Corsair Obsidian 550d?

I have my 550D but I won't be able to install my rig into it until Sunday so I will post my impressions then. It will be interesting to find out about the results of the audit if Redbeard is able to discuss such findings. Hopefully this side panel issue is not too wide spread and simply a result of shipping abuse.
 
I'm not sure the panel issue is shipping abuse -- every report I've read mentions that is the same side that is affected. If I'm lucky I will have another sample by Friday or Saturday.
 
Great you guys got me all worried, my 550d will be here Friday and coming from ca to nh
Gonna be pissed if It's damaged. I wanna move into it with a h100 on Saturday.
 
night_2004 said:
I'm not sure the panel issue is shipping abuse -- every report I've read mentions that is the same side that is affected.
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Oh ok. I just thought I'd throw that idea out there, but that would not make any sense based upon the information that you just presented.
 
The Doc said:
Oh ok. I just thought I'd throw that idea out there, but that would not make any sense based upon the information that you just presented.
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Well the next logical question -- is anyone having issues with the *other* side panel?
 
Rattle said:
Great you guys got me all worried, my 550d will be here Friday and coming from ca to nh
Gonna be pissed if It's damaged. I wanna move into it with a h100 on Saturday.
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I'm a little worried too dude. I have mine still in the box and won't be able to install my main rig until Sunday. Perhaps I can just install the "bare bones" for the sake of powering up the system to get a feel for the side panels.
 
night_2004 said:
That's good to know you've got our backs.
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No problem, man. I appreciate everyone who buys my products, but especially the early adopters who take a bigger risk buying before the reviews are out.

There are a lot of cases out there, so I'm glad you chose Corsair.
 
night_2004 said:
Well the next logical question -- is anyone having issues with the *other* side panel?
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If the dimensions are the same for both side panels (and why wouldn't they be?) I wonder if swapping the side panels would do the trick? Something is not sitting flush if there is rattling. If I’m not mistaken didn’t another forum user try this? Did he have success? I honestly forget.
 
The bottom of each panel has tabs to "insert tab A into slot B" when putting the panel back on. Can't swap them.
 
Redbeard said:
No problem, man. I appreciate everyone who buys my products, but especially the early adopters who take a bigger risk buying before the reviews are out.

There are a lot of cases out there, so I'm glad you chose Corsair.
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This is my first time buying a corsair case and I am looking forward to installing my main system into it. Usually I opt for flashier cases with a more aggressive styling, but this time I'm going for a more refined look.
 
Redbeard said:
No problem, man. I appreciate everyone who buys my products, but especially the early adopters who take a bigger risk buying before the reviews are out.

There are a lot of cases out there, so I'm glad you chose Corsair.
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Hey, any idea when you'll be getting spare parts? The more I examine my case the more I think that only the side panel is screwed up. Everything else I've found seems to mirror posts I've found in this thread.

The Doc said:
Darn, that's too bad. Worth a suggestion.
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Good thought. It would've worked with say a cheap Antec case :p.

EDIT: Found another problem. The spare front panel clamps that came with the case? Two of them? The front panel has two versions of the clamp -- two of them are mirror images of the other. Unfortunately "two left feet" (so to speak) were included instead of a "left" and a "right" piece.
 
night_2004 said:
Hey, any idea when you'll be getting spare parts? The more I examine my case the more I think that only the side panel is screwed up. Everything else I've found seems to mirror posts I've found in this thread.
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We should get them in late March early April I believe.
 
guys, just for our collective sanity here... unless you've got some SERIOUS vibration in your system, which hopefully you don't... or some freakin' epic subwoofer with epic bass... the 'rattling' panel won't rattle, unless you tap the panel itself or something like that... it's not like it rattles with the slightest vibration or breeze.

just a heads up, the world isn't ending with the rattly panel, if you have it. Redbeard will get us straightened, have faith :)
 
Momo is right. It's not a huge issue; it's only a minor issue. If it required a chassis swap I'd probably just take an IOU from Corsair for the next time I need to rebuild or swap major components. Otherwise it wouldn't be worth the hassle. A door swap, if that's the issue, I'd do right away only because it would be quite simple. If spare parts won't be available for another 3-7 weeks I think I might try letting NewEgg fix it then drop Corsair a line if they can't resolve it.
 
