A Closer Look - Outside

Even though the Corsair Carbide 300R clocks in at a much lower price than any of the company's other cases, the quality is just as good. On top of that, the design is timeless, with large metal mesh in the front and top along with a sturdy, edgy form.


Corsair has kept things simple in the front, with the most noticeable element being the metal mesh below the drive bays as it is intruded, while the drive bay covers are almost seamlessly embedded in the case. Turning the chassis over, the rear hints at the all black interior as well. The design of the rear is a bit different than traditional chassis, but we will get to that in a second.


You will find two openings for fans on the main side of the Carbide 300R which may hold either 120 or 140 mm units. The other panel is completely solid with no vents or other holes. Both sides of the front panel have a row of holes, so that the front fan gets some access to fresh air.


The Corsair badge has been placed in the center of the metal mesh part in the front, with fake screws extruded out of the plastic panel as an additional design element. Above that are the three 5.25" drive bays, a pair of USB 3.0, the usual audio connectivity and the pair of power & reset buttons.


Turning the Carbide 300R around, the PSU bay is located in the very bottom. You may install the power supply with the fan either facing downward or upward, thanks to the two sets of mounting holes. Above that are the seven standard motherboard expansion bays, each protected by a separate cover. In the very top you will find a 120 mm exhaust fan, with rubber mountings and three possibilities to route water cooling tubes out the back of the case. However, Corsair has not provided rubber rings so you will have to find these yourself. I mentioned before that the rear is a bit different that normal cases. Instead of maximizing the internal space, the area where the fan is, has been placed about 10 mm into the chassis. This means that you have 10 mm less space around the mainboard area for large CPU coolers and I have seen plenty of tower and top down coolers that come really close to the rear fan at times even forcing you to remove that unit.


You will find a large vent in the top, which should be able to hold a 240 or 280 mm radiator. As there is no dust filter or general cover for this area, both particles will enter the chassis and noise is free to exit the case.