Test System

Assembly

Installing the motherboard is done by traditional means, with spacers and screws. There is plenty of space for both a large CPU cooler and GPUs as Corsair mentions compatibility with 140 mm tower units or 370 mm graphics cards.


Adding a traditional 3.5" drive is done via this plastic tray. It comes with metal pins for tool-less assembly and also features holes for a 2.5" drive.


Once filled, simply slide the tray into one of the bays of your choice. While this will be more than enough for most, a small fraction may find only having two 3.5" bays to be an issue, especially as there are no 5.25" bases to re-purpose within the Carbide 400Q.


Adding an SSD is simply done by sliding the unit into one of three slots. There is no need for any tools or screws. The spring within these plastic trays not only helps with holding such a drive in place, but also allows for its easy removal.


Installing the PSU is done by traditional means, but you should consider the fact that a PSU can be no longer than 200 mm. If the unit is longer, you will have to sacrifice the 3.5" hard-drive cage to make room.


With everything installed, the Corsair Carbide 400Q looks extremely clean when viewed from its main side, while all the cable-routing is done behind the scenes. The numerous cable hooks also make keeping this area incredibly clean possible.

Finished Looks

Once everything is back in place, the Carbide 400Q makes a very cool impression. A white LED underneath its power button also lets you know that the system is up and running. You can clearly see the components by taking a peek underneath the solid top cover. The first generation Corsair cases had the issue that sound and dust could pass through freely as they featured a similar mounting possibility for fans or radiators in the ceiling. Thus, it is nice to see that Corsair has taken steps to ensure the 400Q's quiet operation.


Look at its front and there is nothing to be seen that could give you a hint of whether there is hardware inside, or that it is up and running. In the rear, everything is where you would expect it to be considering the chassis's layout is actually quite traditional.