By: Aaron Lai
August 23, 2024
There are many things in life you might want to have because its presence brings happiness, even if it is temporary. This can range from having ice cream on a hot day to owning a vacation home to being able to drive your dream car. Obviously, these items can vary in importance and necessity, but the fact you can experience it is a very special feeling. However, there are other things in life that you enjoy, because its absence would leave a large hole of despair or sadness. For example, you might not think much about having a garage, but when a large hail storm comes through, you are mighty thankful for the vehicle shelter and not having to worry about dents in your car. Similarly, some people may not love to sleep, but when you do not have enough rest, you will definitely notice a difference in your attitude and emotions. These may also be wants or needs, but we yearn for them because we recognize the loss if we are without it. Recently, we have seen the trend of computer cases removing typical front panels and replacing them with tempered glass. We first observed this with the Thermaltake CTE E600 MX, and soon followed up by the Antec C5 ARGB. In both situations, the case removed its front facing cooling for better appearance, changing the airflow pattern. Today, we have the Corsair 3500X ARGB, which is yet another computer chassis to follow this trend. With a large side view, will it bring us joy with the new appearance? Or will we realize this is missing something that we are lost without? Let us read on to find out!
Today's review unit of the Corsair 3500X ARGB arrived from a distribution center in San Bernardino, California, presumably leased by Corsair. Looking into the location, there are connections to Hewlett Packard, XPO Logistics, and GXO Direct, but it is not clear. Otherwise, the corrugated cardboard box arrived in excellent condition with no real signs of damage. It traveled with UPS and their Saver service to our APH Networks location here in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. As this is a computer case, it is no surprise the shipping container is also the retail container. However, what is surprising to me is the generic look of the box. Instead of having an image of the chassis itself, we just have a large logo on the side with the "3500 Series" label underneath. There are actually several cases in the 3500 lineup as intended by the name. Based on the box design, they likely all share the same box. To distinguish between them, there is a small colored label to indicate this is the white version of the 3500X ARGB. Otherwise, there is not much else to this exterior look, so I grabbed a knife to open up the box.
Before doing so, I have taken the specifications from the manufacturer's website for your viewing pleasure:
Case Height: 506
Case Length: 460
Case Width: 240
Motherboard Support: Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX, E-ATX (305mm x 277mm)
Color: WHITE
Weight: 10.54
Radiator Compatibility: 120mm, 140mm, 240mm, 280mm, 360mm
Maximum GPU Length: 410mm
Maximum CPU Cooler Height: 170mm
Maximum PSU Length: 180mm
Compatible Liquid Coolers: H60, H100, H115, H150 (All Series)
Case Size: NA
Case Power Supply: ATX
Case Expansion Slots: 7 Horizontal (or 4 Vertical)
Case Front IO: (1x) USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, (2x) USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, (1x) Audio in/out
Case Window: Tempered Glass
Case Warranty: 2 Year
Internal 3.5" Drive Bays: 2
Internal 2.5" Drive Bays: 2
The Corsair 3500X ARGB is packaged in typical fashion inside a plastic bag and surrounded by two white foam blocks. The foam is not necessarily the best quality, as it easily breaks into small pieces, but thankfully the case is relatively light. The glass panels have clear wraps on both sides to prevent surface scratches that may occur while in transit. Otherwise, some light reading material can be found inside as well as a cardboard box holding the case accessories. This includes some white zip ties, a front panel I/O adapter, many different silver screws, and other mounting hardware.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. Physical Look - Outside
3. Physical Look - Inside
4. Installation and Conclusion
