The Corsair Carbide Clear 400C is a PC case that’s been around for a while, but it still packs a punch. With its sleek design, great airflow, and simple interior layout, it’s a favorite for many builders. Whether you’re just starting to build your first PC or you’re a seasoned modder, this case makes things easy and stylish.
TL;DR – Too Long, Didn’t Read
The Corsair 400C is a mid-tower case that’s clean, compact, and easy to build in. It features a full steel body, a big swinging window panel, and solid airflow. Great for gamers, tinkerers, and minimalists. It’s not the newest kid on the block, but it’s still got game.
Design and First Impressions
Right out of the box, the 400C feels premium. It has smooth black steel on all sides and a beautiful side panel made of tempered glass. This panel opens like a door and makes it super easy to show off your parts and get inside the case.
You don’t need tools to open it — just pull the handle and swing it open. It latches shut with a solid click. Simple and satisfying!
Build Quality
The 400C is made mostly of steel. That gives it a solid feel. No bendy panels or squeaky parts here. The front of the case is plastic but still feels strong. No cheap vibes.
It’s built to last. Whether you’re carrying it to LAN parties or shifting it from room to room, it can handle the bumps.
Size and Form Factor
This is a mid-tower ATX case. That means it’s not tiny but also not huge. It supports:
- ATX
- Micro-ATX
- Mini-ITX
Its compact size is good for desks. But there’s still room inside for powerful parts.
Airflow and Cooling
Big win here. The case comes with two fans out of the box:
- One 140mm fan in the front (intake)
- One 120mm fan in the back (exhaust)
Fans are quiet and do a great job keeping air moving. The front panel has lots of vents on the sides, so air comes in easily.
Want more cooling? No problem.
- Front: Up to 2x 140mm or 3x 120mm fans
- Top: 1x 120mm fan
- Rear: 1x 120mm fan
You can also fit liquid coolers:
- Front: Up to 360mm radiator
- Top: 120mm radiator
- Rear: 120mm radiator
It’s great for both air coolers and AIOs.
Interior and Layout
The inside is super clean. Corsair hides cables and drives to make your build look neat.
There’s plenty of space for GPU and PSUs:
- GPU clearance: 370mm
- CPU cooler clearance: 170mm
- PSU clearance: 200mm (with drive cage removed)
The PSU has its own shroud at the bottom of the case. This hides cables and improves airflow.
There’s no optical drive bay, so the front panel is open for airflow and fans. Welcome to 2024!
Cable Management
Routing cables is surprisingly easy. Corsair added rubber grommets and tie-down points on the back of the motherboard tray.
Even beginners can make their build look clean. The PSU shroud helps hide the mess if you cut a few corners.
Storage Options
You get flexible storage mounts:
- 2x 3.5” HD slots (in the bottom cage)
- 2x 2.5” SSD mounts (on the back of the motherboard tray)
Four drives are enough for most gamers and creators. If you need more, it might not be the case for you.
Front I/O Ports
On top of the case, you’ll find a simple but useful set of ports:
- 2x USB 3.0
- Headphone and mic jacks
- Power and reset buttons
The power button is big and satisfying to press. That’s worth mentioning.
Noise Levels
Even with fans running, the 400C is pretty quiet. The solid panels and good airflow keep things cool and silent.
If you go with high-speed fans, expect a gentle rush of air — nothing too whiny.
Looks and Style
The 400C keeps things simple and modern. The black matte finish doesn’t collect fingerprints. The full-window panel shows off your RGB and shiny components.
No flashy curves or sharp edges. Just clean lines and a minimalist look. It fits well in any gaming setup or office.
Who This Case Is For
The 400C is best for:
- Gamers who want a clean, powerful build
- People who care about looks and airflow
- Builders who want an easier time with cable management
- Intermediate and beginner PC builders
If you want tons of drive bays, or extreme water cooling setups, this isn’t your case. But for most people, it hits the sweet spot.
Final Thoughts
The Corsair 400C is a smart, simple case that still holds up years after its release. It’s well-built, easy to work in, and looks fantastic.
Whether you’re building your first rig or just upgrading, give this case a shot. It’s a classic for a reason!
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Simple, clean design
- Great airflow out of the box
- Easy to build in and manage cables
- Swing-open glass panel is awesome
- Compact but roomy
Cons:
- No USB-C ports on the front
- No space for optical drives
- Limited drive bays for massive storage setups
Overall, the Corsair 400C is a top-tier mid-tower case for the price. A fantastic choice for gamers, tinkerers, and anyone who wants a build that looks just as good as it performs.
