Zardon

Read The Review Here
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Today we have a product on our review bench which is Corsair’s latest foray into a new area. The Obsidian 800D is an enthusiast orientated PC chassis which at first glance has the makings of a fantastic product. Today we find out if Corsair has yet another success on their hands or if their latest product expansion is a step too far.

DJ BIG T

man i really like that case i like how it has pre-cuts to hide cables and hd drives support ssd and reg size hd drivers..

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A Desire to Game

I would give up one of my kidneys for this case. Seriously. Its amazing. Good review by the way!

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Three is my new favorite number. (SATA III, USB 3.0, GTX 300's)

A Desire to Game

Had to read it again. Amazing.

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Three is my new favorite number. (SATA III, USB 3.0, GTX 300's)

CitySlicker

I reject every case with no big side fan, why?

The graphics card and cpu do not have sufficient air feed means higher load temperatures (confirmed in the review) especially under Australian conditions. Graphics card temperature of 85C is ridiculously high.

In my box with a big side fan the 4850 does never reach 50C even under load.


I would not mind it when living in YellowKnife, tho

Veridian3

The 5800 series is designed to run at 85c when loaded. It just does so at the lowest RPM possible. There is nothing wrong with the temperature as it is purely a profile in place by ATI as the temp they felt provided the best noise/temp ratio. You (or anyone) could go into the CCC and enable manual fan contol and have it sit at whatever temp you wanted (within reason) by moving the fan slider to a RPM/temperature you were happy with. The case having no side fan is not an issue when the ambient temp inside the case is 28c.

Zardon

You might want to read our review of the Raven 2 actually - the three massive 180mm fans cool the graphics cards better than any ordinary side fan ever will.

CitySlicker

Theoretically right but practically what can you do when the gpu fan has no speed sensor like my Gigabyte HD4850? - as long as manufacturers cut ends like that there is no hope


Zardon, I read that review with interest - air is pumped from the bottom up but the noise level of this particular case is not promising especially not under load. Bigger fans can run lower rpm and that means quieter...much quieter.

Zardon

Sure, I think thats common knowledge, however its also strictly dependent on the quailty of the fans as well as the overall size (which has a bearing on the blade size). The Raven 2 has the best airflow ive seen in any chassis.

Do you mean the fans in the Corsair Case don't seem promising? I think from speaking with Stuart he said the 140mm fans are high quality and quiet. I have used the Lian Li Armorcase which has 3 140mm fans at the front with the controller unit and they are audible but they certainly wouldn't be intrusive.

CitySlicker

Zardon, my concern is many smaller fans do impose a bad resonance problem - only exception would be when every single fan is mounted on "rubber feet" to prevent all vibrations to travel into the case.

However, the industry is still not at this point of case design smartness. Therefore I have little faith at this very time.

For my personal hearing I find 20+ decibel is the point when fans start to become a nasty nuisance - the numbers listed for that case are far off.. in the 30ies..and these are screamers for me.

Zardon

Would you class a 140mm fan as a 'smaller fan'? I think you are the first person to say this on the forums here. Don't get me wrong I am not saying you are incorrect, after all, this (and noise) is very subjective. I personally find a good quality 120mm fan or higher doesn't cause me issues, however I do understand your point about vibrations. I had to use blutak on a few fans recently when they were mounted directly to the surface of a chassis and caused resonance.

I will say however that you might find the Raven 2 the ideal chassis, as the 3 180mm fans have speed controls, rubber mounts and filters.

SeraphicSorcerer

For the price they could have included more fans, and a slide out tray. I think for 300$ you can get a lot more for your money. If it included a Corsair 750+ PSU I could see myself jumping on it. but... there are better CASES.

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CitySlicker

smaller fans is less an physical size issue but more in terms of spin speed - for an 120mm fan ~1000rpm is ideal for a silent spin but the norm out there is much faster causing audible spin noise. Not talking here about the higher power consumption of many smaller fans.

