A Closer Look - Outside

As the case comes out of the box without the side panels, we will actually structure the content of this review without these panels until the end, as handling it is already pretty tricky as is considering the full chassis weighs nearly 30 kg or well over 65 lbs empty. Corsair has applied black tape across the two doors hiding the cable management compartment, so that these don't open up during shipping as well.


While the side panels do add a few design elements to the chassis, the big visual difference of the exterior between the 1000D and the 9000D RGB Airflow is - as the name implies - the vented front panel. This change from all glass to steel with Corsairs' signature shaped cutouts is an excellent step to tickle every little bit of performance out of the case. Besides, having that design element adds detail to such a unique chassis as well. You may pull that cover off with a gentle tug to reveal a full coverage, fine mesh dust filter with an opening in the center to show off the RGB equipped Corsair logo. To remove that protective element, you do not have to take off the front panel, as it can simply be slid out the side of the chassis for cleaning. In the rear, the Corsair 9000D RGB Airflow sports the same layout as the 1000D, but Corsair has updated a few elements to further incorporate their air vent design and consider the now integrated iCUE hardware as well.


At the bottom of the rear, you will find the ATX PSU at the center of the main chassis side, while there is also an SFX placement opportunity behind the motherboard tray. This secondary unit is intended for the ITX system which can reside inside the chassis at the same time as a full-sized one. A large cover has been placed on this part of the case, which you may remove to reveal the motherboard backplate cutout as well as two expansion slots - both for the ITX system.


Above that, there are eight horizontal expansion slots, with reusable covers. Corsair has added a covered opening to route iCUE out of the chassis to the left, above the SFX bay. In the very top, you will find space for two 120 mm exhaust fans. Alternatively, you may also install a 240 mm radiator here, which could come in handy for that secondary ITX system. Speaking of which, the power/reset button for it can be found on the backside of the 9000D RGB Airflow.


The top cover is made of thick metal and screwed down to the body of the Corsair 9000D RGB Airflow. This general shape hasn't changed from the 1000D, but the center is now vented to improve on airflow, and you still get an easily removable, full coverage dust filter in the ceiling. While we simply don't have the space to tip over this massive case, it is worth mentioning that there are two individual dust filters on the underside which are angled towards you, making it fairly easy to access these for maintenance. In the 1000D, this protective element had to be pulled out the back of the case, thus making this new layout a tangible improvement.