| Corsair Obsidian 700D Full-Tower Case |  |
| Reviews - Featured Reviews: Cases | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Written by Servando Silva | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Monday, 20 September 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Corsair Obsidian 700D Computer Case ReviewIf you're aiming for something big for your next PC case, perhaps the Obsidian 800D has been attractive to your eyes. If you almost fainted when you checked prices, you might be happy to know Corsair released the little brother: Obsidian 700D. At the moment of reviewing this case the 800D costs $254.99, while the 700D costs $239.99, bringing this product to a reachable level for many PC enthusiasts. You'll notice the main differences are the non-existent side-panel window, and the removal of hot-swappable drives in the front of the chassis. While there are some other small differences which we'll check across the review, those are the reasons to shave $15 to bring a very interesting product to a mid-high price level. Additionally, let me tell you some months ago, the difference between the 700D and 800D was bigger; going from $30 to $50 giving a bigger advantage to the 700D, but times have changed and the difference has been reduced to $15 only (newegg's prices). I'll tell you some key-features about the Obsidian series. First of all, both Obsidian cases are full-tower sized, supporting E-ATX motherboards and down to Mini-ITX motherboards. Corsair has given their Obsidian products a very simple, yet elegant design, which brings a very interesting look for those who're not aiming to "pimp" their PCs with tons of UV LEDs and LED fans. The CC700D also integrates a 3-chamber system inside of the case, which separates the motherboard/CPU/GPU space, from the PSU and internal drives. Perhaps, the most important feature is the incorporation of tons of rubber grommets to make cable management look like if it was built by a professional, and the inclusion of a completely tool-less installation (except for the expansion slots). 
The Obsidian 700D comes in a plain black color, and you'll be surprised because you won't find any other color inside or outside of it. Personally, I think a black painted interior is a must-have feature nowadays, but perhaps, some users would prefer to have it mixed with platinum or any other color, especially in the exterior. Corsair didn't hesitate about doing a big case; this case is HUGE. Because of that, it must have tons of spaces to add fans and keep airflow within excellent conditions. It's all about thermal management, and various manufacturers have stepped up with a variety of solutions. There's the "big case with a lot of fans" design, typified by the Cooler Master HAF series and the new NZXT Phantom, as well as the "isolated thermal zones" school of thought, embraced by the Corsair Obsidian 700D and taken to its ultimate expression by the Thermaltake Level 10.
Manufacturer: Corsair Inc.
Product Name: Obsidian 700D
Model Number: CC700D
Price As Tested: $239.99
Full disclosure: The product used in this review was supplied by Corsair Inc. Obsidian 700D Features
CC700D Specifications
Features and specifications provided by Corsair Inc. Let's unbox this case and see if it lives up to the claims...
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Comments
But I still think I'd have to go for the HAF X. HAF X has wheels, more fans and bigger fans which I think would lead to overall more CFM and a quieter operation. Also the window with side fan is super cool on the haf x
Being of steel/aluminum construction, I suggest not dipping it in water so as to avoid cathodic corrosion.
Steed, the wheels on the Haf X are a good feature. My current rig sits on a wheeled caddy I custom built for it. But I see your point; the Obsidians should come with a wheel kit as it's a great option for a large case. Should come with all full towers IMHO.
May I ask how many PCI/PCI-E devices do you have installed on your PC? or exactly, why do you wan't more than 7 slots? (I mentioned it on the article, but I haven't heard many people asking for it).
I'd rather spend the extra money for this Corsair case on something else that makes my system RUN better.
Again, this Corsair case is a nice design.
Thank you for measuring and posting the space behind the mother board tray. Having that measurement helps us.
+Rep for you.
It's good that you're listening,......it makes a difference.
I checked at their store, and I found non-windowed panels for 800D users, but not windowed panels for 700D.
Thank you.
Idle:
GPU1 (Top): 65
GPU2 (Bottom): 50
Load (Furmark):
GPU1 (Top):86
GPU2 (Bottom): 81
I think it's modding time...
They are positioned on the first PCI-E 16X slots in the Maximus III Formula, and there's a space of 3 slots between them (where each takes 2 slots).
I wanted to get a pair of MSI HAWKs, but ended with a pair of Zotac's with reference cooler...
So I'm reading everything that I can about the video cards and seeing what they come out with in the next few months because I'm not ready to buy until November at the earliest.
It should be a nice system when done.
I'm really waiting for your OC results with MSI HAWK. Also, has anyone seen the Colorful iGame GTX460 GPU? That heatsink is a beast!
Back to the topic, this case has great airflow for CPU and drives, but lacks of airflow for GPUs, anyway, and the same applies for the 800D. Anyway, I'm willing to do the mod.
##youtube.com/watch?v=GWyojqDmUTc&sns=em
As far as multi gpu setup I'm running 2 gtx 480s sc by EVGA in slots 1 and 3 with stock coolers and my gpu temps go up to 95-100 degrees . And I have (3) extra coolermaster 2000rpm fans on top as well. So you might be right but you have to compare it to other cases to conclude that statement. (My gpu normaly run that hot so i'll just leave them till Kool kepler gpu come out in 9 months.)
Thanks for the fast reply and for your excellent reviews.
Another question, where do you think is the best place to install a H50 in this case ? I tought about the bottom conpartment ? But if you have other suggestion, they are welcome.
Now, for the H50, I think there are 3 possibilities. If you're using it as exhaust, then obviously at the top. If you're using it as intake, then the one suggested above (at the rear) would be better. I don't know if Corsair's tubing is long enough to reach the lower fan without interfering GPUs installation, but you could give it a try.
My fans are all the same thing, Scythe GentleTyphoon, @1150 RPM and 37CFM Air Flow. Expensive, but very quiet.
Note: The 140mm under the HDD is not there as decoration, without my Caviar black average 52 degree and with it 34 degree.