Conclusion
...if you're ready to give up discs, or indeed the flexibility that 5.25in bays can offer, the 400C is a welcome alternative to rival products in this segment.The Carbide Series 400C is the latest addition to Corsair's burgeoning portfolio of mid-tower enclosures and promises "all the performance and expandability you need" in a compact design.
Whether or not you need optical bays is always up for debate, but if you're ready to give up discs, or indeed the flexibility that 5.25in bays can offer, the 400C is a welcome alternative to rival products in this segment.
Build quality is good at the £80 price point, the exterior is suitably sleek and stylish, and a large side-panel window is perfect for showing off your rig. Being one of Corsair's smallest mid-tower solutions is part of the appeal, yet there's no real limitation in terms of performance - high-end hardware slots in with ease, and enthusiasts will find ample room for liquid cooling.
A dedicated PSU/hard-disk compartment helps keep the entire build looking particularly neat and tidy, and our only major criticism is that Corsair hasn't found a way to deliver its Clear and Quiet attributes in one unified model. It's an awkward choice to have to make, and we'd happily pay a little more to have the windowed side panel of the 400C as well as the sound-deadening linings of the 400Q.
Compact for a mid-tower solution
Full-size window gives a great view
Side door provides easy access
Cables can be kept very tidy
Space for a large 360mm radiator
Front filter awkward to get at
Not a lot of room behind mobo tray
Corsair Carbide Series 400C
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The Corsair Carbide Series 400C chassis is available to order from Scan Computers.
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