Review on Fractal Design Core 500 by Mateusz Walkowski ᠌

Name: Fractal Design Core 500
Item: Fractal Design Core 500
Rating: 4

May 13, 2023

Good product, not disappointed.

1. Do not take the CBO 280 mm if you do not want to dismantle the pre-installed 140 mm fan for blowing. If you decide on a CBO with a length of 280 mm, then look for the length to be no more than 305 mm;
2. When choosing a CBO, choose models with shorter and softer hoses, otherwise there will be problems with their location (if you have a video card);
3. If you have a video card with a length of more than 300mm, choose a PSU with a depth of no more than 140mm;
4. PSU is best used with detachable cables, in order to avoid a large bundle of unnecessary cables.

Despite all the disadvantages, the case is definitely good for building a multimedia or gaming PC in it. Before that, there was a Cooler Master Elite 130 case. I didn’t notice much difference, but the Fractal Design Core 500 only wins in three parameters - these are dust filters, the ability to install good air cooling or 240 mm CBO and ease of upgrade.
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Pros

1. Strong and weighty case with a decent thickness of steel; 2. Compact size for building a gaming PC; 3. Ability to install a high air cooling tower, no more than 150 mm in height, provided that two fans are installed on top; 4. The presence of dust filters.

Cons

1. Manufacturer's assurance in the instructions: "240 and 280 mm radiators require removal ODD compartment). 280 mm radiator can be a maximum of 325 mm in length) "Yes, the 240 mm CBO fits when the ODD bay is removed. 240 mm CBO gets up without problems, but 280 mm does not. It can be installed only if you remove the complete 140mm fan on My new CBO 280 mm had a length of 311 mm, and it was not installed. Only 5 mm was not enough so as not to remove the fan for blowing out. I had to take the CBO to the store and buy air cooling; 2. CBO with long and coarse hoses can create a problem when they are located in the case, if there is a video card; 3. Very bright drive operation LED. It's not bright, it's very bright. 100% you will , with what to close it up. In complete darkness, as if a strobe is working, aimed at the ceiling; 4. Very long wires for connecting USB 3.0 and Audio; 5. Cable management cannot be done here. All cables will lie in a bundle on the PSU; 6. When installing two SSD and HDD, there are problems with their connection. Plugs rest against each other. To get out of this situation, you first have to connect them, and then only install them; 7. When a USB 3.0 drive is connected to the front panel, when the transmitter for the wireless keyboard and mouse is installed in the adjacent socket, the signal stops receiving.