Corsair Graphite Series 380T Review

Corsair Graphite Series 380T Review

Manufacturer: Corsair
UK price (as reviewed): MSRP £109.99 (£99.99 for black version) (inc VAT)
US price (as reviewed): MSRP £139 (£129 for black version) (inc VAT)

Despite appearances, Corsair has not started producing feline transportation devices. In actual fact, the Graphite 380T, which we first laid eyes on at Computex this year, is the company's latest mini-ITX offering, designed for both portability and high levels of airflow.


The external chassis is basically all plastic, but it's a very solid plastic that leaves no doubts in the mind about the build quality, as the chassis is exceptionally rigid. There's definitely the impression that it could withstand a knock or two, which will appeal to those who like to transport their rigs to and from LAN events. The yellow and black colour scheme of our sample won't appeal to everyone but it's a fresh change from the usual black boxes and the yellow isn't overly dominant and is a lot less garish than we were expecting. The chassis is also available in both black and white.

A key part of the 380T's design is the carrying handle, which takes centre position on the roof. It's reinforced so it can take the weight of the case with a system inside without breaking. It's also nice and big and has some bumps on the underside for additional grip, making the 380T extremely easy to move around.


One thing you may already have noticed is the lack of an optical drive bay. We're seeing this more often these days, especially in the small form factor market where it certainly makes a lot of sense, but if you do need one you'll need to look elsewhere. Instead, the front is a single large section of mesh with a glossy black plastic trim. This mesh section, which doubles up as a dust filter, is easily released by pushing on the two clips at the top. Doing so reveals the 140mm LED intake fan, but a 200mm model or dual 120mm fans can also be fitted.

On either side of the handle you'll find the release latches for the two side panels, and while the top angled section of these panels is made from perspex, the panels are essentially all mesh (again, backed by dust filtering material) – evidently, airflow is a top priority. Plastic braces behind the mesh stop the panels from becoming two flimsy and they are in fact very rigid like the core chassis. Neither panel has fan mounts built in, but opening the right side up reveals mounting bars where you can attach a pair of 120mm fan – more on that over the page.


The I/O panel's location means you'll have easy access to it regardless of whether you position the case to your side or beneath you. You'll find the standard selection of USB 3 and audio connections as well as the power, reset and fan control buttons. The fan controller supports up to three fans and has three speeds, with the current speed indicated by the small lights around the button. Sadly, the button itself feels tacky and wobbly – a minor but unexpected slip in build quality.

Complementing the 140mm intake fan is a single 120mm exhaust in the rear. Understandably, there's no fans or mounts on the bottom of the chassis, but Corsair hasn't forgotten to fit the PSU with its own slide out dust filter, which is fairly easy to slide back into place without having to lift or tilt the chassis. The two wide, rubber-coated feat ensure the 380T stays firmly planted on whatever surface it's on.

Specifications

• Dimensions (mm) 235 x 560 x 550 (W x D x H)
  
• Material Aluminium, steel
  
• Available colours Black, white, yellow
  
• Weight N/A
  
• Front panel Power, reset, 2 x USB 3, stereo, microphone, fan control
  
• Drive bays 2 x internal 3.5in/2.5in, 2 x internal 2.5in
  
• Form factor(s) Mini-ITX
  
• Cooling 1 x 200mm/140mm or 2 x 120mm front fan mounts (140mm fan included), 1 x 120mm rear fan mount (fan included), 2 x 120mm side fan mounts (fans not included)
  
• CPU cooler clearance 150mm
  
• Maximum graphics card length 290mm
  
• Extras Removable dust filter, interior LED, three speed fan controller, carrying handle