Zardon

Actually I think you are mixing up rotational speed with physical dimensions. you said you disliked "smaller fans" and I asked you why you thought 140mm was a 'smaller fan' when there are 60mm, 80mm and 92mm (to name a few)- you never mentioned rotational speed. Its irrelevant anyway, because a 80mm fan spinning at 1,500rpm will make much more noise than a 140mm at the same speed (with less CFM as well), unless there are technical differences between the two in regards to ball bearing or other technologies. From what I know, the 140mm fans in the Corsair spin at very low RPM (1000) with a reasonably high CFM rating (60-70). So unless you feel they should be bigger with a higher CFM I don't get your point.

So ill go back to my original question. what would you class as a 'medium' sized fan in a chassis, or even a large fan in a chassis? As far as I can see it, 140mm is actually a rather decent sized fan for a chassis, with the obvious exception of 200-220mm side door fans which are used a lot by Cooler Master etc.

CitySlicker

Actually, I never said a 140mm is a small fan. However, it is definitely smaller than one 200+ mm fan in the side door. In terms of resonance noise one larger fan is much quieter (lower rpm) than maybe 3 physically smaller fans let alone the increase in power consumption. Those 60/80mm thingies I would consider dinosaurs from the past - there is no more real use for them as the airflow is inappropriate for modern computer systems.


That always was more of a quality issue - 80mm cheapo quality screaming with 2500rpm was the norm in the days back. A 140mm fan has more ex-centric spin mass at lower speeds it can be a real ear sore as well especially in terms of resonance due to higher mass movement.

The 140mm is a medium size fan, yes, 200+ mm is large for my understanding. However, concerning the corsair case I am not a friend of many smaller fans (not implying 140 mm is small ) as power consumption is an issue and the multiplying resonance factor.

From the design point of view I consider the side door fan the perfect placement - the airflow feeds CPU, GPU all slot cards and, last not least, the system board and ram.

Zardon

I still have no idea the point you are making. you are stating facts we all know about fans, sizes and noise. although your point about a 140mm having more ex centric spin mass at lower speeds baffles me --- compared to what?
- If you mean compared to a smaller fan - sure it will be heavier and will have more mass to push, but if the mechanism of the motor is high quality and it doesn't need to spin fast it won't generate much noise at all. The bigger a fan gets the less it actually has to spin to produce decent CFM. The noise generated at xx speed is partially to do with blade shape and ambient noise from the motor system.

You initially said you rejected immediately all chassis without a side door fan. I then referred you to the Silverstone Raven 2 as not having a 'side fan' but having in fact 3x180mm fans covering the whole width of the chassis in the perfect vertical 'down-up' flow scenario. (actually much better than a single fan on the side as 100% of the cold air in this air flow situation will cover the motherboard from bottom to top - trust me I have measured it against many side fan systems, its superior).

You then said "Zardon, I read that review with interest - air is pumped from the bottom up but the noise level of this particular case is not promising especially not under load. Bigger fans can run lower rpm and that means quieter...much quieter."


The noise level of which case? The Raven 2 or the Corsair case?

Are you also saying the Corsair fans are not 'big enough' or that it would be loud or that it wouldn't be 'promising under load'?

SeraphicSorcerer

A 140 MM fan pushes more then enough air in the case, my complaint is for the money you don't get enough, Your air argument is full of hot air, as it holds no wait. Larger fans get away with spinning slower because they push more volume, end of story. The motor doesn't need to be any larger hence why it is at low speeds the benefit is however quieter which is what every company is streiving to be efficient quiet and more ore less astetically (sp?) pleasing.

@ Zardon, My complaint is that there's not enough airflow @ load compared to what we discussed about the Raven 2, and for 300$ they could have loaded it up with 2 or 3 more 140 MM exhaust/intake fans.

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Zardon

To be fair, the case was marked down accordingly in regards to value, it still received an 8 however as we debated the exceptional build quality and internal attention to detail against a minor outlay of adding a few more fans into the case if people wanted to spend a little more. Although I personally agree, Corsair really could have included 5 fans with this case - an extra couple of fans would not have cost them much in a huge bulk order. It is a fairly minor point in the overall product bundle however as I know I have had other cheaper cases with 5 appallingly bad fans in them and I replaced them all anyway.

Playing Devils Advocate there is a slight argument for quality here, as the corsair fans only spin at 1,000rpm and produce around 70cfm each.

