I loved the Corsair 6500X when I reviewed it shortly after CES 2024, so once we had all the parts in hand, I was very eager to see how its smaller brother, the 2500D, faired. This new dual-chamber case brings some interesting features to the table that are worth a closer look, all the while being designed for smaller form factor builds. With the parts and the new PC Case Panel Kit in hand, it was time to see how this case fares and if it makes a good alternative to the larger Corsair 6500 series.
Let’s start with the basics. As I’ve already mentioned, the 2500D AIRFLOW is a Micro ATX case designed for high-performance small form factor (SFF) builds that need plenty of airflow. Don’t let the Micro ATX label fool you; this case is surprisingly spacious. At 18.86 x 11.97 x 14.8 inches, it’s larger than its predecessor, the 280X, in every dimension. This extra space comes in handy, especially considering how beefy high-end components have become in recent years. Even with a design aimed at smaller builders, you still have plenty of room for the latest GPUs, larger AIO coolers and anything else you want to throw in without having to struggle to get it all set up.
I have recently become a fan of dual-chamber designs, and the 2500D AIRFLOW is no exception. This design separates the main component area from the power supply and storage drives, which has several advantages. For one, it allows for better cable management, keeping your build looking clean and tidy. It also helps with airflow by isolating the heat-generating power supply from the main components, and let’s be honest, it looks incredibly cool.
“If you’re planning a build that runs hot, the Corsair 2500D AIRFLOW has you covered.”
Speaking of airflow, the 2500D AIRFLOW lives up to its “AIRFLOW” moniker (could you say airflow anymore in a single sentence? I think not). The case features fully mesh panelling and can accommodate up to 11 120mm fans or 6 140mm fans. That’s a lot of cooling potential packed into a relatively compact case. There are also versatile mounting options for AIO radiators in the front, roof, bottom, and side of the case. If you’re planning a build that runs hot, the 2500D AIRFLOW has you covered.
This feels like a good time to discuss the flexibility of design options with the 2500D AIRFLOW, especially when you throw the PC Case Panel Kit into the mix. The case comes in your choice of white and black and also gives you the choice of an X model case with a glass front or, as I reviewed, the D model with a full mesh front. But things get more exciting when you throw the Panel Kits into the mix. While the metal sides look good, the wood panels give it a flair all its own.
These kits come in a range of wood designs and give your case a unique throwback to the era of wood panelling and electronics. We all remember what old stereo systems looked like back in the 70s and 80s, and now you can get this same look with your modern-day gaming PC. Starting from $69.99 all the way up to $79.99, these kits may not be for everyone, but the ease of installation and customized look give the 2500D a striking look, and one I have to say I am a fan of.
The 2500D AIRFLOW’s front I/O is thoroughly modern and provides a range of easy access connections. It features a USB 3.2 Gen-2 Type-C port alongside two USB 3.2 Gen-1 Type-A ports and a combo audio jack, which should cover most users’ needs for easy access to high-speed ports. Corsair also made sure that even if you use the PC Case Panel Kit, it all blends in perfectly, ensuring everything feels streamlined to whatever design you want your final build to look like.
With the case ready to go, it was time to get everything installed, and I was amazed at how versatile the 2500D is as a PC case. While you may need an M-ATX board to use it, the case is compatible with reverse-connection motherboards and standard boards. This is a relatively new trend in PC building, popularised by boards such as ASUS’ BTF range and the MSI Project Zero range we looked at earlier. These motherboards move most of the connectors to the back of the board, which can result in an incredibly clean-looking build. The 2500D AIRFLOW is designed with these boards in mind, with cut-outs in all the right places to make cable management a breeze.
In terms of Storage options, the 2500D AIRFLOW is decent, if not overwhelming. You get space for two 3.5-inch drives or two 2.5-inch drives. This might not be enough for data hoarders, but it should suffice for most builds. The drives are housed in easy-to-use, tool-free mounts, which is always a nice touch. Sadly, if you do use a larger PSU like I did for our test build, you may need to take out the hard drive to try to make room. Thankfully, this is a painless process that will only take 2 minutes, so it should not pose too many problems should you run into that issue.
I was honestly surprised at how well everything went together in the dual chamber design due to its smaller size when compared to the 6500 series. While this isn’t unique to Corsair (the Lian Li O11D Evo, for example, also uses a dual-chamber layout), the implementation in the 2500D AIRFLOW feels particularly well thought out. The second chamber provides ample room for cable management, which is crucial when working with reverse connection boards that have a lot of cables running behind the motherboard.
The 2500D AIRFLOW also stands out for its flexibility. It can accommodate both ATX and SFX power supplies, giving builders more options. This is particularly useful if you want to maximize space in the rear compartment for cable management. You can opt for a smaller SFX power supply to free up more space. Even with the option for both, the full-size PSU fits in easily, as described above, giving a system builder a range of options while keeping the final rig relatively small in comparison.
With it all together, and I have to say, in terms of build quality, Corsair doesn’t disappoint. The 2500D AIRFLOW is solid and well-constructed, with the kind of premium feel you’d expect from a case in this price range. The tempered glass side panel is thick and sturdy, and the steel frame feels robust. Even when installing the PC Case Panel Kit, I was impressed by how well thought out the process was and how solid the 2500D was all around.
“The 2500D AIRFLOW is solid and well-constructed, with the kind of premium feel you’d expect from a case in this price range.”
Price-wise, the 2500D AIRFLOW sits in a somewhat awkward spot. At around $160 for the base model, it’s not the cheapest option out there, especially when you consider that it doesn’t come with any fans included at that price point. If you want to add Corsair’s RGB fans and a controller, you’re looking at the 2500X RGB model, which bumps the price up to $220.
If you start adding accessories like wood panels or vertical GPU mounts, the cost can quickly climb to over $300. That said, Corsair has built a case that justifies its cost with build quality and features. This is a case that is built to last, and the smart design choices made it a dream to build in and look fantastic when it is all finally done.
So, how does the 2500D AIRFLOW stack up against the competition? Compared to something like the NZXT H510, the 2500D AIRFLOW offers significantly more flexibility and cooling options, albeit at a higher price. The Lian Li O11D Evo is perhaps its closest rival, offering a similar dual-chamber design and plenty of build options. However, the 2500D’s focus on reverse-connect motherboards and its extensive customization options help it carve out its own niche, and one that I have to say I am a particular fan of.
At the end of the day, I am impressed with the Corsair 2500D AIRFLOW. It has proven itself to be a solid choice for anyone looking to build a high-performance system in a Micro ATX form factor, especially if you’re planning to use a reverse-connect motherboard. Its excellent airflow, thoughtful dual-chamber design, and extensive customization options make it versatile and adaptable to a wide range of builds.
Is it the perfect case for everyone? Probably not. If you’re on a budget or don’t need the specific features it offers, there are cheaper options. But for those who want a premium build experience and are willing to pay for it, the 2500D AIRFLOW delivers. It’s a case that not only embraces the latest trends in PC building but also looks forward to what might come next. And in the fast-moving world of PC hardware, that kind of forward-thinking design is always appreciated.
