Product Listing

Corsair Obsidian Series 550D - The Quiet One

By Kenny Yeo - 4 Jul 2012
Launch SRP: S$219

External Design

External Design

Aesthetically, the Corsair Obsidian Series 550D cuts a handsome figure, thanks mostly to its clean lines and a diamond-cut aluminum front panel. The aluminum front panel conceals the optical and peripheral expansion drive bays and is held in place by magnets. Another unique thing about the front panel is that it can be open in both directions thanks to a cleverly-designed hinge system. Also behind each panel, you'll find a generous amount of sound dampening foam to help isolate noise.

While only the front panel is aluminum, the rest of the panels are put together using stamped steel that have a matte and brushed feel. It doesn’t look nor feel tacky and all in all, the combination of materials here makes the Corsair 550D look and feel like a premium product.

The diamond-cut aluminum panel opens both ways thanks to a cleverly designed hinge system. Unfortunately, the panels are held in place pretty tightly, which means you will need two hands to open the panels - one to open the panel itself, and the other to hold the casing in place. This is not ideal for users who, for whatever reason, need to access external drive bays often.

The front panel has a cutout so the front I/O panel is always exposed. The finishing is excellent so the front panel and the I/O panels are nicely aligned and flushed. Here, there's two USB 3.0 ports, power and reset buttons, and headphones and microphone jacks.

The bottom front panel can be removed to reveal more sound dampening foam. There's also a removable dust filter for the two front intake fans.

There's a removable panel on the left side panel that reveals mounting points for two side fans. Again, an easily serviceable dust filter is provided.

Side panels can be easily removed using this one push button system - one push releases the side panels. It's a very elegant and functional alternative to boring old thumbscrews.

The side panels are well padded with sound dampening foam.

The rear of the casing is pretty standard fare. There's a single 140mm exhaust fan, eight expansion slots and four grommets for liquid-cooling setups.

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8.5
  • Aesthetics 9
  • Functionality 9
  • Usability 8.5
  • Value 8.5
The Good
Excellent build quality
Spacious, neat internals
One button side panel removal
Quiet operation
The Bad
Not hot swappable dock
Only two USB ports on the front I/O panel
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