Review: Corsair Obsidian Series 750D

Conclusion

Corsair has done a good job of filling-out its Obsidian Series range in 2013. The range-topping 900D more than meets the needs of the E-ATX market, the new 750D handles ATX with ease and the 350D is one of the best high-performance chassis for a micro-ATX board. The only gap, it seems, is Mini-ITX, and we suspect that's where the Obsidian Series will be heading next.

However, it's the full-tower 750D that Corsair's enthusiast audience has been waiting for. Designed as a modern-day successor to the incumbent 700D/800D, the newcomer continues to offer massive water-cooling potential, with support for at least a couple of large radiators in a push-pull configuration.

Combined with 10 storage bays, a roomy interior, a large side window and good cable management, the 750D has all the high-end essentials taken care of. Corsair's build quality and layout continues to make it easy to configure and build extreme gaming machines, yet the latest chassis to roll off the Obsidian production line isn't as adventurous as its full-tower predecessors and feels restrained in parts.

Though there are modern-day upgrades such as USB 3.0 connectivity and dedicated 2.5in SSD mounts, the 750D lacks some of the highlights we've come to expect from Obsidian Series enclosures - including hot-swap drive bays, dedicated cable clamps, a compartmentalised PSU area, and most importantly, quick-release side panels.

What we have, then, is a well-built, high-performance chassis that's competitively priced at around £130. A solid effort, yet while the 750D can be considered an upgrade over many competing enclosures, it's also a departure from the no-compromise Obsidians from years gone by. The 800D was launched as "a full-featured full-tower for real builders." For better or for worse, the 750D arrives as a well-featured full-tower for most builders.

The Good

Feels roomy throughout
Supports up to three radiators
Can house 10 storage devices
Large side window
Competitive price tag
Unobstructed front intakes
Solid build quality

The Bad

Lacks quick-release side panels
Unfiltered bottom fan mounts
Optical bays still look awkward in use
No hot-swappable drive bays

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Corsair Obsidian Series 750D

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The Corsair Obsidian Series 750D will be available to purchase from Scan Computers*.

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