an affordable case! It can house motherboards ranging from Mini ITX up to E-ATX form factors, fit two 360mm radiators plus a 120mm radiator on the rear fan, has a 4mm tempered glass side panel, and can mount graphics cards vertically — although you must buy a PCIe extension cable separately. Another nice feature is that RGB lighting is ready out of the box!
Building a system in the Cougar DarkBlader X5 RGB is very simple and straight forward. I did find few very minor issues. First, the hole placement for the wire management felt lacking in a few areas, requiring cables to be stretched over to their locations. The power supply space is also very tight! I would strongly recommend using only modular power supplies, as there isn’t a lot of space for extraneous cabling unless you remove the 3.5in drive bay. I was able to make a non-modular power supply with tons of cables work, but I really had to pack everything in. If you’re using a modular power supply, I would recommend you attach the cables before installation because it will be hard to change or add them later! I also wish there was more space between the vertical graphics card mount and the side panel for ventilation, but it is usable with most double-depth cards. With an MSRP of $89.99 USD I was blown away with the features provided. Users can save more money going with the DarkBlader X5 Black, which gives them the option to install other fans too!
The Cougar DarkBlader X5 RGB is a very capable and affordable mid tower case, packed with premium features and functionality without being expensive!
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