TheOverclocker Issue 29 | Page 46

SPECS Size: 290mm x 277mm x 351mm Weight: 4.39Kg (9.7lbs) Form Factor: Mini ITX CORSAIR Obsidian 250D RRP: $99.99 | Website: www.corsair.com L ooking for a mini-ITX case with some punch? Well, you could either go for the classic and ever phenomenal Bit-Fenix Prodigy, which I reviewed in a previous issue. The standard when it comes to mini-ITX cases for enthusiasts or you can look to the CORSAIR Obsidian 250D. After producing the largest case I have ever laid my eyes on in the 900D, Corsair has been steadily increasing the number of products in the portfolio and as it is, there’s a case to fit just about every need I can think of. The 250D is but one of the cases that that CORSAIR introduced a few months ago which is surprisingly well featured. At $100, it isn’t cheap. It is far from it and if you consider that the Prodigy sells for $70, the 250D has its work cut out for it. Fortunately for the 250D does live up to my expectations in most areas. For instance, consider that on the 250D you not only get robust construction but (it’s made from the same material as the 900D) you receive with it plenty of cooling capabilities for such a small case. Thermal performance isn’t going to be an issue here or at least wasn’t when I 46 The OverClocker Issue 29 | 2014 used it. Air flow can be taken care of in any number of ways. For instance, you can have two 80mm fans, two 120mm fans on the side and an additional pair of these at the top of the, which is an ideal spot for a 240mm radiator. When comparing it to the Prodigy, it does offer remarkably better air flow, however it is a lot bigger as well so this should not be surprising. With any of the quiet fans from CORSAIR, you can get a pretty quiet system despite using all the available fan mounts. It is worth noting though that should you choose to use the top fan mounts for a radiator, you’ll essentially lose the ability to mount an optical drive into the system. Having said that, an optical drive is not at the top of many people’s priority \