1. Introduction
2. Packaging and Specifications
3. About the Case Packaging
4. External Impressions Part 1
5. External Impressions Part 2
6. Internal Impressions Part 1
7. Internal Impressions Part 2
8. Complete Setup
9. Conclusion

To sum it all up, the case is weak, especially in the rear panel. You will not get that “wobbly” case once the case is filled up with your system configuration.

The only issue I have is that the case is weak and packaging doesn’t really do the justice of protecting it properly. I haven’t taken a look at the 400R yet, but if its the same case design and built quality I am very dissapointed on the 500R because it commands an extra premium. Its not the best case Corsair came up with. The front panel design is nothing new, Lian Li did it with K62w and Antec pretty much has it on 1200 Full tower. Both are solid steel cases and both are very strong. 500R is more designed to be a mass produced model to go head to head with few best selling cases for the price point, but its too expensive and not really worth the risk. The weight of the core configuration does hold the case together (In layman’s terms: imagine its like a packaging box- like the case’s packaging box. Its weak because its empty but once the box is filled with stuff and properly taped on both ends, it does hold the basic cube shape and they don’t wobble.) and most of the wobbling does stop (despite filling it up and when you remove the HDD case, the case does tend to bend).

You can see the case’s structure wobbling when Overclock3D removes the hard drive cage.

That’s a lot of money for this case type. To quote what I’ve said in the previous pages:

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.

The Specs, and space is pretty good and you are getting a USB 3.0 header, but as a system builder you will do a lot of upgrades- minor or major. Build quality prevents me to recommends this case in the long run. There are many case around this price range and they have been around. If the 400R is a lot cheaper than this with the same basic specs with few differences here and there, I might consider to shortlist the case as an alternate- with a disclaimer on the built quality if its the same as the 500R.

Actions/Feedback from trusted and well-known source speak louder than claims and promises: Corsair, even in India, leads as an example as they have a very strong track record of giving a no-questions-asked replacement on the power supplies and a history of making lot of good H/W. That’s the reason why people prefer Corsair power supplies. You can’t really trust the repair work of power supplies even from the official service centre because you don’t know what they are doing and if they’re doing it properly with the right tools and right replacement parts hence you will end up with a doubt at the back of your head that would it damage the system. Goes without saying, Corsair is an example and a benchmark (in this respect) of what all distributors/power supply companies in India should follow preferably.

Even in Delhi where Dealers are Succumbed to stock and sell a product distributed by a Delhi-based distributor (which doesn’t really reflect the same track record on low end products) eventually have given in pressure in certain instances, like when some people in Indian tech forums (One member from Indian video Gamers forum said it clearly) where a major dealer “insisted” on selling something else, the buyer insisted on Corsair AX series unit- and eventually he got it from the same dealer. There you go!! The power of making an excellent product. Corsair is on a streak and cannot afford to loose it, especially here. All the more reason my doubts on the build quality should be seen as a feedback because I’ve seen Corsair doing a lot of implementations and changes based on forum feedbacks. This isn’t a forum, but its a good point.