The new Corsair series at a glance
From February 27th, Corsair is offering lovers of aquarium housings with a wider two-chamber system a new range to choose from with the 6500 and 2500 series. The larger 6500 series from around 210 euros and with a total volume of around 78 liters supports up to 3 × 360 radiators and E-ATX boards (30.5 × 27.7 cm). The 2500 variants, on the other hand, offer around 55 liters in the smaller M-ATX form factor (with 2× 360 radiators) for around 150 euros.
Both case sizes come onto the market in two basic colors (white or black) and three equipment variations. Only the X-RGB versions, which will be released later, will offer three or two 120 series fans including an iCUE Link hub (for a total of 290 euros and 230 euros, respectively). No fans are offered for the other two equipment types. 6500D and 2500D represent the airflow version, in which air can pass through perforated covers on both the ceiling and the front. Instead, the 6500X and 2500X are given a glass front, which eliminates the front fan slots. External covers can be provided with various wooden decorations using upgrade kits in the Corsair shop. A complete case for the desired configuration is not offered, only the accessories separately (including riser set for vertical GPU construction, cable management extras, conversion part from airflow to glass and more).
Corsair 6500X vs. 6500D
measurements and weight
In our individual test, we found the Corsair 6500X, which also has additional glass on the front, in the standard configuration. With its total volume of approx. 78 liters and dimensions of (H) 49.6 × (W) 32.8 × (D) 48.1 cm, the 6500X falls into the class of wider show cases with a glass focus – similar, for example the Hyte Y70 Touch or Lian Li O11. With the impressive weight of approx. 14.2 kg and the almost cube-shaped frame, it is important to ensure a stable hold when transporting (especially with a system). There are no particularly comfortable grip points; you simply need strength and caution when moving the case.
Everything important at a glance
The Corsair 6500X is intended as a show case for water cooling setups or larger air coolers. Graphics cards up to 40.0 cm and CPU tower coolers up to 19.0 cm can be accommodated in the inner chamber. In contrast to the 6500D, no fans can be mounted on the front of the 6500X. The right side with a perforated side panel (with up to 3× 120 mm) and the bottom (with 3× 120 or 3× 140 mm) are available as central air inlets. Up to three 140mm fans can be attached to the ceiling to dissipate air. Even thicker radiators are not a problem on the side, ceiling or floor of the Corsair 6500X. 3× 360 radiators are possible for the special show effect, but 420 models are not.
Structure of the Corsair 6500X (without system)
The power supply with a length of up to approx. 22.5 cm is installed in the side chamber behind the mainboard tray. The cable entries and gaps are plentiful. Attention was paid to the compatibility of newer circuit board concepts in which the connections are moved to the back (such as Asus with the BTF series). The exterior elements can also be replaced with additional kits that can be purchased.
Source: Corsair We have not yet been able to gain an impression of the appearance and quality of the alternative fairings. The metal elements of the black covers (standard), on the other hand, appear to be of very high quality. We don't have any fixed prices for all the extras at launch yet. If the wooden elements that have become fashionable were priced below 50 euros, it would surprise us. The basic price of the Corsair 6500X is already in the upper class, so the same can be expected for the separate accessories. On the next page we take a look at the material processing and further details.
Processing, strengths and weaknesses Image gallery for the Corsair 6500X in the test: Dual-chamber housing in an aquarium look and optional wood look