Review: Fractal Design Core 3500W

Conclusion

The Core 3500 is a modest addition to Fractal Design's range of budget-friendly enclosures. Priced from £60, this wide-bodied, mid-tower chassis offers simple aesthetics, ample storage flexibility, three pre-installed fans and enough radiator-mounting opportunities to keep even extreme enthusiasts well entertained.

Rubber-grommeted routing holes and plenty of CPU, GPU and cable clearance all add to the appeal, and the basic fan controller is a worthwhile value add. There are weak points - namely a limited number of fan filters and dedicated SSD bays that can't be accessed once the motherboard is installed - but the Core 3500's biggest obstacle may be the amount of competition in this market segment.

Right now, the likes of Corsair's Graphite Series 230T and NZXT's H230 are available for less, and we suspect Fractal may need to shave off a further few pounds if the Core 3500 is to stand out from the crowd. This remains a solid choice for self-builders seeking a conventional enclosure with few frills, but pricing, we feel, needs to drop closer to £50 for the standard model and £60 for the windowed for either to be considered a steal.

The Good

Simple, sleek exterior
Three pre-installed fans
Eight drive bays in total
Ample CPU, GPU and cable clearance
Available with or without a side window

The Bad

Motherboard prevents access to SSD bays
Fan controller in an awkward spot
Could do with more fan filters
Front audio cable too short

HEXUS.awards

Fractal Design Core 3500W

HEXUS.where2buy*

The Fractal Design Core 3500W chassis is available to purchase from Scan Computers.

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