Just got the case for my first build in about almost five years. Some thoughts after having just opened it:

Thumbs up:
-Coming from a NZXT Zero, the build quality on the 550 is fantastic. The matte surface looks great and feel nice, much more so than any picture I've seen give it credit for.
-Top and side fan covers utilize a nice pressure snap mechanism, simple and utilitarian. The fact that there are options to not use the fan ports and cover them up with a nice looking panel is a plus.
-Wire routers look great and should be very useful; I can visualize it all being very useful.
-Simple push button side panel latch is quick and easy to use.

Thumbs down:
-one of the little plastic notches that holds the front panel in place snapped RIGHT off; I believe this is an issue that was discussed here before. I'm confused as to why the panel doesn't use pressure snaps like the top and side fan covers do. That having been said, there are a few spares in the case, though this is the only sign of what is imo poor design/engineering I've seen thus far.
-The bottom hard drive bay where the spare parts box is jammed seems really tight, not sure if I just got a jank part. It matters little to me since I doubt I'll need all of them.

I'm looking forward to shoving all the components into this thing and getting it up and running.
 
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+1 for using the word jank in a post. epic :)

... the reason snap-in push buttons arent used for the front door is that they want to have the door hinged on both sides. not sure that would work with snap-in style latches on either side.

Davidion said:
Just got the case for my first build in about almost five years. Some thoughts after having just opened it:

Thumbs up:
-Coming from a NZXT Zero, the build quality on the 550 is fantastic. The matte surface looks great and feel nice, much more so than any picture I've seen give it credit for.
-Top and side fan covers utilize a nice pressure snap mechanism, simple and utilitarian. The fact that there are options to not use the fan ports and cover them up with a nice looking panel is a plus.
-Wire routers look great and should be very useful; I can visualize it all being very useful.
-Simple push button side panel latch is quick and easy to use.

Thumbs down:
-one of the little plastic notches that holds the front panel in place snapped RIGHT off; I believe this is an issue that was discussed here before. I'm confused as to why the panel doesn't use pressure snaps like the top and side fan covers do. That having been said, there are a few spares in the case, though this is the only sign of what is imo poor design/engineering I've seen thus far.
-The bottom hard drive bay where the spare parts box is jammed seems really tight, not sure if I just got a jank part. It matters little to me since I doubt I'll need all of them.

I'm looking forward to shoving all the components into this thing and getting it up and running.
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Momo said:
+1 for using the word jank in a post. epic :)

... the reason snap-in push buttons arent used for the front door is that they want to have the door hinged on both sides. not sure that would work with snap-in style latches on either side.
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I understand enough, but the plastic latches they use seems so fragile. I really think four snap-ins would have worked sufficiently; it at least seems like it'd hold up better than the latches they have now.

Regardless, I'm hardly dissatisfied. Now to see how it sounds and cools when the guts are in.
 
Davidion said:
I understand enough, but the plastic latches they use seems so fragile. I really think four snap-ins would have worked sufficiently; it at least seems like it'd hold up better than the latches they have now.

Regardless, I'm hardly dissatisfied. Now to see how it sounds and cools when the guts are in.
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It seems like metal latches would be more durable. Might cost a little more but it'd be worth it.
 
Another loose right side panel here. I won't have time to put parts in until the weekend, so I don't know yet if loose = rattle.
 
NewEgg is going to overnight a new case to me. Since it was damaged in shipping I suggested they ask UPS to foot the expedited shipping bill -- the representative got a good belly laugh out of that one -- and she went ahead and got that approved.

So I'll have another case tomorrow to look at if all goes well.

Posting this part of my last big post just so that hopefully Corsair gets the message!

Redbeard, are there any comparison pictures (like the side panel) I should snap for Corsair that might help track down any production issues? There will be a day or so where I'll have both cases so I thought I should ask.
 
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With the consistent reports of a side panel problem, I've cancelled my Amazon pre-order. I'm still planning to buy this case, but I'm going to wait until Corsair has resolved the problem. Hopefully this is just an issue with the Newegg early shipments, not the entire first batch.

