Review: Corsair Obsidian Series 350D

Conclusion

From a performance standpoint, the Obsidian Series 350D has plenty to offer. With room for multiple graphics cards, up-to three radiators and seven drive bays, this is a chassis that makes most other micro-ATX solutions look timid in comparison.

Yet, as a consequence, the 'baby' Obsidian isn't quite as small as it's made out to be. Corsair states "the compact size is ideal if space is limited," and that the 350D is "at home on a desktop or tucked away out of sight," but in reality the chassis doesn't conform to our expectations of a micro-ATX form factor.

The near-ATX dimensions are the price you pay for having continued support for multiple radiators and plenty of high-end hardware. And that creates an inevitable predicament; if you need room for an extreme build, wouldn't you be better-served by an ATX chassis that's more flexible and barely any larger?

The 350D has plenty of positives, and we suspect enthusiasts migrating from hefty full-tower enclosures will appreciate having the ability to retain lavish liquid-cooling configurations in a truncated case. We're excited to see Corsair exploring new avenues, and looking ahead we hope the company pursues true small-form-factor designs that aren't dictated by radiator support.

As it stands, this may be one of the best high-performance chassis for a micro-ATX board, but the Obsidian Series 350D really needed to be smaller in order to convince us to downsize.

The Good

Room for extra-long graphics cards
Can support up-to three radiators
Five expansion slots
Tool-free drive bays
Most affordable Obsidian to date

The Bad

Not much smaller than standard ATX chassis
No integrated fan-controller
Uncovered top grill
Optical bays look awkward in use

HEXUS Where2Buy

The Corsair Obsidian Series 350D chassis is available to purchase from Scan Computers*.

HEXUS Right2Reply

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