Corsair Carbide Spec-04 Tempered Glass Review

1. Introduction2. Carbide Spec-04 Tempered Glass: Exterior3. Carbide Spec-04 Tempered Glass: Interior4.  System Installation5. Testing: Thermals and Acoustics6. Closing Thoughts7. View All Pages

The Corsair Carbide Spec-04 is a budget case available around £60 in the UK as we go to publication today.

It’s not the cheapest, the most fully featured or perhaps most attractive of the budget cases available, but it’s a good mix of the best.

Given that Corsair is working with a known entity, augmenting an already solid and engaging case with tempered glass was a strong move. It adds a little bit of extra style to proceedings, and proves that even budget cases can showcase a smart build well. Owners can now better admire system interiors.

Other positives are the same for the original Spec-04. It catches the eye and is largely a case which is easy to work with, build in and use. But for limited ATX motherboard space, an oddity in backplate alignment and some fiddly-ness with 2.5” drives, installing components isn’t too taxing.

More importantly, installations are worth it in the Carbide Spec-04 Tempered Glass because you end up with a system which looks great (front and side), and can be further lit and cooling boosted with RGB and fan configurations.

Further, with its added stylish side panel, it feels as though more is possible with this case. Yes space is limited, but entry, mid-range or more powerful systems are possible with a few canny buys and a bit of prior consideration. We've found the Spec-04 a flexible and supportive case in the past, and here we have a case on the same level with some added panache.

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Pros

• Tempered glass side panel.
• Engaging design.
• Strong fan/expansion options.
• Sensible routing options.
• Well-positioned I/O.

 Cons

• Maximum 272mm ATX motherboard width.
• Odd backplate cut-out alignment.

KitGuru says: This case proves budget options can look good and support strong, engaging, builds. Corsair deserves praise for the Spec-04 Tempered Glass, adding value to an already solid chassis which feels further reaching than the higher price-tag.   

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