Assembly

As the Corsair 3500X ARGB advertises BTF compatibility, we wanted to take the opportunity to use our brand-new Asus TUF Gaming Z790-BTF WIFI board in this case. It fit nicely using the spacers and screws at first sight.


However, when it came to connecting the wires on the backside, we ran into three issues. The opening wasn't wide enough for the motherboard power connector clip to clear. A user would have to remove the board, pre-connect the ATX cable through the opening and then reinstall the board to solve this. Secondly, the CPU power connectors will block you from removing the HDD tray, as that needs to be lifted up and then out. This means you have to disconnect the power and then massage the HDD plate past the connector with a gentle push. Lastly, one of the PWM fan headers was extremely close to the metal of a cutout at the bottom edge of the board. This prohibited the use of that header. We did not feel comfortable having this pin so close to metal, fearing a short, so we opted to use a classic ATX board instead.

As this is the first time using a BTF board, it is unclear whether the issue lies with the model from Asus or if Corsair simply made these openings a bit too small. The easiest fix would really be to just make them a few millimeters larger.


So going back to our regular review setup, using an ATX board, we did not have to worry about any such issues anymore. The board fit fine and securing it with the classic spacers and screws was perfectly doable as well. The GPU extends beyond the motherboard a bit, overlapping with the fans. This means that the side cooling setups will allow for a classic AIO to fit here without having to compromise on the length of the graphics card.


Adding storage drives to the setup is easy thanks the modular mounting plate. It holds 2.5" drives on one side and the 3.5" drives on the other. Once those are secured with the included screws, simply put it back into the case. The connectors face towards the front of the case, with plenty of clearance, but the 3.5" drive will make it a little tricker, but not impossible, to get to the 2.5" ones without taking the whole thing off the chassis.


Corsair mentions 180 mm for the maximum length of the PSU which seems to refer to the housing length of the unit. This means you still have plenty of room for cables and connectors. So, those who want to push their luck a bit will likely be able to get away with even longer units, but try so at your own risk.


Adding a 360 mm AIO in the ceiling of the case is a breeze too thanks to plenty of clearance. The Corsair 3500X still has enough room for that 120 mm unit or even an AIO of that size in the back of the chassis as well as not obstructing you if you opt to put an AIO on the side either. In other words, the 3500X requires no compromises if you opt to fill the chassis with your own custom loop, as long as you use radiators and fans of standard thickness.

Finished Looks

With the system turned on, you can see the glow of the components as well as the fans. Unfortunately, since the fans are technically pointing in the wrong direction, you don't get to see much of their glow and the spines are clearly visible. On the other hand, the power butt lights up beautifully in white.


Looking at the built system from the front, you can't see any of the glow from the fans. Some of the cable mess is a bit visible from this angle if you look closer. Thankfully the glass tint isn't very heavy, so all your components are still clearly visible. In the rear, everything is where you would expect to see it for this type of chassis layout.


Looking at the main side, everything looks clean, but the ARGB components are dimmed due to the tint of the panel. Turning the Corsair 3500X over, you can see the intended glow pattern of the three fans. Unfortunately, this doesn't look very good either, as the units sit off-center too.