Introduction and First Impressions

Inverted layout and noise dampening set this case apart.

The new Corsair Carbide 600Q and 600C enclosures are the company's first inverted ATX designs, and the layout promises improved airflow for better cooling.

The Carbide Series from Corsair has encompassed enclosures from the company's least expensive budget-friendly options such as the $59 Carbide 100R, to high-performance options like the $159 Carbide Air 540. This new Carbide 600 enclosure is available in two versions, the 600C and 600Q, which both carry an MSRP of $149. This positions the 600C/600Q enclosures near the Graphite and Obsidian series models, but this is only fitting as there is nothing "budget" about these new Carbide 600 models.

The Carbide Series 600Q in for review differs from the 600C most obviously in its lack of the latter's hinged, latching side-panel, which also contains a large window. But the differences extend to the internal makeup of the enclosure, as the 600Q includes significant noise damping inside the front, top, and side panels. We'll be taking a close look at the noise levels along with thermal performance with this "Q" version of the new enclosure in our review.

Before we take our first look at the Carbide Series 600Q enclosure we'll first check out the specs from Corsair:


Specifications

  • Form Factor: Full-Tower
  • Material: Steel
  • Motherboard Support: Mini-ITX, MicroATX, ATX, E-ATX (12
  • Expansion Slots: 8
  • Drive Bays
    • (x2) 5.25 in
    • (x2) 3.5 in 
    • (x3) 2.5 in
  • Maximum GPU Length: 370 mm
  • Maximum CPU Cooler Height: 200 mm
  • Maximum PSU Length: 210 mm
  • Power Supply: ATX (not included)
  • External Connections
    • 3-Speed Fan Controller 
    • (x2) USB 3.0
    • (x2) USB 2.0 
    • (x1) Headphone Port 
    • (x1) Microphone Port
  • Fan Mount Locations
    • Front: (x2) 120/140mm 
    • Bottom: (x3) 120mm or (x2) 140mm 
    • Rear: (x1) 120/140mm
  • Dust filters for front and bottom intakes
  • Fans Included (Corsair AF140L)
    • Front: (x2) 140mm 
    • Rear: (x1) 140mm
  • Radiator Mount Locations 
    • 360mm: Bottom
    • 280mm: Front or Bottom
    • 240mm: Front or Bottom
    • 140mm: Front, Bottom, or Rear
    • 120mm: Front, Bottom, or Rear
  • Compatible Corsair Liquid Coolers: H55, H60, H75, H80i, H90, H100i, H105, H110
  • Dimensions (LxWxH): 454 mm x 260 mm x 535 mm (17.87 x 10.24 x 21.06 inches)
  • Weight: 10 kg (22.05 lbs)
  • Warranty: Two years

Our thanks to Corsair for providing the Carbide Series 600Q for our review!

First Impressions

Out of the box the Carbide 600Q is quite an unassuming design, and depending on your taste that could be a very good thing. It surprised me at first that this is a full tower design, as the width (10.24 inches) helps create the illusion that it isn't quite as tall as it is (21.06 inches).

The Carbide 600Q is actually dark grey, not black as it appears in some stock photos. The sides of the enclosure are plain steel, but the front and top panels are more sophisticated, adding flush mounted inset panels with a subtle metallic finish, which provide a bit of contrast.

I/O is along the left side of the top panel, and includes USB 3.0, 3.5 mm audio, and a 3-position speed controller for the included case fans.

The door at the top of the front panel reveals a pair of 5.25-inch drive bays for optical drives or other devices.

This door has a very nice, smooth feel with a double-hinged construction and magnetic closure.

Around back we see the first sign that this is an inverted ATX design; motherboard I/O is on the bottom right, rather than the upper left, and the expansion slots are near the top, beginning under the top PSU mount.

The enclosure sits on four plastic feet with rubber ends that provide grip and help with vibration.

There is a large magnetic screen filter down here as well, and important detail given the inverse layout (in this design the lower fans assume the role of the upper fans in most enclosures).

It may look rather plain in these photos, but my impression of the Carbide 600Q was very positive in person. It just feels like a quality enclosure, and there is some subtle detail to the design (such as the insets in the top and front panels) the help give the 600Q a more refined look.

Next we'll check out the interior.

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