COUGAR DUOFACE PRO RGB Mid-Tower Case and GEX X2 850W Power Supply: A Comprehensive Review and Installation Guide

The COUGAR DUOFACE PRO RGB mid-tower case combines tempered glass and a metal mesh front panel. Users can pick between striking RGB lighting or prioritizing airflow. This case houses four integrated ARGB fans for comprehensive lighting and offers a spacious interior. It can fit high-end hardware and comes with vertical GPU slots and supporting brackets. Its top cover and front fan bracket are detachable, streamlining the assembly. It also includes a GEX X2 850W fully modular power supply that adheres to the ATX3.0 standard and boasts a gold efficiency rating, ensuring hassle-free installation for users.

DUOFACE PRO RGB Features:

  • Colors: Black or White
  • Dimensions: 465 x 496 x 240mm
  • Materials: Steel, glass, plastic
  • Motherboard Compatibility: Mini ITX to E-ATX
  • Maximum GPU Length: 390mm
  • Maximum Radiator Height: 190mm
  • Maximum PSU Length: 200mm
  • Drive Bays: 2 slots for 2.5” drives and 3 for 3.5” drives
  • Cooling Options: Supports various radiator sizes; up to 3x120mm or 2x140mm fans on the top and front; a 120mm or 140mm fan on the back; and two 120mm fans in the PSU compartment.
  • Fans Included: Three 120mm ARGB fans in the front and one at the back.
  • Front I/O: USB Type-C Gen2, two USB3.0 ports, a USB2.0 port, audio jack, and an RGB control button.
  • PCIe Slots: 7 standard slots and 3 vertical slots
  • Weights: Net: 10kg, Gross: 12.5kg

GEX Power Supply Details:

  • Input Specs: 240V, 12-6A, Frequency: 47-63Hz
  • Efficiency: Active PFC, 91% conversion efficiency
  • Cooling: 120mm HDB fan
  • Dimensions: 140x150x86 mm
  • Safety Features: UVP, OCP, OVP, OPP, SCP, OTP
  • Packaging Weight: 1.78kg; Size: 326 x 190 x 115 mm
  • Connectors: Standard ATX/MB, CPU/EPS (4+4 Pin and 8 Pin), PCIe (12+4 Pin and two sets of 6+2 Pin), and SATA (4 connectors).

Double-sided rule, wide-body | DUOFACE PRO RGB mid-tower chassis

Upon unboxing the DUOFACE PRO RGB, the first thing that captivates is its distinct transparent glass front panel. While the current trend leans heavily towards ventilation mesh panels, this design choice by COUGAR stands out. It’s commendable to see a company maintain such a unique aesthetic. Yet, COUGAR hasn’t overlooked the essential aspect of cooling. The case features ventilation gaps about the width of a finger on both sides of the glass panel. They’ve incorporated a metal mesh panel with openings as wide as 0.5cm. This ensures a fine balance between aesthetics, lighting, and effective heat dissipation.

The DUOFACE PRO RGB comes in two color variants: black and white. Both versions include 4 ARGB fans, dual front panels, and tempered glass. The black variant is priced at 2,990 yuan, while the white one comes in slightly higher at 3,090 yuan.

Structurally, the DUOFACE PRO RGB adopts a conventional mid-tower layout with the power supply unit positioned at the bottom. It measures 465 x 496 x 240mm and can accommodate the larger E-ATX motherboards, graphics cards up to 390mm in length, and CPU coolers with a height of 190mm. For cooling enthusiasts, there’s support for up to 360mm water coolers, either on the front or top. Beyond that, it has two 120mm fan slots above the PSU compartment. In total, you can fit up to nine 120mm fans. For expansion, it offers a standard 7-slot horizontal PCIe and an additional three-slot vertical PCIe configuration.

DUOFACE PRO RGB outer box.
There is an exploded view of the organic shell on the back.
Pre-installed glass front panel.
Metal mesh.

The DUOFACE PRO RGB features tempered glass on its side panel and boasts a screwless design, emphasizing safety. To further ensure the panel’s security, it incorporates fixing screws and a design that prevents accidental falls. To remove the panel, one simply needs to undo the rear fixing screws and then, using the top handle, gently lift the panel outwards and upwards.

Toughened glass on the side.
Top handle.

The DUOFACE PRO RGB boasts an impressive array of front I/O options. These include a Type-C Gen2 port, two USB 3.0 ports, one USB 2.0 port, a 3.5mm audio jack, and an RGB lighting effect button. Notably, one of the USB 3.0 ports sports COUGAR’s signature orange theme color, adding a touch of brand identity to the design.

Top IO.
IO cable.

The DUOFACE PRO RGB comes with a standard ATX configuration featuring 7 PCIe slots, and it also offers an additional three slots specifically designed for the vertical mounting of graphics cards. However, it’s worth noting that if you wish to utilize the vertical mounting, the PCIe extension cable is not included and has to be bought separately.