DJ BIG T

there is plenty of fans it that case to keep that case cool

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CitySlicker

I was talking in general terms when saying many "smaller" fans generate more noise - not specifically for these cases. If you ask me specifically about these cases you only mention fan noise levels (in your reviews) with the Raven2 but nothing with the Corsair except for a very vague statement like:

A particular highlight is the 5870 which is able to sit at 37c with a fan speed of 21%, essentially silent.



Since the corsair's is working with temperature profiles it is very hard to say how sufficient/loud the fans are especially you do not mention any noise (db) levels in that review (perhaps with a reason )

SeraphicSorcerer

Yes, those 2 fans have extremely nice CFM but they're also large, I would expect that from this kind of case in terms of build quality, and while I can not deny the inside is what would make me want a case like this, for 300 dollars I expect an alienware type outside, Something that makes me thing of a pickup line only for overclocking... MMMM mmm MMMM look at all them curves and me with no brakes.

in all seriousness though, there are plenty cases that outwardly look well, and applying 5 fans can be replaced for far less then $100-150 you can save with a different case.

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humonous

You are getting more into a personal taste argument now. I would actually hate to see a case like this look like one of those messed up gaudy light machines with bits of plastic draped over it like a cheap far eastern hooker. It is clear corsair are targeting the Lian Li sector, and for a first attempt it is damn good - it doesnt need a ton of fans to keep it cool either, those are high quality, low noise, good CFM pushing fans. Maybe a few more due to the price as some people have said but that wouldn't put me off buying it.

Arguing that a case like this is too expensive is a moot point, Lian Li have been doing this for years, and very successfully too I might add.

SeraphicSorcerer

Yes Lian-Li is a great competitor, but for something similar you get the look of expense, Wheels, and something 50$ cheaper.
Newegg.com - LIAN LI PC-V1200Bplus II Black Aluminum ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Computer Cases


Yes it is about personal taste, however this does look inexpensive, even though it's not built cheaply. (the Corsair case.) Imean their ram looks flashy, so should their cases, a mirror finish, maybe some more polish? Maybe a Fan that does some LED dancing, like a stripper hologram, who knows. Yes the inside seems to be a joy to work with, but the outside leads some to be desired...

I've bought expensive cases, the point is, is it worth $300? and imo, no it's not. There's not enough extras to warrant the cost.

If this case was 199, I wouldn't be arguing, but for 299, it's more expensive then it's competitors, such as Lian-Li. Zardon said he addressed it in value part of the segment, but 100$ can go to a lot more things then the metal case. The ultimate point is, I expect a Lexus, to look like a Lexus. Same with cases, if I pay a premium, I expect it to look expensive.

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humonous

I disagree. I think this looks really expensive - A lexus is one of the most understated cars on the outside, inside is where it counts which is actually a great analogy for the corsair chassis. Its a subtle, clean and effective design much like lian li and the higher end Silverstone cases. If you think "alienware' looks expensive, thats your call, I think they look really gimmicky and I wouldn't want it. I think corsair have hit the market perfectly actually. It is exactly what this audience will want (you aren't the target audience because you are more concerned with every dollar - get a thermaltake for 150 less).

Not sure why you are arguing with everyone anyway - they lost a sale with you, it won't affect their sales however in the long run, its proving very popular

Zardon

Yes, Stu's DB meter failed, thats the reason. I asked Corsair for DB ratings for the 140mm fans and they said they are 140mm low RPM fans with low noise. If I get db ratings ill be sure to pass them on.

SeraphicSorcerer

So basically you ASSume that I'm not the target audience because in todays age and economy, I am concerned about getting value with my money? Well done. Who's using personal opinion to tell me kind of audience I am now?

I've had plenty of different cases, from Ultra-Cheap to Ultra Expensive. But thank you sir, for telling me who I am simply because I find one case to be not worth the money at all, I guess you just have money to be throwing at cases like this, congratulations.

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humonous

Actually you made a comment about Alienware - I gave my views on that. You made an analogy with Lexus, and I gave my views on that, clearly Lexus make different cars in your area than they do in mine.

