[nextpage title=”Corsair 2000D Airflow exterior”]
New case test in perspective with material coming from Corsair. The American company is back to the compact PC sector by launching a new reference, the 2000D Airflow. The program, as we said, a PC case in mini-ITX format, but which claims to be “airflow”. As you will see, this is not quite the case. In short, a good case… Or not? Let’s discover it together!
The exterior of the 2000D Airflow :
With this new model, the brand offers us a case with a monolithic format all in height. At OCC, it is really the first time that we have a case of this shape and, from a visual point of view, it works quite well. Let’s also note that the design is uncluttered with large metal mesh panels without any particular artifice. Normally, the whole should breathe pretty well. To see on the field.
Regarding the dimensions, inevitably, format obliges, we find a compact reference. This case measures 200 (W) x 271 (D) x 458 (H) mm. The footprint on a desk will therefore be quite small … Even if more compact cases exist. On the other hand, you will have to deal with a significant height. Otherwise, this case has a steel chassis while the feet and the various uprights of the mesh panels are made of plastic.
The control panel:
On this case, the control panel is accessible from the bottom of the front panel. This one is quite complete and proposes :
- A power button with its status diode
- Two USB-A 3.0 ports
- One USB-C 3.1 port
- A headphone/microphone combo jack 3.5 mm.
- A reset button
In fact, the connectivity is similar to what we found at Silverstone and its Grandia GD11. Corsair does not give in to minimalism and offers a functional panel… At least, equipped with enough connectivity to connect two USB keys at the same time.
The underside:
Under the case, we do not find much of interest insofar as four feet are present. These are made of plastic and have a non-slip rubber coating. However, we can see the presence of a removable triangular grid in the shape of an “L”. In addition to facilitating the evacuation of heat, it will free up access to the rear connector of the motherboard… But we’ll come back to that a little later.
The rear:
Unlike more conventional cases, the back of the case has absolutely nothing special. At this place, we simply find a long dust filter and a small opening in the lower right corner. Otherwise, we will notice the presence of small velcro strips, whose purpose will be revealed later.
The top:
On the top, the case again features a mesh grill mounted on plastic posts. However, we find a small touch of originality with the shiny logo of the brand. Note that this part is removable and that once removed it reveals the back of the power supply.
[nextpage title=”Inside the Corsair 2000D Airflow”]
To get inside this 2000D Airflow, you just have to remove the side panels screwed to the case and maintained by a push-pin system. Fortunately, the screws are captive and are not likely to be lost!
The chassis :
Once inside, we find some similarities with the Sugo chassis from Silverstone. Indeed, the motherboard tray, limited to mini-ITX and mini-DTX cards, is positioned behind a removable fan tray. Otherwise, just above, we distinguish the power supply slot while there will not really be any cable passages as such. The open spaces around the motherboard slot are very numerous!
Storage slots:
This non-RGB version of the Airflow 2000D only offers a fairly limited number of storage slots. Indeed, we only count two, the first one accessible via a plate on the power supply slot. The second will be available at the top of the case via four holes.
Note that the RGB model is more complete on this aspect since it provides a second plate for 2.5″ unit. In any case, we do not find any 3.5″ slot!
The power supply slot:
Now we move on to the power supply slot, which is located at the top of the case, above the motherboard slot. Of course, we will be limited as for the format of the block since it will be necessary to turn to units with the SFX format or even SFX-L. In all the cases, the depth is limited to 130 mm at the risk, if not, to come to knock in the motherboard.
The cooling possibilities:
By default, the 2000D Airflow comes with… Zero pre-installed fans as standard. So Corsair takes the concept of “airflow” cases without basic airflow. Too bad, just one or two fans would be enough to help cooling the components, because, as we will see, by default, it is quite catastrophic.
Despite this, this model offers a number of 120mm slots. Behind the front panel, we can install three 120 mm mills, and the same on the side. The rear also offers two 12 cm slots for fans. Otherwise, in 140 mm, we will be limited to 2×140 mm on the side of the case, opposite the motherboard.
All this will allow us to mount watercooling radiators in 360 mm on the side and in 240 mm on the back… In case we choose to do without a graphics card.
Otherwise, as for the aircooling fans, the limitation is pushed to 90 mm height. This allows the installation of a wide range of top flow heatsinks… But no NH-C14S nor of Dark Rock TF.
The bundle:
As for the accessories part, what do we find ?
- A safety information guide
- Nylon collars
- The screws and bolts
- A spacer
- An IEC C14 extension cable
The accessories part is content with the essentials with the screws and a safety guide… But no assembly instructions, concept. Otherwise, we salute the park for having provided the extension cord for the power cord.
As for the graphics card:
In the end, the graphics card takes place at the back of the case, vertically. The card is mounted on its PCIe bracket and can occupy up to three slots. As for the clearance, Corsair is rather generous by leaving up to 365 mm of length for the GPU. If the space is large enough to allow the mounting of a number of cards, the latest and largest models will not fit. Some RTX 4090s or even RTX 4080s come to mind.