7-slot PCIe, bottom power supply.
Three-slot vertical graphics card.
The back panel does not have too much design.

The DUOFACE PRO RGB prioritizes dust protection, offering dust screens at the front, top, and bottom of the case. Its front panel features a side-pull design, distinct from the main front panel. Regardless of whether you opt for the glass or metal mesh variant, this design ensures that the interior remains thoroughly protected from dust.

The front panel is fixed with buckles.
Side-pull dust-proof net.
Dust-proof net on the top.
Bottom power supply dust filter.

The DUOFACE PRO RGB, with its broadened design, provides generous backplane clearance, measuring up to 2.2CM. It comes with an ARGB hub, with fans pre-connected for convenience. When assembling, all that’s required is to connect the ARGB hub to the motherboard’s ARGB socket and the SATA power supply, simplifying the setup process.

Backboard space.
2.2cm backspace.
ARGB hub.

The DUOFACE PRO RGB offers storage accommodations for two 2.5-inch SSDs and two 3.5-inch HDDs. Notably, the 3.5-inch HDD rack is fully removable, a design that’s far more user-friendly than the traditional method of securing drives using screws from the case’s bottom.

The 3.5-inch hard drive rack can be pulled out.
Try installing a hard drive.
Two 2.5-inch SSDs are hung on the back panel.

The DUOFACE PRO RGB comes with a protective shield plate and a feature to support graphics cards. This shield plate can be adjusted in two different positions, horizontally, ensuring compatibility with motherboards of varying widths.

Internal configuration of the casing.
Line-shading baffle.
Built-in 4 ARGB fans.

Removable top cover, front fan bracket | DUOFACE PRO RGB installation test

The DUOFACE PRO RGB is versatile in its support for hardware configurations. It can accommodate the larger E-ATX motherboards, graphics cards up to 390mm, a CPU cooler with a height of 190mm, and a 360mm water cooling system either on the front or top. Essentially, most mainstream gaming setups can be seamlessly integrated into this case.

Moreover, the design of the top cover offers user-friendliness. By simply loosening two screws, the cover can be easily removed. While the case provides ample room internally, taking off the top cover provides an even more spacious feel, making tasks like connecting top wires notably simpler.

Removable top cover.
Plenty of installation space.
Plugging in wires becomes easy.

The front bracket of the DUOFACE PRO RGB is designed with user convenience in mind. With just two thumb screws, you can easily disengage the bracket, and by lifting it upwards, the entire bracket can be fully removed. This design simplifies assembly and modifications.

Front fan bracket.

The DUOFACE PRO RGB features a vertical graphics card slot. However, it’s advisable to ensure that the graphics card’s width doesn’t surpass 2.5 slots. Staying within this recommendation helps ensure optimal airflow and prevents any potential heat dissipation issues for the graphics card.

Try the installation of the vertical graphics card.
The three-slot RTX4080 is almost attached to the glass.

The installation process within the DUOFACE PRO RGB is notably streamlined. The inclusion of a detachable top cover greatly enhances the assembly experience, making it less cumbersome. Once the assembly is near completion, you can simply secure the water-cooling radiator to the top cover and then effortlessly place it back onto the case. This design ensures a hassle-free and efficient setup process.

The installation is completed.
Back panel complete line.
Light up to see the ARGB effect.
Lighting display.
Cover the glass side panel.
Front glass lighting effect.
Metal mesh effect.

What is the temperature difference between the double panels? COUGAR DUOFACE PRO RGB case heat dissipation test

The heat dissipation test was conducted using the POSEIDON GT 360 all-in-one water cooler, a product by COUGAR. Positioned atop the case, this water cooler worked to dissipate the heat produced by the high-performance combination of the i9-13900K CPU and the RTX4080 GPU, both known for their significant heat outputs.

Test Platform Details:

  • Processor: Intel Core i9-13900K
  • Motherboard: ASUS ROG Strix Z690-E GAMING WIFI
  • Graphics Card: NVIDIA RTX 4080 FE
  • Memory: CORSAIR VENGEANCE RGB DDR5-6000 16G*2
  • Operating System: Windows 11 PRO 21H2
  • Cooling System: COUGAR POSEIDON GT 360
  • Power Supply: COUGAR GEX

Given that the water cooler is installed at the top, there’s no pressing need for high air intake efficiency from the front. When both the CPU and the GPU are under load simultaneously, the observed temperature variation is between 5 to 10 degrees. Hence, the choice between the glass and mesh panels doesn’t introduce a significant difference in standard use scenarios. However, for those who frequently push their CPU to its limits, it might be advisable to place the cooler at the front. Doing so minimizes the risk of the CPU overheating from the residual heat produced by the GPU.

