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

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

all judged against PC cases at a similar price

The Fractal Design Terra scores 5.6/10 overall, ahead of the Corsair 3500X ARGB Mid-Tower PC Case at 5.1/10.

The Corsair 3500X ARGB Mid-Tower PC Case leads on space and compatibility.

The Fractal Design Terra leads on build and ease of building and noise.

They score the same on airflow and cooling 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 Terra

Fractal Design Terra

5.6/10verdict: good, not the best

The Fractal Design Terra is for builders who want a compact, well-finished Mini-ITX system and are happy to choose their own cooling. It suits people planning a full-size graphics card in a 10.4-litre case with an SFX or SFX-L power supply. It is a poorer fit for anyone who wants a big radiator, lots of storage or a roomy, forgiving build.

Typically about £174.95 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 Terra
Airflow and cooling30%5/105/10
Build and ease of building20%5/107/10
Space and compatibility20%7/106/10
Noise15%3/105/10
Value15%5/105/10
Overall5.1/105.6/10

Specifications

SpecCorsair 3500X ARGB Mid-Tower PC CaseFractal Design Terra
Case type (mid tower, Micro-ATX, small form factor…)Mid-Tower, 460 × 240 × 506 mm (L × W × H), 10.54 kgSmall form factor case, 10.4 L (343 x 153 x 218 mm)
Motherboard sizes supported (E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX)Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX, E-ATX (up to 305 × 277 mm)Mini-ITX
Maximum graphics card length (mm)425 mm (manufacturer UK page). Conflict: US explorer guide lists 410 mm322 mm maximum (drops to 200 mm if a 120 mm radiator is installed)
Maximum CPU cooler height (mm)170 mm77 mm maximum with spine set for CPU clearance; 48 mm when configured for maximum GPU length
Power supply type supported (ATX or SFX) and maximum PSU length (mm)ATX only; maximum PSU length 180 mmSFX and SFX-L, maximum length 130 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 noneOne 120 mm side radiator slot
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 noneNone included; one 120 mm bottom fan mount
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 SSDsTwo 2.5-inch mounts included; no 3.5-inch or 5.25-inch bays

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 Terra

  • + Premium anodised aluminium build, with a solid walnut front option
  • + Room for graphics cards up to 322 mm
  • + Owners describe the build as easy
  • − No fans or dust filters included
  • − Weak AIO support and tight clearance for CPU cooling
  • − Two 2.5-inch mounts and no 3.5-inch bays

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want a 240 mm or larger radiator for liquid cooling
  • Anyone needing 3.5-inch drive bays or lots of internal storage
  • Builders who want a cooler and fans included, or a roomy, forgiving case
Read the full Fractal Design Terra review ›

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