Review
- Introduction
- Packaging and Specifications
- About the Case Packaging
- External Impressions Part 1
- External Impressions Part 2
- Internal Impressions Part 1
- Internal Impressions Part 2
- Complete Setup
- Conclusion
Please do note: What I am saying right now not only applies to Corsair but to any manufacturers who use Styrofoam on top and bottom as a means to protect the case, leaving front, rear and the sides to take a good pounding during transit. If any case manufacturers send me something with this kind of a damage, they will be referred here.
To the manufacturers: I understand that in mass manufactured models and for a particular price point no1 can manage to squeeze everything and make it look good enough. Regardless, as a mutual respect that most reviewers share between readers and the manufacturers: this is something that they can note down and see if its possible to improve.
(P.S.: Besides, 50 bucks says Corsair will be one of the first to find a workaround.)
The picture towards the left belongs of the base and the one you can see on the right belongs to the top panel. As you can see, Styrofoam has already cracked inside and out.
I really feel that cases that has a lot of features should also have a better packaging to protect the rear, faceplate and side panels. Do also note that this does not only apply to Corsair, but to every manufacturers who use the same type of packaging. The reason I am highlighting this here is only because I’ve evaluated few cases as of now and it seems this is inevitable.
Usually when they are packed and shipped, there is a pretty good chance of accidental mishandling: from the manufacturers to another countries and then reaches to retailers via the respected distributors and somewhere in the middle the cases take a trip around central warehouse to local storage that most nationwide distributors and major retailers have. Some people buy via online mostly because they cannot get it locally- or they simply want it delivered. Now since I’ve basically summed it up, you and I will agree that some concern will be there at the back of the head.
I can’t speak for everyone, but its been a long time I’ve seen anyone who handles products on a daily basis looking out for “fragile” and “this side up” stickers on the box. Even if it is, not many really care.
Only a long dent can be felt or seen on the exterior, but there are certain bents and minor dents that you can see when you put a system together. Its not necessarily on the exterior. It can be anything from front face panel, mesh panels to dented panels. If its not done right, anything made of plastic can break/crack and if a case’s quality isn’t really solid, prepare for a dent in some corner you might not expect. There’s also a chance that even if its not dented, a scratch on the paint job is a possibility. I am not saying that the packaging should be made to prepare for Armageddon. I am saying that the exposed areas need to be protected.
Its scary for the manufacturers because if a lot of cases are damaged, they’re going to have a tough time replacing it. Imagine a lot of situation where have bought it online and due to the size of the product its understandable that most quote shipping cost on the weight. You pay for it. And if the case has some damage you have an issue dealing with and no choice then you have 2: 1. Either contact Corsair’s nearest service centre 2. Worse case scenario they say that they will not cover physical damage as its not within “warranty” norms, you exchange blows with your dealer. Even if he does agree, you pay for sending it back and most likely pay for getting a new one again.
There’s also a possibility that if someone buys without checking/bought it online/found something during installation, the retailer might not take it back, stating that its the user’s fault. It goes without saying the manufacturers understand the situation and they help their end users to the best of their ability. But time and effort is wasted. Prevention is better than cure.
I hope the Full tower premium and aluminum cases don’t have to endure this- like the beautiful Corsair 800D/Lian Li A70/77F… list goes on.
2 cents worth advice to end users and system builders: If you plan to use the case’s packaging, assuming it will protect your system while travelling in fairly long distance irrespective of the mode of transport: Not worth the risk. Stacks of hard drives, dual slot long GPU cards, large CPU coolers (large as in Noctua U12PSE2 dual fans), memory kits, add on cards: too much money is involved.
