Conclusion
...performance in certain workloads is remarkable considering the size of the system...Few small-form-factor PCs are as polished and powerful as the Corsair One. Since its introduction just over three years ago, the compact gaming PC has set the standard for what it is possible on a mini-ITX platform by squeezing some of the best components into its petite 12-litre frame.
In 2020, maintaining those high standards necessitates AMD Ryzen, and Corsair has made its move with a trio of a100 models offering up to 16 cores of multi-threaded goodness. Though the extra cooling requirements of a many-core CPU push Corsair's 170mm radiator to the limit, performance in certain workloads is remarkable considering the size of the system, and the AMD platform has the added benefit of super-fast PCIe Gen 4 storage.
We're ultimately excited to see Corsair adopt AMD hardware, yet view the initial a100 as a precursor of what is to come. Word on the grapevine is that a 3900XT model is already in the works, and looking ahead, if you're contemplating dropping thousands of pounds on a Corsair One, there's a natural inclination to wait for a more comprehensive refresh, complete with next-generation AMD RDNA2 or Nvidia Ampere graphics.
Bottom line: Corsair One remains the SFF PC to beat and the AMD-powered a100 is a welcome addition to the range.
The Good The Bad Sleek, space-saving chassis
Finally available with AMD Ryzen
Immense multi-threaded performance
High-res, high-quality gaming credentials
Super-fast PCIe Gen 4 storage
Satisfyingly low noise levels Still no front USB-C
3950X gets hot in such small confines
Next-gen graphics looming large
Corsair One a100
HEXUS.where2buy
The One a100 base unit will be available to purchase from Corsair.
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