ATX3.0, 14cm short body, gold medal conversion rate | COUGAR GEX X2 850W power supply unboxing

The COUGAR GEX boasts an impressive average conversion rate of 91%. This power supply unit (PSU) has earned the 80 PLUS Gold Certification as well as the CYBENETICS Platinum Certification, highlighting its efficiency and performance. With its length capped at 14cm, the COUGAR GEX’s compact design not only offers greater versatility when assembling computers but also simplifies the installation process.

COUGAR GEX X2 850W outer box.
The upper limit of current and the number of wires are marked on the side of the package.
At the back are detailed explanations of various functions and features.
High-density foam protection is used inside.
Accessories include documentation, Velcro straps and case fixing screws.

The COUGAR GEX X2 is equipped with a 120mm dynamic hydraulic bearing (HDB) fan, integrated with a smart stop feature. This intelligent function automatically halts the fan when the load dips below 30%, ensuring quiet operation, protection against dust, and an extended fan lifespan. Its commitment to noise reduction has earned it a CYBENETICS A+ rating in terms of silent performance.

120mm HDB fan.
The large power meter is placed on the side.
Fully modular connector.
Rear power switch and branded power socket.

The COUGAR GEX X2 features a fully modular cable design for enhanced flexibility and convenience. It comes with a 12+4pin 12VHPWR connector, which means it supports the latest graphics cards without requiring adapters, reducing the risk of potential failures. To maintain a sleek appearance, the power supply utilizes black flat cables.

In terms of cable specifications, it uses 16AWG wire diameter for the 12VHPWR cable and 18AWG 300V specifications for the rest. The cables include 1 ATX/MB 20+4 Pin, 1 CPU 4+4 Pin, 1 CPU 8 Pin, 2 PCIe 6+2 Pin connectors, split into two cables, 1 12VHPWR, and 1 SATA x 4 cable with a puncture head. Additionally, there’s 1 SATA x 3 / MOLEX x 1 (large 4Pin) hybrid cable to accommodate a variety of components and configurations.

Module line overview.
1 ATX/MB 20+4 Pin.
1 piece of 12VHPWR (16 Pin).
1 CPU/EPS 4+4 Pin and 1 CPU/EPS 8 Pin.
2 PCIe 6+2 Pin divided into two.
1 SATA x 4 cable and 1 SATA x 3 / MOLEX x 1 (large 4Pin) hybrid cable.
The Pinzi power cord has a 90-degree elbow, which is a relatively rare feature.

COUGAR GEX X2 850W power supply stress test

In the power supply stress test, an OCCT stress test was conducted on the following testing platform:

Testing Platform:

  • Processor: Intel Core i9-13900K
  • Motherboard: ASUS ROG Strix Z690-E GAMING WIFI
  • Graphics card: NVIDIA RTX 4080 FE
  • Memory: CORSAIR VENGEANCE RGB DDR5-6000 16G*2
  • Operating system: Windows 11 PRO 21H2
  • Radiator: COUGAR POSEIDON GT 360
  • Power supply: COUGAR GEX X2 850W

During the 30-minute power supply stress test, the CPU drew 300W of power, while the GPU consumed 314W, totaling approximately 614W. The input power, measured using a power meter, was recorded at 715W. Notably, the voltage readings were found to be quite stable with HWiNFO64 reporting the following values:

  • +12V voltage: 12.000V
  • +5V voltage: 5.000V
  • +3.3V voltage (3VCC): 3.228V

These results indicate a robust and stable performance from the COUGAR GEX X2 850W power supply during the high-power stress test.

OCCT 30-minute stress test.
HWiNFO64 monitors voltage.

Summary

The COUGAR DUOFACE PRO RGB impresses in multiple aspects, including its design aesthetics, efficient utilization of interior space, user-friendly DIY features, inclusion of built-in ARGB fans and hubs, and meticulous attention to details such as the separately molded dust filter frame. These considerations contribute to a high-quality overall appearance and experience. Features like the two-stage adjustable baffle, quick-release hard drive rack, and accommodating dual 2.5-inch and dual 3.5-inch hard drive spaces illustrate COUGAR’s commitment to user satisfaction.

The provision of dual front panels, with one featuring a metal mesh opening, offers users both adequate airflow and a view of RGB lighting without excessive obstruction. Both panels perform similarly in terms of heat dissipation, making it a versatile choice. While a fully perforated panel would enhance airflow even further, opting for a glass panel doesn’t significantly compromise cooling capabilities.

Regarding the COUGAR GEX X2 850W power supply, it checks all the boxes with ATX3.0 compliance, a gold efficiency rating, a compact 14cm form factor, fully modular black flat cables, a smart stop feature, and dependable power output. It serves as a competent model suitable for a wide range of users. Moreover, the 10-year warranty provided by the manufacturer ensures longevity and peace of mind for users, extending well into the future, even as new power supply specifications emerge.

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Title: COUGAR DUOFACE PRO RGB Mid-Tower Case and GEX X2 850W Power Supply: A Comprehensive Review and Installation Guide

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