I love PC building because I love customization. Itโs one of the big reasons to build your own desktop, along with upgradeability and cost savingsโฆ though that latter point is out the window right now. Anyway, Corsair is leaning into the custom angle with its latest online โbuilderโ tool, this time for the ubiquitous Frame 4000D ATX case.
Itโs a smart move. The 4000D is a fine case, but itโs essentially just a boxโno crazy curves, no over-the-top elements. Corsair has seemingly been modifying the design for years, as exemplified by the side bracket for that display you can add to an otherwise mundane enclosure. But Iโm getting ahead of myself
If youโve played around with other online customization toolsโlike Corsairโs own K65 Plus keyboard builder or Frameworkโs laptopsโyou know what to expect here. It starts with the bare frame, either black or white. Then you get a lot more variety in the front panel, which comes in a dozen options. You get classy wood (already out of stock!), flat or slightly frosted glass, or an RGB-bedecked airflow option.
The motherboard tray gets only five choices: basic white or black, a slightly upgraded โrapid routeโ punchhole version of each (which doesnโt seem like a back-to-front design, just a little more stylishโฆ for something that sits under your motherboard? Okay), or โElite Meteorite Aluminum.โ Thatโs an $80 upgrade, which only has anodization as a reason for the extra price. Boo.
The next bit is my favorite practical choice: the PSU cover. You get a standard full-length barrier between the lower portion of the case interior and the motherboard area, in black or white. But for $15 you can upgrade to a โcompactโ shroud, a little cubby for the power supply that leaves a shelf free towards the front. I get the feeling thatโll be a popular option for those who want upgraded coolingโฆ or those who just want to stick a Gundam in that spot to be extra. Either way itโs neat, though the compact shroud might interfere with some side panel options.
You get a couple of choices for front I/O, again, reminding me of the Framework Desktop. For $20 to $25, you can get three USB-C ports instead of a 2/1 split, and which one you want will depend on what gadgets you plug in on a regular basis.
The side panel is where I think a lot of the crunchy customizers will pay attention. You get glass options, with one covering just the motherboard (the PSU area gets a metal airflow shroud) and the other being the full side of the case. You can go with classic full steel if you want the stealth look, in black or white. And for something more deluxe, mounting brackets for side air intakes and Corsairโs LCD add-on are available.
The final section is just extra hardware. This is where you add on the Xeneon Edge touchscreen, or a trio of color-matched fans, plus a โQuickTurn Screw Pack.โ Itโs worth noting that these additional hardware options donโt come at a discountโtheyโre exactly the same prices youโd pay for the components separately. Since even my fairly basic 4000D build came in at over $200, thatโs discouraging.
I should also note that all the upgrades and extras in this builder come as separate pieces to install on a bog-standard 4000D frame, even the ones that are crucial like the motherboard tray or front I/O. You arenโt saving any build time with this toolโin fact, youโre probably adding some.
Overall, I like the options on display here, though Iโm not in love with the price. Itโs very cool that it looks like all of these Frame pieces are also available as separate purchases on Corsairโs store, so you could start with a basic 4000D and upgrade as you go when you want to change things up (or when your budget allows).
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