As we begin to look at 550D in finer detail, we will start with the front and back. The front of the chassis features a brushed aluminium faceplate with the Corsair insignia at the bottom. The front panel controls have been given a distinctly different coloured plate so that they stand out – more on this later. This front panel opens out so that users can gain access to the 5.25” drive bay covers.

Around the back the 550D has an opening at the bottom for mounting the PSU and above this are 8x PCI expansion slot covers – each have ventilation holes for better airflow. Immediately next to these covers are 4x circular rubber grommets to assist with water-cooling management. Above this is a mesh panel for the 120mm rear exhaust fan. Note: there are also mounting holes here for using a 140mm fan should you want to upgrade.

The eagle eyed amongst you will have noticed there are no thumbscrews securing the side panels onto 550D’s chassis – instead Corsair have used a button/latch system and you can see the buttons that release the side panels at the very top of the rear panel.





The front panel connectivity sits on a diamond cut aluminium plate and includes the usual accompaniment of features. From left to right there is:

• Microphone and headphone jacks
• Reset button
• Activity LED
• Power button
• 2x USB 3.0 ports



The top of 550D is smooth and like the side panel features a detachable panel that pops up with a soft press.

Upon removing this top panel we find that the reverse of this cover has padded foam just like the side panels and there is also the inclusion of a dust filter –though there are no included cooling fans at the top of 550D. At the top there are mounting holes for dual 120/140mm fans. There is obviously no space for mounting water-cooling on the externals here but there is space inside – we will investigate this later.





On the underside of 550D there are 4x rubber feet to prevent the case from slipping and a large dust filter covers the underside of where the PSU sits within the chassis and where the optional cooling fan can be installed. This fan filter is removable from the outside of the case with relative ease. There are 4x additional thumbscrews attached to 550D’s underside should you need to use them.



With the external inspection complete let’s move inside the 550D for a good look at the features over the page.