Corsair Crystal 280X RGB Review
Category : Cases
Published by Luca Rocchi on 12.07.18
With the Crystal 280X, Corsair offers two new cases. Today we are going to review the 280X RGB which features a compact form factor as well as space for high-end components. Despite its small dimensions, there is actually enough space for a pair of 280mm radiators. There is also a separate compartment for the power supply allowing for very clean looking builds as well as a left side panel that's been made from tempered glass. If you aren't a huge fan of RGB LEDs, Corsair is offering the same model without RGB accents at a reduced price.
| Page 1 - Introduction | Page 5 - Installation |
| Page 2 - Preview | Page 6 - Ventilation options |
| Page 3 - Features | Page 7 - Temperatures |
| Page 4 - Product overview | Page 8 - Conclusion |
Preview
Specifications
| Model: | Crystal 280X RGB | |
| Case Type: | Cube | |
| Dimensions: | 398 mm (W) x 276 mm (H) x 351 mm (D) | |
| Material: | ABS, Steel, Tempered glass | |
| Color: | Black | |
| Drive Bay: | 5.25": | 0 |
| 3.5": | 2 | |
| 2.5": | 3 | |
| Expansion slots: | 4 | |
| Form factors: | mATX, mini-ITX | |
| Cooling: | Front: | 2x 120mm / 2x 140mm(included) |
| Bottom: | 1x 120mm / 1x 140mm | |
| Top: | 2x 120mm / 2x 140mm | |
| Side: | 1x 120mm / 1x 140mm | |
| Watercooling | Front: | 240mm / 280mm |
| Bottom: | 240mm / 280mm | |
| Top: | 120mm / 140mm | |
| Side: | / | |
| Link to the product: | Corsair | |
| Page 1 - Introduction | Page 5 - Installation |
| Page 2 - Preview | Page 6 - Ventilation options |
| Page 3 - Features | Page 7 - Temperatures |
| Page 4 - Product overview | Page 8 - Conclusion |
Features
Dust filtersIn total there are no less than six spots for 120 millimeter fans in this case. All the air inlets are covered using dust filters. These can be removed easily in order to clean them under tap water. |
Two compartment layoutCorsair chose a two chamber layout for this case. If you look at the Carbide Crystal 280X RGB from the front, you see that motherboard and graphics card are placed on the left side of the motherboard tray and on the other side that’s where the power supply and HDD/SSD cage go. This internal layout allows for stunning looking builds, where all cables are hidden behind the motherboard tray. |
Watercooling readyThe Corsair Crystal 280X RGB offers a lot of space on the inside, which for instance, allows for mounting mATX motherboards and high-end graphics cards. The front can be equipped with a 280mm or 240mm radiator, while the rear and lower parts are compatible with two additional 120/140mm radiators. Furthermore the top can be equipped with another 280mm radiator. Thanks to the dual-chamber design you can really go crazy with custom water cooling gear, since a lot of components can be hidden behind the motherboard tray. |
| Page 1 - Introduction | Page 5 - Installation |
| Page 2 - Preview | Page 6 - Ventilation options |
| Page 3 - Features | Page 7 - Temperatures |
| Page 4 - Product overview | Page 8 - Conclusion |
Product overview
Overview |
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| The Crystal 280X RGB comes with a rather unusual design, which to us is excentric. Corsair is using both tempered glass and ABS plastic parts at the front and on the top. The quality of the plastic used is excellent. The front part doesn't feature any slots for optical disc drives and therefore you won't be able to install any 5.25" drives, card readers or fan controllers. On the top there is your standard I/O panel with two USB 3.0 ports, power and reset button as well as the two standard audio jacks. On both the top and the front there are several openings around the tempered glass panels, which allow fans to pull fresh air in. The side panels are rather interesting; while the left panel comes with a huge piece of tempered glass, the right panel sports a dust filter. The back panel is as simple as it gets. There are four slot bezels covering the PCI expansion slots, the opening for the motherboard I/O panel and the opening for an ATX power supply. The bottom of the case has been equipped with four plastic feet and there is also an air-inlet for the radiators to breath if the fans are facing downwards. |
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| Page 1 - Introduction | Page 5 - Installation |
| Page 2 - Preview | Page 6 - Ventilation options |
| Page 3 - Features | Page 7 - Temperatures |
| Page 4 - Product overview | Page 8 - Conclusion |
Installation
Overview |
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| Due to the dual chamber layout the inside of the Crystal 280X RGB is clean and tidy. Looking at the HDDs and SSDs cages there is space for up to two 3.5" HDDs and three 2.5" SSDs. Both can be installed using tool-less sledges behind the motherboard tray. The motherboard tray itself is made from solid steel, and it features a large opening behind the CPU socket, which allows the user to install aftermarket CPU coolers without taking the motherboard out. The tray features a few openings, which have been covered with rubber grommets to create a neat cable management. Between the motherboard tray and the left side panel there is enough space to hide plenty of cables. The Crystal 280X RGB is compatible with micro-ATX motherboards and as we already mentioned there is space for a lot of fans and even radiators.
