A Closer Look - Outside

Out of the box, the Corsair 5000D Airflow looks essentially like a larger version of the 4000D Airflow. Size is not the only major difference as the top of this case is a bit more elaborate as well. Corsair has done a great job of keeping the core design, along with a few yellow accents inside and out we will start seeing across Corsair's entire diverse product portfolio.


In the front, the air intake is essentially a metal plate that may be taken off, revealing a uniquely shaped, plastic frame that forms a flat air funnel. In the center, a very fine, easily removable dust filter protects the intake area from dirt and grime, all while allowing for easy access and cleaning. The Corsair 500D Airflow ships with one 120 mm intake fan in the front, but can house a total of three such units or two 140 mm fans here. Naturally, you may also go with up to a 280 or 360 mm radiator in the front if you like.


In the rear, the enclosure looks pretty traditional, so to stand out, Corsair added little yellow accents to the thumb screws securing the side panel. As mentioned, the glass side panel is one of the cleanest around, but it is also tinted just a tad too heavily for my taste. That said, it may be just fine for you. On the opposite side is a solid metal panel with an air vent right where the side fan/radiator mounting position has been placed.


Taking a closer look at the rear, the bottom PSU bay is underneath a shroud and comes with two sets of mounting holes. Above that are the 7+2 expansion slots. Each of these is protected by a removable, reusable cover that is held in place by a thumb screw. Even though you can install a dual-slot GPU vertically, you will, as with most cases out there, need to buy the required accessories separately. In the very top is another 120 mm fan, this time set to push hot air out the back. This brings the total number of fans within the Corsair 5000D Airflow to two, which is not really pushing the envelope of what other brands offer, especially considering its name. Above it, you can clearly see additional space for an elaborate, thick liquid-cooling setup in the ceiling that will not interfere with your motherboard.


The top of the 5000D Airflow is designed similarly to the front: It comes with a metal cover, which may be popped off to reveal a magnetic dust filter on top of an array of mounting holes for three 120 or two 140 mm fans. Naturally, once again, a 280 or 360 mm radiator will fit here as well.


In the very front are two USB 3.0 ports with yellow insides, a fully fledged USB-C connector, and combo 3.5" audio plug, with the power or reset button on either side. The implementation is quite clean, but unlike some other brands with the same audio port, they do not include an audio splitter cable, so if your headset happens to have two separate connectors, you will have to go out and find your own solution.


Underneath the case, a dust filter protects the PSU from dirt and grime—it may be pulled out for easy cleaning. Tipping the case on its side, you can see the three different spots the 3.5" cage on the floor of the Corsair 5000D may be placed. Even the most forward position should allow for ample liquid-cooling space in front of the case.