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Corsair 3500X ARGB Mid-Tower PC Case vs Fractal Design Pop Air

Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›

all judged against PC cases at a similar price

The Fractal Design Pop Air scores 6.5/10 overall, ahead of the Corsair 3500X ARGB Mid-Tower PC Case at 5.1/10.

The Fractal Design Pop Air leads on airflow and cooling, build and ease of building, space and compatibility, noise and value.

Corsair 3500X ARGB Mid-Tower PC Case

Corsair 3500X ARGB Mid-Tower PC Case

5.1/10verdict: good, not the best

The Corsair 3500X ARGB is for builders who want a glass-fronted mid-tower with room for large radiators and a big graphics card. It suits people who care about looks and liquid cooling more than the lowest possible GPU temperatures. Buyers sensitive to fan noise should read the owner feedback on the stock fans first.

Typically about £119.99 in the UK when we researched itSearch Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Fractal Design Pop Air

Fractal Design Pop Air

6.5/10verdict: good, not the best

The Pop Air is for builders who want a mesh-fronted ATX mid-tower with room for large graphics cards and radiators. It suits people who plan to add or swap fans for better cooling. It is less suited to anyone who wants a quiet case or relies on the stock fans.

Typically about £80 in the UK when we researched itSearch Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Scores, criterion by criterion

CriterionWeightCorsair 3500X ARGB Mid-Tower PC CaseFractal Design Pop Air
Airflow and cooling30%5/106/10
Build and ease of building20%5/107/10
Space and compatibility20%7/108/10
Noise15%3/105/10
Value15%5/106/10
Overall5.1/106.5/10

Specifications

SpecCorsair 3500X ARGB Mid-Tower PC CaseFractal Design Pop Air
Case type (mid tower, Micro-ATX, small form factor…)Mid-Tower, 460 × 240 × 506 mm (L × W × H), 10.54 kgMid-tower ATX
Motherboard sizes supported (E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX)Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX, E-ATX (up to 305 × 277 mm)ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITX
Maximum graphics card length (mm)425 mm (manufacturer UK page). Conflict: US explorer guide lists 410 mm405 mm
Maximum CPU cooler height (mm)170 mm170 mm
Power supply type supported (ATX or SFX) and maximum PSU length (mm)ATX only; maximum PSU length 180 mmATX only; PSU max length 170 mm
Radiator support (e.g. 360mm top, 280mm front)Top 360, 280, 240 mm; side 360, 280, 240 mm; rear 120 mm; front none; bottom noneTop 120, 240 mm; front 120, 240, 280 mm; rear 120 mm
Fans included and fan mountsARGB edition includes 3× RS120 ARGB; top 3× 120 mm or 2× 140 mm; side 3× 120 mm or 2× 140 mm; rear 1× 120 mm; bottom 3× 120 mm and 1× 140 mm; front noneFront 2x 120/140 mm; top 2x 120/140 mm; rear 1x 120 mm; included 2x Aspect 12 (front), 1x Aspect 12 (rear)
Drive bays (3.5 and 2.5 inch)2× internal 3.5 inch and 2× internal 2.5 inch; removable drive plate takes up to 2 HDDs and 2 SSDs2x dedicated 2.5" mounts; 3x combined 3.5"/2.5" mounts; 2x 5.25" mounts

Strengths and weaknesses

Corsair 3500X ARGB Mid-Tower PC Case

  • + Two 360 mm radiator positions, top and side
  • + Takes E-ATX boards and 425 mm graphics cards
  • + Three RS120 ARGB fans included
  • − Glass front with no mesh and no front fan mount
  • − Owners report loud, high-pitched stock fans
  • − Only two 3.5 inch and two 2.5 inch drive spots

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want a quiet build with the stock fans
  • Anyone after the lowest GPU temperatures from a mesh front
  • Builders who need many 3.5 inch drive bays
Read the full Corsair 3500X ARGB Mid-Tower PC Case review ›

Fractal Design Pop Air

  • + Honeycomb mesh front with dust filter
  • + Fits 405 mm GPUs and 280 mm front radiator
  • + Cable ties and pass-through holes ready to use
  • − Included fans criticised for weak airflow
  • − Only 19 mm of cable routing space
  • − RGB fans measured at 39 dBA at 85% power

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want a quiet build without changing the stock fans
  • Anyone who needs a PSU longer than 170 mm
  • Builders who want lots of cable routing space behind the tray
Read the full Fractal Design Pop Air review ›

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