A Closer Look - Outside

Out of the box, the Corsair iCUE 5000D RGB Airflow looks essentially like a larger version of the 4000D Airflow, as it is visually identical to the original 5000D Airflow. The one thing that has changed over the initial version is the fact that the side window no longer sports a heavy tint - a welcome change to allow you to show off your hardware.


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, while allowing for easy access and cleaning. The new version of the Corsair iCUE 5000D RGB Airflow ships with three Corsair AF120 RGB ELITE 120 mm fans in the front. You may alternatively install three 140 mm variants instead. 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, the case has little yellow accents to the thumb screws securing the side panel. The updated, light tinted window is just as clean as on the original but reveals far more of the interior, as you can see. 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. Although you can install a dual-slot GPU vertically, you will, as with most cases on the market, need to buy the required accessories separately. In the very top there is room for another 120 mm fan. 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. If you look really closely, you may notice that the vent pattern has slightly thinner steel lines separating each triangle, meaning this updated version of the 5000D Airflow has lower airflow restriction in the back of the case.


The top of the iCUE 5000D RGB 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 USB-C connector, and combo 3.5 mm 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, Corsair 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. While this is the exact same setup as with the original, Corsair now employs a yellow USB-C connector instead of the black one found on the previous version.


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 iCUE 5000D RGB Airflow may be placed. Even the most forward position should allow for ample liquid-cooling clearance in the front of the case.