Review
- Introduction
- Packaging and Specification
- External Impressions
- Internal Impressions Part 1
- Internal Impressions Part 2
- Installation Experience
- Conclusion
The transparent sidepanel killed the ammo box themed design for this case. You just don’t simply make a military- ish themed case and kill it with a Plain- Jane transparent sidepanel. If you’re confused about buying the case because of the looks, blame it on the side panel. Non-transparent panel is what this case needs. Maybe you could use a tint film on the sidepanel, but not sure if it will make it better or worse. I don’t like the Reset button either. But remember- everyone has their own preference.
Right now you get 400R for a little more than Rs. 5,000. I will say that its Rs. 500 more expensive for that case since you don’t get shorter screws to mount the fans on top, weaker packaging and case not having solid built quality. I would be reviewing some more cases but another manufacturer (not from Corsair or Coolermaster) to see if they have something worthy around this price bracket.
C70’s fate is no different from 300R, although it has certain improvements such has having cable tie loops and has a USB 3.0 to 2.0 header converter. You may like this case, you may not. Design of the case internally? There are almost no flaws. The case does not bend as much as 400R and the top panel & the motherboard is riveted nicely. Top panel needs to have a filter like how its present on the underbelly of the case. Side panels, however, inherited the flimsiness. I am concerned because they seem to bend on their own after you remove them from the case. There’s a little bit of a flex near the PCIe section, maybe because of so many vents.
Am I asking a lot for a case that’s worth about $131? No. The packaging of Corsair cases is something I’ve been questioned too- mostly in 400R/500R. Packaging for BitFenix cases and packaging is more sturdier- even the ones under $100 cases.
I am genuinely concerned about Corsair’s issue with packaging quality and almost wafer thin sidepanels. There are some companies and some series that I don’t wish to see a decrease in quality and cost-cutting. After all, your customers are those who prefer quality, a reputation that is made by your previous products- not just cases. Coolermaster (well- mostly its CM Storm) and Corsair is one of the few. I really believe that Corsair shouldn’t cut corners in quality. I’ve been told that some retailers have received damaged packaging and dented cases. I will not be surprised if they begin to be skeptical in shipping cases for their reputation’s sake. This is disturbing and a concern that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Imagine if you’re buying it via online and the dealer and dealers sends the case that’s internally damaged because of poor packaging? The consumer will blame the seller and seller will say the usual "goods once sold will not be taken back" (wait- didn’t I say this before in the previous case reviews?). PC cases like this is one of the reasons I would be very skeptical not to purchase it before inspecting for damage. Mind you, if you see in some tech forums and User reviews in shopping sites, there are those who have complained that they have received dented cases.
You can shortlist it if you don’t have a choice and if you don’t mind the sidepanel killing the moment- but in a world where you get cases from BitFenix, Antec, Coolermaster, NZXT, Lian Li’s lancool and Fractal Designs (not in India…yet), a chance of not having an alternative in that price tag is very slim.
The main advantage of this case is the ability to mount a 2x 120mm radiator water-cooling units properly, especially keeping Corsair H100 in mind- without any clearance issues or overlapping.
Another point to note is that such cases should have atleast 2x USB 2.0 and 2x USB 3.0, looking at the price. If Bitfenix Merc has 4x USB 2.0 ports, they just need to make a little bit more effort to convert of those into USB 3.0.
Edit (17-11-2012): This case is sold for Rs. 10,000- Rs. 11,000 via Prime ABGB/Flipkart. Completely ridiculous. You’re lot better off with 400R which currently retails under Rs. 5,000/-. For 10k budget, CM Storm trooper and Antec P280 gets my vote.
