Corsair Carbide Series 500R Review

👤by David Mitchelson Comments 📅02-11-11
Exterior

To start with we will take a look at the front and back of 500R. The front has a black mesh section running through the middle. In the lower region there are dual 120mm fans mounted as intake, whilst above there are 4x 5.25” drive bay covers. At the very top is the front panel connectivity – more on this further down the page.

Around the back of 500R the bottom has the opening for the PSU. Above this 8x PCI expansion slot covers – each with ventilation holes for better airflow. To the side of these expansion slots are 4x circular water-cooling tubing covers. At the top we have a mesh panel and a 120mm rear exhaust fan. Both side panels are fixed in place via thumbscrews. Corsair have designed these thumbscrews in such a way that they don’t need to be completely removed from the side panel, a few turns and the side panel can be removed and the screws stay in place. A great feature, however small – it means you won’t misplace them!


The front and back of 500R


Taking closer observation of the front panel connectivity we have the following controls:

• Power button with LED indicator
• 2x USB 3.0 ports
• Headphone and microphone jacks
• Firewire port
• Fan LED on/off switch
• 3 speed fan-control switch
• Reset button

All the controls you could ever need. It’s nice that the fan LED switch has been included for those who would rather not have any lighting. Behind these ports, on the top side of the case is a small tray for storing items of interest.


Front panel connectivity with USB 3.0 ports, fan LED switch and fan control


The top of 500R has a removable mesh panel – underneath this we can mount dual 120/140mm fans and a water-cooling radiator (more on this in the installation section). To remove this panel, the front just needs to be pressed down – the panel then pops up and can then be removed.


Removable top panel with space for dual 120/140mm fans and water-cooling


Finally, on the underside there are 4x rubberised pads to prevent the case from slipping on smooth surfaces and a large removable air filter if you choose to mount the PSU with the fan facing the bottom of the 500R. From the image below you may notice 4x thumbscrews near the front of the case on the underside, these screws hold the lower HDD cage inside 500R in place. Removing these allows you to remove the cage out.


The underside of 500R with filter and rubberised feet


With the exterior tour now over its time to take a look inside 500R over the page.

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