BTW, has anyone received the case who DOESN"T have a loose side panel?
 
night_2004 said:
NewEgg is going to overnight a new case to me. Since it was damaged in shipping I suggested they ask UPS to foot the expedited shipping bill -- the representative got a good belly laugh out of that one -- and she went ahead and got that approved.

So I'll have another case tomorrow to look at if all goes well.

Posting this part of my last big post just so that hopefully Corsair gets the message!

Redbeard, are there any comparison pictures (like the side panel) I should snap for Corsair that might help track down any production issues? There will be a day or so where I'll have both cases so I thought I should ask.
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If you could get a photo of the damage to the box and the case and send them to me, I'd appreciate it.
 
Just wanted to follow up and confirm that when the system is running, my side panel doesn't affect noise in slightest. My 550D is very cool and very quiet -- and I'm picky enough about noise that I have a few Noiseblocker fans inside. The build was painless and, without much effort, my cabling is much cleaner than in my old case. I'm really pleased with this case and will be using it for a long, long time.

p.s. Additional props to Corsair's AX650 power supply and Performance Series Pro SSD for helping the cool & quiet aspect. I am apparently turning into a Corsair devotee.
 
Redbeard said:
If you could get a photo of the damage to the box and the case and send them to me, I'd appreciate it.
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As I just mentioned I'm not sure if it was from shipping or if it was a 'bad batch' but I'll get you those pictures tomorrow. It isn't really any big thing, but there's a whole slew of little ones.

In the meantime I've got to go find my camera's charger. My 5 year old camera is light years ahead of my smartphone's camera when it comes to getting close up shots.
 
Could somebody who has the case plz just tell me how far the motherboard is from the right side panel (the one with the fan mounts). Grab a ruler and measure it plz I need to know which CPU Cooler will fit best in that case.
 
Megahalems fits comfortably (158.7mm). I can check how much space is left when I'm home tonight.

Edit: not enough for a 120mm. I would stay away from really tall tower coolers if you're looking to add fans on the side panel. If you do something like the H60 (or a tower cooler smaller than 160mm!) you should have plenty of room.
 
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My thoughts on this case:

I was really anticipating this case because not only did it look sleek, it was marketed as a silent counterpart to the 500R.

Sound: To be honest, I don't think it dampens all that much noise. I close and open the panels and barely notice any sound difference. In fact, putting the front panel on makes the noise seem louder/higher pitched. (Perhaps the front panel makes the noises vibrate off a closer distance? I don't know, speculating.) I might home diy some more sound dampening foam into the case to see if it affects things. I'm using AP-15s attached to a fan controller, so I've moved the fans into a lower rpm.

Build Quality: My panels came with a slight rattle on both sides. After filling out the case, the back panel (the panel with the wires) was too stiff to rattle. The other panel has a slight rattle that doesn't particularly bother me. Overall, the build is top notch. I wish there were just a bit more space in the back because the foam cuts into the overall depth of the case. The black plastic gets dirty with...(dirt? Dust?) but is easily removable.
 
Looks like I missed a bag of parts. The easily-breakable door clasps come in two versions: a "leftie" and a "rightie". I thought I only had one type of clasp but it turns out I've got both types after all. This brings the number of problems down to bent panels for me. This case is looking better and better each time. The replacement from NewEgg will hopefully be flawless.
 
Mine arrived yesterday, via the Newegg $120 AR deal. Haven't had time to really dig into it, but have some initial thoughts to post.

Both side panels "rattle", and the front edge of the fan side panel is a little warped - not enough to that its really bothersome but, since this panel rattles, I'm concerned that there may be some movement if I indeed add the side fans.

Front panel clasps really concern me - they are VERY tight and, if nothing else, the inclusion of replacement door clasps seems to mean that its not an if, but a when one breaks. I've seen several different left/right opening designs over the years, and it can certainly be done without including easy to break parts.

My high expectations may be unrealistic, as this case moves me from a totally different level of case (CM ATCS 840). But I still think that, regardless of target pricing, fit & finish should be excellent, and parts should be designed to last a long time. My cases generally outlive every other component in my builds, usually by several generations, so I don't think high expectations are unrealistic. This is my first Corsair chassis but, if their PSUs are an example of their commitment to quality, Corsair expects to be held to a high standard.
 
