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The trend in PC cases is shifting towards designs that maximize tempered glass panels, creating a “fish tank” aesthetic to showcase internal components. Corsair’s 3500 Series embraces this trend, offering high customizability and a minimalist design in both black and white variants. The flagship model, the Corsair iCUE LINK 3500X RGB, comes equipped with premium RX120 RGB fans and the iCUE LINK controller system, providing unified control over fans and RGB lighting through a single software interface. Let’s delve deeper into what this case offers.

Corsair iCUE LINK 3500X RGB front view with dual tempered glass panels

A Minimalist Design with Maximum Visibility

The Corsair 3500 Series boasts a clean, minimalist design, highlighted by its dual tempered glass panels. This approach shifts the focus from the case itself to the internal components, allowing users to showcase their carefully curated hardware. As a mid-tower case, the 3500X RGB offers a surprisingly spacious interior, accommodating various configurations, from air coolers and AIOs to custom water-cooling loops with reservoirs, pumps, and tubing.

Inside view of the Corsair iCUE LINK 3500X RGB showing ample space for components

Connectivity and Cooling Options

The top panel features a streamlined selection of ports: one USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2), two USB-A (USB 3.2 Gen 1), and a combined audio jack. While minimal, the inclusion of a high-speed USB-C port is a welcome addition for modern peripherals. Corsair has also updated its signature triangular ventilation pattern, replacing it with a Y-shaped design on the 3500X RGB.

Top panel of the Corsair iCUE LINK 3500X RGB showing ports and ventilation

For ease of access, the rear panel, top panel, and both glass panels are easily removable via tool-less clips, simplifying component installation, cleaning, and maintenance. Despite its three-pillar design, the case feels robust thanks to reinforced support structures and a unibody construction.

Removable panels of the Corsair iCUE LINK 3500X RGB

The 3500X RGB supports up to ten 120mm fans across the top, side, bottom, and rear panels. All ventilation points are equipped with magnetic dust filters, ensuring a clean interior while facilitating easy cleaning. For water-cooling enthusiasts, the case accommodates radiators up to 360mm on the top and side, and a 120mm radiator at the rear.

Internal view of the Corsair iCUE LINK 3500X RGB showing cable management and drive bays

Internal Layout and iCUE LINK Integration

The interior features ample cable routing options, a deep PSU shroud with support for Corsair Shift PSUs (allowing cables to be routed to the side), and mounting options for two 2.5-inch SSDs and two 3.5-inch HDDs.

Internal view of the Corsair iCUE LINK 3500X RGB highlighting the PSU shroud

The included RX120 RGB fans utilize Corsair’s proprietary iCUE LINK technology, connecting seamlessly via a single cable to a central controller hub. This hub manages fan speeds and RGB lighting for all connected iCUE LINK devices, simplifying customization and control through the iCUE software. This streamlines cable management compared to traditional fan and RGB controllers.

Rear view of the Corsair iCUE LINK 3500X RGB showing the vertical GPU mount option

Finally, the 3500X RGB offers a vertical GPU mounting option (adapter and riser cable sold separately), allowing users to showcase their graphics card’s design.

Corsair iCUE LINK System in the 3500X RGB case

Conclusion

The Corsair iCUE LINK 3500X RGB offers a unique blend of minimalist design, expansive glass panels, flexible component compatibility, and seamless iCUE LINK integration. However, the emphasis on showcasing internal components means users will need to carefully select their hardware to fully realize the case’s potential. While the iCUE LINK ecosystem provides streamlined control, it does limit compatibility with third-party components.