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With an imposing size of 315 x 315mm, a transparent plastic window engulfs the vast majority of the 350D's left side panel. A window on a case is perhaps the most opinion-splitting feature that a manufacturer can impose, and knowing this, Corsair has also released a non-windowed edition of the 350D with a slight cost reduction.
Some users may be disappointed by the exclusion of a side panel fan mount, especially given that this m-ATX case is designed for use with dual-graphics configurations. Personally, I feel that Corsair has made the correct decision in keeping the entire side panel to a consistent design, rather than jeopardising the appearance with a fan grill.
The 350D shows resemblances to the appearance of other cases in the Obsidian series by being encompassed by a high-quality, brushed aluminium and dark steel finish.
To our surprise, fingerprint resistance is a greater-than-expected trait of the 350D's brushed aluminium surfaces.
It is very difficult to dislike the subtle and understated, yet highly attractive and upper-class appearance that the Obsidian's brushed aluminium material exhibits. With the exception of IO ports and Corsair's logo, the front panel retains a very minimalistic style. No fan grills, no cheap plastic, just plain and simple high-quality aluminium.
Corsair cuts airflow holes into the 350D's roof to allow a pair of 120/140mm fans to be mounted there. The area lacks a filter, meaning that the case is going to rapidly fill with dust and dirt unless an exhaust fan is used in the mount.
Given that each individual airflow hole measures in at around 5 x 13mm, it is inexcusable for Corsair to omit any type of filter or dirt-catching device.
Two USB 3.0 ports, headphone and microphones jacks, power and reset buttons, and indicator LEDs form the front panel connections. Corsair uses a slender power button which slides towards the rear of the case when pushed.
Five recessed and vented PCI slots provide Corsair 350D users with the added flexibility of being able to mount a convenient USB or eSATA PCI bracket without sacrificing expansion options.
Corsair also subdues the rear 120mm fan by around 15mm. We think that this was a bad decision because it will increase the possibility of interference occurring when using motherboards with large VRM heatsinks, or sizeable AIO and air coolers.
A trio of watercooling holes allows tubing or other cables to be fed into the 350D.
Four rubber-tipped feet act to damp noise-causing vibrations and also lift the bottom of the chassis off the ground by around 25mm. An easily-removable PSU filter prevents dust entering from the 350D's underside.
A fan controller is a good idea, but few companies add them in, which is sad. I know my last thermaltake case was very loud. Corsair fans are generally slightly higher quality although I know a lot of people are complaining lately.
This is a great case.
The window really makes this case IMO, would be criminal not to have one with it if you bought it. THe price is ok too. nice one.
Great review luke, tons of detail on the fitting and inside, really wanted to make me look at building a second system now.
Great series of cases, I own an Obsiadian already and its going to last me many years – great build quality on their products which always distinguishes them from the masses.
I agree, bundle a corsair bundled fan controller in future, if the budget allows it. would be hugely beneficial as we could turn down the fans when working on the machine or general use, then enhance the speeds when gaming.