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CES 2016: Corsair reveals new computer cases

by: Travis - posted: 1/7/2016 12:00:00 AM
More On: CES 2016

Corsair has announced a new line-up of computer cases in the form of the Carbide SPEC-ALPHA and Carbide 400Q and 400C. The Carbide SPEC-ALPHA is a mid-tower ATX gaming case with the highlights being its unique angular design and large window to showcase its interior hardware. The case will be available in both black and red designs with LED color matching 120mm fans. The Carbide 400Q and 400C are described as high-performance, compact mid-tower ATX cases featuring a minimal grey and black design. The difference between them being the Carbide Quiet 400Q including sound-damping material and the Carbide Clear 400C including a full-sized side panel window.

While I'm a fan of the new case designs, something about the minimal design of the Carbide 400Q and 400C catch my eye upon first glance. From my own experience with owning Corsair computer hardware the focus on high build quality looks to stay true with the newly-announced cases. The Carbide SPEC-ALPHA case will be available for purchase in early March for $79.99. The Carbide 400Q and 400C will be available in February for $99.99. Case specifications are as follows:

Carbide SPEC-ALPHA

  • Bold Exterior Design with front intake LED fans: The asymmetrical, hard-edged design of the SPEC-ALPHA gives it a bold, unique look.
  • Direct airflow path to keep CPUs and GPUs running cooler: Modern systems don’t need bulky drive cages obstructing the airflow. By removing the 5.25” drive cage, the SPEC-ALPHA has a direct path from the front intake fan to the CPU and GPU.
  • Large side panel window to show off your hardware: Why hide it? All that performance hardware looks great, so why not look at it through the huge side panel window?
  • Three included 120mm fans and built-in three-speed fan controller: Watching a movie? Flip the switch for nearly silent operation. Throwing on the headset for some online gaming? Flip it to high and keep the GPU cool for better framerates.
  • Cable routing cutouts and tie downs: Nobody wants to see a rat’s nest of cables, so hide them behind the motherboard tray to keep cable routing neat, tidy, and out of the airflow path for better cooling.
  • Easy to build: Tool-free drive installation and side panel removal means less time spent building and more time gaming.
  • Front 240mm radiator compatibility: Upgrade to the power of liquid cooling for CPUs or GPUs with up to a 240mm Hydro Series cooler.
  • Native USB 3.0 and SSD support for modern builds: Whether it’s a new external drive for storage or a new SSD for the user’s preferred OS or games, the SPEC-ALPHA is ready for anything.

Carbide 400C and Carbide 400Q

  • Clean, modern lines with an all-steel exterior: Get rid of those plastic cases – the 400C and 400Q have full steel front and top panels for extra durability and stunning looks.
  • Compact design, full size capabilities: Despite the 400C and 400Q’s compact dimensions, they can house a full ATX motherboard and multiple GPUs.
  • Direct Airflow Path: One way to reduce noise is to make sure fans don’t work harder than they have to. By removing the drive cages behind the intake fans, the 400C and 400Q provide a more efficient direct airflow path to the hottest components, the CPU and GPU.
  • Liquid cooling capable: With room for up to a 360mm radiator in front, a 240mm radiator on top, and a 120mm radiator in rear, the 400C and 400Q can mount a wide range of Corsair Hydro-series liquid coolers.
  • Two AF series fans: Corsair-exclusive AF120L and AF140L fans efficiently draw ample cool air directly to components without the turbulence that can cause fan hum.
  • Easy to Build: Tool-free drive installation, side panel access, and tons of cable routing options and tie downs means less time spent building a PC and more time using it.
  • PSU and 3.5” Bay Cover: It’s easy to tidy the inside of the case by placing cables and drives behind two modular, clean, and refined PSU and 3.5” bay covers.
  • Easy to Clean: Easily access dust filters on front, top, and bottom mean it’ll never take more than a minute getting dust out of the system.

Carbide 400Q Only

Silenced panels for quiet operation: Sound damping material placed on the front panel, side panels, and top panel reduces component noise.

Carbide 400C Only

Hinged and latched full side-panel window: Components are easily accessible and when closed, every part of the build is visible through the full side-panel window.