Got mine today ahead of schedule. Started moving stuff over to it. Mounted H100 and mobo will finish later.

The box arrived in good condition besides one gash in the top of the box that had no ill effect.
Upon closer inspection I do not have any of the warp or bend issues on the side panels or the fan covers. Everything looks great actually. Very pleased with build quality for $120. My doors do kind of rattle if I make them no pun intended lol.

I don't think this is an issue though and I think It's because the handy and clever way the panels are held and locked into place actually introduce the tiny amount of slop in the fitment of the panel.
With this quick one button release which I like, the panels have to be able to go in and out therefore there's going to be and there has to be a little wiggle room. This wiggle room or movement can result in rattle I suppose. A quick fix would be to make 1 threaded hole for 1 thumbscrew and the door would be snug. I myself am not worried about it.
Can't wait to finish the build.
 
Pics later at work now.
I actually mounted it so the fans are up against the inside of the case first sucking air from outside the top of for case down through the rad into the case. Using air inside the case that's warmer than ambient and blowing it up through the rad doesn't make much sense to me. Although this is what seems to be the intention and how your supposed to set it up.
 
Rattle, i've got an h100 in my 800d in push/pull just like you, using ambient room air to cool the cpu, not pre-heated case air.

If you've got decent exhaust, you should be OK doing this.
 
Rattle said:
I actually mounted it so the fans are up against the inside of the case first sucking air from outside the top of for case down through the rad into the case. Using air inside the case that's warmer than ambient and blowing it up through the rad doesn't make much sense to me. Although this is what seems to be the intention and how your supposed to set it up.
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That's how I mounted my H100, per the H100 installation instructions. Wow the top fans are audible ... they're the same fans and config I was using the my ATCS 840, so I'm guessing this is merely a factor of this case being much smaller, allowing the sound to travel toward me better (or worse, as it were). Will have to figure out some sort of baffle to direct it away from me.

Build was pretty seamless. The HDD trays are excellent, for both my HDDs (4ea) and SSDs (2ea). Cable routing was okay, but any negs are probably mostly due to the excess of wires from all the HDDs / SSDs, rather than any issue with the case.

One big issue though - the mobo side panel. The release button was stuck, and it took me a long time to finally get it to release so that I could install the panel. Even now, it simply doesn't feel secure. In fact, the panel releases if I put pressure in the middle of the panel when its installed. Based on this, I think the latch system is suspect, and would feel much better if I still had the option to install thumb screws top & bottom on the back.

Overall, great looking case and a very good build experience. It won't surprise me at all if a future revision provides secondary option to secure the panels with thumbscrews - no impact for users who don't want to use them, and added rigidity and panel retention for those who do.
 
Just a heads up: Someone just posted a review on newegg.com and that person, unless hes also one of the ppl on this thread, seems to be having the same problem as everyone else. Which brings me to the question how many of you didn't get motherboard stand offs with your case? Also, would it be a good idea to use the stand offs from my old LGA 775 motherboard to mount my new motherboard if I don't receive any stand offs with my case?
 
mobo standoffs are mobo standoffs... arent they?

guys, are the side panels on this case supposed to 'pop' out when you push the release button, or are you supposed to pull / pry them outward?
 
Vithar said:
Just a heads up: Someone just posted a review on newegg.com and that person, unless hes also one of the ppl on this thread, seems to be having the same problem as everyone else. Which brings me to the question how many of you didn't get motherboard stand offs with your case?
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I too just read that user review on Newegg, and if he's not a member of this forum then that's even worse news. I need to open my box and see what the status is of my 550D. Redbeard has stated that the early adopters will be taken care of, but he has also stated that spare parts for the 550D's will not be available until at least the end of March. Redbeard, when will review sites begin receiving their 550D samples for review or you will wait to hear about the results of the audit until the company begins shipping out samples?
 
Momo said:
mobo standoffs are mobo standoffs... arent they?

guys, are the side panels on this case supposed to 'pop' out when you push the release button, or are you supposed to pull / pry them outward?
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I have not taken mine out of the box yet, but if you google "Corsair 550D Review" you can watch the video of the Corsair rep discussing about/taking apart the chassis and then you be the judge for yourself.
 
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