I simply don't understand your apparent distaste for everything Corsair and your intent to just keep posting the same thing in this thread "it doesnt have 5 fans, its poor value" - "its $50 more than a specific Lian Li case".

So what if it doesnt have 5 fans? the quality of the fans in this are good, would I like 2 more? sure, id like 10 more if they gave me them, but its hardly a reason to start spouting a load of flawed analogies to make whatever point you are trying to make.

I think this case looks great, is very well finished inside with a lot of attention to detail. If you want to tell me my opinion is flawed and I need something else thats entirely up to you. Won't stop me buying one though as I think you are absolutely not this target demographic and would be better off with a budget case which gave you a ton of fans in all sizes, plastic bits draped all over it and possibly glowing lights on all surfaces.

Thermaltake do ideal cases which you would probably like, great value for money cases with loads of 'in your face" things to make you feel "MMMM mmm MMMM look at all them curves and me with no brakes." Something like this maybe CIT 1001 Midi-ATX Gaming Case - Black (No PSU) [] Cases

- 3 x Temperature LCD Displays on front of case
- ATX and microATX motherboard compatable
- Comes with colour LED Fan
- Comes with clear side panel

Only £37.98 - bargain.

SeraphicSorcerer

Yes, Thermal take does make great outside for their cases, but they also make pretty stnarard insides, but if you had bothered to look at my post you would have read if I got this case it would be for the inside alone, but the price isn't justified. Because they pretty much just added what extreme case modder's have been doing for years as standard. I didn't say because it doesn't have 5 fans it's poor value, I said that's one of the things imo that gives it value, it does look cheap from the pictures, gimme a video showing otherwise, However it looks plastic from the outside, yes *I* know it's galvanized. There are plenty of bargain cases. The fact of the matter is, while inside, This case is monstrously awesome.

What I am getting relatively annoyed at is the fact that you're making many many assumptions about me simply because you misread my posts

"I simply don't understand your apparent distaste for everything Corsair and your intent to just keep posting the same thing in this thread "it doesnt have 5 fans, its poor value" - "its $50 more than a specific Lian Li case"."


I guess I am asking to much, for some shielding across the front (I have pets that bump the outside of my case all the time.), some grills near the bottom to allow more ventillation for the PSU (complete with filters). Some more ventilation near where their Hot swappable Bays are. (I have concerns over the longetivity of the hard drives since it looks closed, remember I didn't do the review, so I can only go by pictures)

I am well aware of Thermal Takes Products, Their ArmorX line currently houses my File and Web server.

However they also were bought 4 years ago and still do a fairly good job when I got aftermarket fans which cost a lot less.

I pointed out one Lian-Li case because I am not going to junk up a review, I was simply giving one comparison, this will be my last post in this thread, your know it all attitude has gotten on my nerves at this point. I expect more from a company with this reputation that powers some of my ram, PSU, I am sorry I expect it to compete and not go on name alone (for their pricing points) Anyhow I'm done with my observations who knows maybe they'll change it up in their next case and I'll buy it.

As I've stated before if it was 199 I would have no qualms, But Thanks for pointing out bargain basement cases, Alienware has a uniqueness about them and their cases use to be the envy of hardcore people. Which is partly what stirred a shift from white box PCs if you recall. I don't expect anything to look like anything else, I was merely stating while I have no doubt this case would last a long time, It has certain aspects in it that do not appeal to me, and while I may be one person that doesn't mean my opinion is any less valid then yours. But you don't need to bring personal assumptions into this thread or any thread for that matter. Good day.

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humonous

Don't you mean the price isn't justified "in your view"? I think it is justified, but then again I don't mind paying extra for a quality item that I think will look great in my room. You don't so we differ on that view.

I dont' think this looks cheap at all. if you do then not much I can say to that, apart from maybe think of getting a pair of good glasses?




Ah come on, you are making a fair few assumptions yourself, if you can't handle a bit of it back on you, then lets kiss and make up.

Well I guess my assumptions were actually pretty much spot on then ! I have a great knack for reading and working out what people 'really' like.

Yes in 1998. times have moved on.

Ah thanks for letting me get the last word in, you are a gentleman