Final Words & Conclusion

The Verdict

Much like a partner of choice, sometimes a piece of hardware just clicks? I really like the new Crystal Series 280X for many reasons including a proper build quality, very nice aesthetics, spacious despite being a compact form factor build and added to that the overall feel and ease of use this chassis offers. It' is a little subjective to say, but for me, this chassis makes sense all the way by ticking all the right boxes. Small form factors have become hip and trendy things, as such it makes perfect sense for Corsair bring this chassis series into the year 2018, properly. The Crystal Series 280X has it all, including the right looks, proper airflow and the space to work in, even with multiple radiators.  What I also like is that you get the option to go for RGB (or not). I prefer the RGB SKU with Commanded and LL RGB fans personally, as they bring in that 100% finish. Yeah, there is little to complain about really, it definitely is a very good example of what a small chassis should look like. Next to that being a Corsair product is has been fitted with the hippest features. It comes with a near tool-free design, can house a fair enough amount of HDDs and SSDs. Then the Crystal Series 280X can even mount a large graphics cards up-to 30cm. If that isn't enough this small chassis will even allow for a Liquid Cooling Kit installation with a radiator up-to 240mm in the front and even 280 at the top side. Not bad, we think.

Aesthetics

For me, the chassis looks absolutely sweet. Overall the design is based on a black with matte dark finish, black from the inside - black on the outside (unless you opt the white edition of course). It's really good for dark-colored high-end gear like motherboards and graphics cards. The side panel windows will definitely show you all the Micro ATX and Mini ITX goods you install in a very tasteful manner, with that options for a bit of RGB bling or not. It all has been tastefully done is the keyword here, as the chassis is not screaming with logos. Taste, however, is a difficult thing to objectively write about, we love it, you might frown upon of course. 

Features

We can only acknowledge that the product very feature rich for a chassis in this segment of the market. The removable HDD/SDD trays, good cable management options inside the PC itself. Missing is a 5.25" drive bay. We like the two 3.5" bays + three 2.5" SSD slots and 4 PCI expansion slots. Up to two HDDs and if you use the HDD bays, five SSDs (accumulated) can be mounted - you slide them in until you hear and feel a click, and your SSDs are locked and loaded to arm that PC of yours. For the liquid cooling aficionados, you still can fit multiple radiators in the chassis including an up-to 240mm in the front, 280 at the top and if you stick towards a Mini ITX build, even up-to 280 at the bottom. That alone is something very unique for a small form factor chassis.

Final Words

Sometimes you get that feeling that something is done right from A to Z, I have that feeling with the Crystal Series 280X. I like the quality, the looks, and aesthetics plus what it offers in features and space to work in. And sure, now everybody is willing to chip in the extra 50 bucks for the Commander controller and two LL RGB fans, but hey .. that's why Corsair offers this chassis in a regular cheaper version as well. I mean kudos to Corsair for doing that. In the end, a small form factor chassis is something you really need to like I guess. The trend the past few years has shown though that the market is ready for the biggest and brutal PC configurations at that small 17x17 form factor, and the Crystal Series 280X can handle it airflow wise. The build quality I find rather good as well. Pricing, for the RGB fitted 280X you don't need to think 200 USD like price levels, no Sir, it’s give or take  $159.99. Granted still quite a bit, but that's the iCUE compatible RGB Commander PRO and RGB LL Fans for ya. if you opt the regular (non RGB) model, the MSRP sits at $109.99 which still ain't cheap, but considering the looks, build quality and features I'd happily pay that money. Remember, you can spot these cases in a black as well as a white model also. I wanna do an Ace Ventura 'I like it alot' here, really. Nice job Corsair.

Very much recommended.

• Sign up to receive a notice when we publish a new article
• Or go back to Guru3D's front page.