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Review: Corsair Carbide Series Air 540

by Parm Mann on 19 June 2013, 16:00

Tags: Corsair

Quick Link: HEXUS.net/qabxtz

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Conclusion

This is very much a case of Corsair demonstrating an ability to create products that are right in line with enthusiasts' expectations.

The Carbide Series Air 540 is exactly the sort of chassis that Corsair should be producing. It's different, interesting, and ultimately makes you want to build a new rig.

This is very much a case of Corsair demonstrating an ability to create products that are right in line with enthusiasts' expectations. Attractive, easy to build into, great at showcasing your hardware, and plenty of air- or liquid-cooling possibilities: the Air 540 hits a lot of the right notes.

Is this Corsair's best chassis to date? Perhaps not - the 600T is still prettier, the 650D is made of sterner stuff and the 550D is noticeably quieter - but we're confident in calling the Air 540 Corsair's cleverest solution thus far.

The dual-chamber approach has merit, and this first attempt at the cube is so convincing that we're already looking forward to spin-offs. A white Graphite Cube? A sound-proofed, aluminium Obsidian Cube? Yes, please.

The Good

Fun and easy to build into
Multiple dedicated SSD bays
Excellent cable management
Dual chambers work really well
Great at showing off your hardware
Extreme air- and liquid-cooling potential
It's something a bit different

The Bad

Could have been quieter
Lacks that premium Obsidian feel


HEXUS Awards


Corsair Carbide Series Air 540

HEXUS Where2Buy

The Corsair Carbide Series Air 540 chassis is available to order from Scan Computers*.

HEXUS Right2Reply

At HEXUS, we invite the companies whose products we test to comment on our articles. If any company representatives for the products reviewed choose to respond, we'll publish their commentary here verbatim.



*UK-based HEXUS community members are eligible for free delivery and priority customer service through the SCAN.care@HEXUS forum.



HEXUS Forums :: 31 Comments

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It looks lovely, if a bit big. The radiator support is impressive too, but the noise rating would give me pause.
I used to have a Yeong Yang YY-0221B Server Cube back in the day. It was a cracking case. Seriously tempted by this.
If this had been around 6 months ago I'd of bought one instead of the 500R. Looks like it ticks all the boxes. If corsair ever does do an obsidian version they should really tidy up the bottom of the case and carry the styling on around so it looks good running window up(use magnetic feet or something to keep it looking clean). It looks really nice in that 3rd shot. Looks more squat and solid.
BlackDwarf
I used to have a Yeong Yang YY-0221B Server Cube back in the day. It was a cracking case. Seriously tempted by this.

That's what this reminded me of.
I have a cubby hole under my desk for a new build. This case is a bit too wide for that space but gives me ideas for a bespoke case.

I suspect the noise issue can be easily dealt with some proper sound proofing material stuck everywhere - after all there is plenty of room!