For our test, we used a system based on a ASUS Maximus VIII Gene motherboard paired with a Corsair H100iv2 all-in-one water cooler. Putting the setup inside the 280X is quite simple and straight forward. As you can see from the pictures there are plenty of slots for fans and radiators. The Crystal 280X RGB offers space for CPU coolers measuring up to 150mm in height and graphics cards can be of up to 300mm in length. |
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| Page 1 - Introduction | Page 5 - Installation |
| Page 2 - Preview | Page 6 - Ventilation options |
| Page 3 - Features | Page 7 - Temperatures |
| Page 4 - Product overview | Page 8 - Conclusion |
Ventilation options
Overview |
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| From the cooling point of view, the Corsair Crystal 280X is impressive. First of all we have to say that inside the case there are two pre-installed 140mm RGB LED fans. This case allows you to install up to two 120 or 140mm fans in the front and on the top. In addition you can place another fan in the bottom area as well. Regarding custom water cooling setups there is also a lot of flexibility, since it's for example possible to install two 280mm radiators. If you like RGB devices, you will be happy to know that inside the 280X RGB there is the Lighting Node PRO. Thanks to this little fan hub and Corsair iCue software, you can sync all your LEDs with your Corsair peripherals. | |
| Page 1 - Introduction | Page 5 - Installation |
| Page 2 - Preview | Page 6 - Ventilation options |
| Page 3 - Features | Page 7 - Temperatures |
| Page 4 - Product overview | Page 8 - Conclusion |
Temperatures
Overview |
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For testing purposes we're using an ASUS Z170I Gaming Pro AC motherboard, an Intel Core i5-6600K CPU, which receives cooling through a Noctua NH-L9i cooler as well as a ASUS ROG Strix GTX 1050 graphics card. To put the CPU under full load, we're running prime95 for 10 min and in the case of the GPU we use Furmark also for 10 minutes. After these ten minutes, we're going to write down the temperatures. The ambient temperature is close to 24°C. |
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| All noise dampening panels installed | Idle (°C) | Full (°C) |
| Intel Core i5-6600K | 31 / 32 / 34 / 34 | 66 / 66 / 65 / 69 |
| ASUS ROG Strix GeForce GTX 1050 OC | 43 | 68 |
| Less is better | ||
| Page 1 - Introduction | Page 5 - Installation |
| Page 2 - Preview | Page 6 - Ventilation options |
| Page 3 - Features | Page 7 - Temperatures |
| Page 4 - Product overview | Page 8 - Conclusion |
Conclusion
Rating |
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| Cooling | Features | Layout | Build Quality | Value for Money | |
| Pros | + Good
compatibility for watercooling
+ Numerous spots for fans + Dust filters |
+ Lighting Node PRO + Tempered glass + Dual chamber |
+ Interior
space
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+ Good build quality | + Well priced
+ Solid bundle |
| Cons | - No USB 3.1 ports |
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The Corsair Crystal 280X is a cube-chassis for ethusiasts who are searching a different looking enclosure. The Crystal 280X is made from sturdy steel, ABS plastic and tempered glass. As far as the design is concerned, we really like the smooth panels. This case offers plenty of space for micro-ATX motherboard and you can equip it with a total of two HDDs and three SSD.
There is also plenty of space for the water cooling, which helps with compatibility when it comes to high-end setups. The Crystal 280X RGB comes with a very good bundle, first of all you get two RGB fans and furthermore you will find the Corsair Lighting PRO module compatible with Corsair iCUE software. As we already mentioned you can install a couple of 280mm radiators and that itself is great already. It's pretty clear that this case is perfect for anybody who's looking for an enclosure with a good airflow. The cable management is well done and the dual chamber design is contributing a lot to that.
The Crystal 280X RGB is listed on Geizhals with prices starting at 150 Euro and it's available in white or black color options. In our opinion, the price is appropriate and it reflects the quality and the bundle of the product. However, if you don't like RGB accents you can buy the Crystal 280X not-RGB for 115 Euro. The Corsair Crystal 280X receives 4 stars out of 5.
| Page 1 - Introduction | Page 5 - Installation |
| Page 2 - Preview | Page 6 - Ventilation options |
| Page 3 - Features | Page 7 - Temperatures |
| Page 4 - Product overview | Page 8 - Conclusion |