GoKawiilGiven the cost and availability issues swirling around RAM, storage, and GPUs since late last year, it can be tough to get excited about building a new PC. But Corsair wants to tempt us back to the building realm by offering up a plethora of PC case options. The company’s 4000 Series cases are expanding to include both an RGB-fronted Frame 4000X RS case ($139 to start) and a Frame 4000D Wood variant ($129 to start).
But these are far from static SKUs, as Corsair has a configurator for these cases, which lets you choose from a nearly bafflinig list of options: 12 different front panels (six each in black or white), five different motherboard trays (including an aluminum model with shiny beveled edges), and two different types of PSU shrouds. There’s also a front-panel option with three USB-C ports, and either full-length side panels in glass or mesh. Then there are side panel kits that let you install a trio of extra fans on the bottom side, or snap in the company’s Xeneon Edge touchscreen.
These are by far the most customization options I’ve ever seen in a PC case line, and Corsair sent most of the accessories my way to check them out – it all came in three boxes that have made a mess of my office (and spilled over into my kitchen). I’m still not sure if I love or hate the “Elite Wood” front panel (which features real wood slats in a water- like ripple pattern, surrounded by the Corsair logo), but it’s definitely eye-catching.
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Frame 4000X RS: RGB grille and four non-RGB fans
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
First off, let’s tackle the new cases as standard, without any configuration options. There’s the base model 4000D , which we reviewed and mostly liked last year, which is currently selling for $104. New to this launch are the Frame 4000D Wood RS , with vented wood slats in the front (similar to the Fractal North ), starting at $129, and the 4000 Series model Corsair sent our way is the Frame 4000X RS, which features a transparent vented front with built-in RGB lighting and starts at $139. All are mid-tower cases built around the same basic chassis, support back-connect motherboards (up to E-ATX 305 mm x 277 mm), and are available in black or white.
You also get an adjustable anti-sag GPU support (and room for GPUs up to nearly 16 inches long), a tempered-glass side panel, and four included (non-RGB) RS120 fans as standard. These are nice enough cases, and I’m a sucker for wood accents. But it’s really the optional accessories that make the Frame 4000 lineup stand out. Let’s start with the front panels.
Pick your panel
Image 1 of 2 (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) (Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
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