DIY Dream Kit: Corsair’s Frame 4000D Modular Case Could Be Accessory Heaven

LAS VEGAS–Corsair has revamped one of its most popular PC cases in a new, more customizable design. The Corsair Frame 4000D is reminiscent of the company’s original 4000D PC case that we reviewed not too long ago, but it has FAR more interesting front and side panels, and a whole bunch of future potential. Over time, this case should give you ample opportunity to customize your PC build through accessories and fan mounting flexibility.

The real stars are these customization options. The Frame 4000D’s interchangeable panels, flexible mounting rails and interesting inserts make it a potential DIY system builder’s dream case. Watch the video above for more; we also have a more in-depth review below.

A basic framework to customize

Right off the shelf, the Frame 4000D is an attractive looking ATX form factor case with a unique front panel. We really like the design of the face, which is braided with metallic curves in a wavy Y-shaped pattern, very unlike any other case face we’ve seen.

(Credit: John Burek)

Corsair sells three basic Frame configurations: For $94.99, you can get a base model in black or white without any fans. Up to $99.99, and you’ll get three non-RGB fans; for $109.99, these three fans will come with RGB LEDs.

(Credit: John Burek)

It’s a quality case, but stop there and you’ll think this is still just any old ATX case. More highlights of this case may come in the future, assuming Corsair starts shipping some of the optional accessories it showed off in early form at CES. The front panel is great and, mind you, we’d be reluctant to swap it, but you do have four alternative front panels to choose from. In addition to the standard one, Corsair has metal and glass options, one that looks like wood, and another prototype with a more aggressive look, sharp with RGB LED lights.

(Credit: John Burek)

That said, the standard Y-groove panel is probably the best option in terms of performance. As Corsair said, it increases airflow by up to 12%. But given the great looks of some of these pieces, you might be tempted. Cooling is not everythingafter all.

The removable motherboard mounting tray inside the case is also customizable. Corsair showed off some prototype trays that could be the start of something special. Assuming they come to market, you could swap out the tray for a few skeletal metal options with different aesthetics, or a mostly transparent acrylic one.

(Credit: John Burek)

If you choose the Frame 4000D configuration that doesn’t come with fans, you’ll also have a wide range of options to add your own, thanks to Corsair’s Infinirail mounting system. Infinirail makes some of the fan mounting locations of this case adjustable and allows you to fit any fan from 120mm to 180mm on the top panel and from 120mm to 200mm on the front.

(Credit: John Burek)

The case also has a built-in adjustable support for your graphics card, which is useful for tall and heavy models.

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Corsair isn’t done upgrading the frame

To complement these existing customization options, Corsair is working on additional attachments for the case. One that’s already done will go on the bottom left side of the system: It’s an elongated touchscreen inside a mounting bezel. Corsair showed off this $249.99 touch panel, called the Xeneon Edge, which looks pretty cool and makes the system really pop.

(Credit: John Burek)

Another option for this space is a “high airflow” panel that covers this lower third of the left side with a metal plate with a Y-shaped cutout, behind which you can mount a set of fans or a radiator 360 mm.

This box was officially released during CES and is now available for purchase, but you may have to wait a little longer for those customizable accessories. They aren’t showing up on Corsair’s digital storefront yet, and some are officially only in the prototype stage. Look out for a full review from PCMag later this year.

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About John Burek

Executive Editor and Director of PC Labs

I’ve been a technology journalist for more than 30 years, and I’ve covered just about every type of computer hardware—from the 386SX to 64-core processors—in my long tenure as an editor, writer, and advice columnist. For almost a quarter of a century, I worked at the foundation, the giant Computer buyer magazine (and later, its digital counterpart), known as the PC buyer’s phone book and every mailman’s nemesis. I was Computer buyers editor-in-chief for the past nine years, after which most of its digital content was folded into PCMag.com. I also served, briefly, as editor-in-chief of the well-known hardcore tech site Tom’s Hardware.

During that time, I’ve built and destroyed enough desktop computers to outfit a city block’s worth of Internet cafes. Under race conditions, I’ve built computers from board-boot-up in less than 5 minutes.

In my early career, I worked as an editor of science fiction books and as an editor of “Dummies” style computer guides for Brady Books (now, BradyGames). I am a lifelong New Yorker, a graduate of New York University’s journalism program, and a member of Phi Beta Kappa.

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About Michael Justin Allen Sexton

Analyst

For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a love for all things tech, fueled in part by a love of gaming. I started working on computers owned by close family members and relatives when I was about 10 years old. I have always sought to learn as much as possible about any PC computer, leading to a thorough grasp of all things tech today. In my role at PCMag, I really enjoy the opportunity to share what I know.

I wrote for the popular tech site Tom’s Hardware for three years before joining PCMag in 2018. In that time, I’ve reviewed desktops, PC cases and motherboards as a freelancer, while also producing content offers for the site and its brother ExtremeTech. Now, as a full-time PCMag analyst, I’m focusing on reviewing processors and graphics cards while I dabble in all things PC-related.

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