Review: Fractal Design Core 500

Conclusion

Mini-ITX is becoming an increasingly popular choice among system builders and enthusiasts, and it's easy to see why. There's never been such an abundance of compatible parts to choose from, and we're at a stage now where mini-ITX machines need no longer be considered a compromise.

Latest-generation Skylake-compatible motherboards? Yep. High-end graphics in smaller form factors? Yep. Pint-sized storage devices that are both fast and spacious? Yep. It's easier than ever before to build a mini-ITX machine and retain full-tower functionality.

Understanding that consumers may very well look to downsize in the coming years, Fractal Design has gradually expanded its range of PC enclosures to include a variety of small-form-factor solutions. Augmenting the existing Node Series, the Core 500 is an entry-level addition that offers all of the mini-ITX essentials as part of a compact cube available for under £50.

Striving to be smaller than your average PC but staying just large enough to accommodate common components, Core 500 is well-put together and logically laid out so as to accept a powerful CPU and GPU combination, as well as up to half-a-dozen SSDs/HDDs. There is room for improvement - the default fan could certainly be better - but our criticisms are few and far between.

Bottom line: Core 500 is neither the smallest nor the sexiest mini-ITX chassis on the market, but it may well be one of the most sensible and is easy to recommend to anyone looking to downsize to a potent PC with a smaller footprint.

Fractal Design Core 500

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The Fractal Design Core 500 chassis is available to purchase from Scan Computers.

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