Corsair Obsidian Series 750D - A Solid Full-tower Casing
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Introduction
Update (24-9-2013, 2:30pm): We have just received word from the local distributor that the price of the Obsidian Series 750D has been revised from S$299 to a more palatable S$259. Although the price cut is significant and much welcomed, it does not change our value rating of the 750D because we feel that it still commands a slight premium over its competitors. That said, you pay for what you get and the 750D certainly delivers.
A New Addition
Last year, in our review of the Corsair Obsidian Series 550D, we wrote about Corsair’s plans to expand and diversify their business. Although memory remains to be one of Corsair’s core business, they have made significant inroads into other product categories such as SSDs and also gaming accessories. Their mechanical keyboards are well received, but more significantly, their Corsair Neutron GTX was crowned champion in our Great High-end SSD Shootout.
Since then they have also expanded their casings portfolio. The Obsidian Series is of course their lineup of enthusiast-grade casings. At the time when we reviewed the Obsidian Series 550D, the series consisted of just two other casings - the full-tower 800D and mid-tower 650D. Fast forward to the present and you will find that the Obsidian Series consists of six casings, with a seventh along the way.
Here's a quick look at the Corsair 750D's key specifications:
Casing Dimensions & Specifications |
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Drive Bays & Expansion Slots / Ports |
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Case Cooling |
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Power Supply |
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Design & Features
Corsair calls the 750D a full-tower casing, but it looks significantly smaller to other full-tower casings, such as the recently reviewed Silverstone Raven RV04. In fact, the 750D looks more like a slightly larger mid-tower casing. This new case is positioned between the full-tower 800D and mid-tower 650D.
As one of the higher-end models in the Obsidian Series, the casing is constructed using a blend of thick SECC steel, brushed aluminum and ABS plastic. The casing feels solidly built, which means it is also rather heavy. The case is black in its entirety and very boxy in its shape, and with the exception of a windowed side panel, there are no interesting curves or design flourishes. It looks sombre, if a little dull. Also, there are no handles to hold onto, so it can be hard to transport and move the casing about. It does not help that the 750D did not come with wheels so that at least it can be wheeled around.
Whereas the casing is made mostly using SECC steel, the front panel uses brushed aluminum and it provides a nice contrast to the rest of the casing. Examining the front panel, we found three 5.25-inch external drive bays, four USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports (two each), the usual headphones and microphone jacks and the reset and power buttons. The reset button is a little small in our books, although understandably this was done to prevent users from accidentally hitting them.
The bottom half of the front panel is held by a push latch which can be easily removed to reveal two large 140mm intake fans. The thick front panel acts as a sound insulator, however, they also obstruct air flow towards the intake fans. The front panel is hinged at the bottom so you cannot completely remove it too. Best to keep it on, otherwise it really spoils the look of the case.
All in all, there is not much to be said about the 750D aesthetics. However, uninteresting as the 750D casing may look, it does not detract from the fact that is well-built with good fitment and the panels nicely put together.
Looking at the back, we can see a single 140mm large exhaust fan and nine expansion slots. They are no rubber grommets for liquid cooling setups, but as you will see on the next page, the 750D is large enough to accommodate radiators internally.
Looking at the bottom of the case, we can see that the four corner have rubber feet. However, given the size and weight of the case, it would be nice if Corsair included optional wheels for users to install to facilitate transportation of the case. This is especially since the case itself has no handles, making it difficult to hold on to and carry. There is an easily removable dust filter for the PSU and we can see also that there are mounting points for two fans (up to 140mm) or a single 280mm radiator. However, there is no dust filter provided here. Also, installing fans on the bottom is not all that straightforward, as we will explain on the following page.
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