In summary:
In general, the internal layout is original and will allow the assembly of muscular configurations, as much on the CPU side as on the GPU side since, if one wishes, one can integrate an AIO in 360 mm. Nevertheless, for a case that claims to be ” Airflow “, we are disappointed not to have a single basic fan… It seems to us that it is the minimum required.
[nextpage title=”Assembly”]
Assembly
We now move on to the assembly stage of our configuration inside this 2000D Airflow from Corsair. Here are the components that will be used for the assembly:
- Motherboard : MSI Pro B350i AC
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 1700X
- Graphics card: ASUS HD 7970
- Cooler: Cryorig C1
- Power supply : Silverstone SX750
Power supply:
Mounting the power supply is quite simple, by coming to drop the block in its slot. Of course, given its position in the case, you will have to hold it on one side while screwing it on the top of the 2000D Airflow.
On our side, we chose to orientate the PSU fan towards the mesh panel, towards the outside of the case. It would also have been possible to turn it towards the inside, however, our SSD would have obstructed it. This would hinder the proper ventilation of our little SX750.
Storage:
To mount the SSD, nothing could be simpler since it is enough to release (via a hand screw) the plate hosting our storage medium. Then, we fix our storage unit on its plate that we put back in place… On the power supply support. Note that it is also possible to position the plate slightly higher on the support.
Installation of the motherboard :
The installation of the motherboard will be done simply by placing it on its slot. All that remains is to screw it to the chassis via four screws. However, we can only advise you to remove the plate positioned in front of the motherboard. This will greatly facilitate access to the motherboard tray. On the other hand, it impacts the rigidity of the chassis which is subject to torsion much more easily.
The ventirad, graphics card:
To install the graphics card, nothing complicated, since you just have to plug it into the PCIe slot of the motherboard. Nevertheless, we will take care to remove the hand screws of the extension slots of the case in order to make them usable. The generous space allocated to this component makes its installation easy.
Concerning the cooling unit, same observation, no particular difficulty since by removing the two side panels, we have a clear access to the front and rear of the motherboard. We will be able to handle the backplate of the cooling unit without any difficulty unlike the GD11 from Silverstone for example.
Cabling :
The control panel:
As usual, we start the cabling with the control panel which is not really difficult. We pass the cables through the back of the motherboard tray and then connect them to the motherboard. The audio and F_Panel connectors will pass right in front of the PCIe slot so as not to interfere with the connection of the graphics card.
As for theUSB 3.0, we run the cable along the top of the motherboard.
Motherboard:
Actually, the biggest difficulty in wiring this case is the lack of space to store the cables. Indeed, as the power supply is positioned, the connectors come out directly on the motherboard. When you have cables that are a bit rigid like the 24-pinATX , it becomes immediately more complicated… But no choice. So we plug the connector on the motherboard and roll the excess length into the power supply compartment. Of course, if like us, you use a Top Flow ventilator, you will have to wire the motherboard before plugging it in.
However, theEPS12V 4+4 pins for the CPU is far away from the block, so we can easily consume some length. It is easier to manage! Of course, it will be plated to the case with two nylon clamps that will also attach the USB 3.0 cable!
The graphic card:
We continue with the graphics card whose cable undergoes the same treatment as the 24-pinATX: rolled into the power supply compartment. However, in order to facilitate the routing of the PCIe 6+2 connector, the cable will come out through a side opening in the power supply compartment.
Storage:
Finally, we repeat ourselves, but ball rolling the SATA cables in the power supply compartment… Again. In addition, like the PCIe cables we bring out everything from the side of the power supply cover, the SSD being mounted transversely… Its connectors are therefore positioned towards the graphics card.
A quick word on the connection:
Now that our configuration is mounted, we have to connect it (keyboard, mouse, screen, power supply…). Contrary to many cases, the motherboard connectors will only be accessible from the inside of the case. To have access to these connections, you will have to pass the different cables through a small opening located under the case. The space offered is quite limited, especially for video cables, so plan an HDMI or DisplayPort cable with a bent port.
As for the power cord, the extension cable provided will be threaded through the top of the case, a notch being provided for its passage. The plating of the latter will be done via the velcro strips present all along.
Globally:
In general, the assembly of a configuration is not very difficult, for an ITX case. We have a generous space for our components. However, the cabling is a bit more complicated in the sense that even the smallest piece of cable has to be stored in the power supply compartment. If you have rigid cables you’ll have to deal with that. But we wonder about the ATX 12VHPWR which is particularly sensitive… No choice, it will have to be left in evidence.
However, it’s a pity not to have access to the graphics card or motherboard connections from the outside of the case. All the connections will be made internally, not very practical. We feel that the design takes precedence over the practicality.
[nextpage title=”Protocol”]
We have updated our test protocol in order to test the qualities of our boxes. Thus, we will evaluate the performances offered by the different models according to three criteria:
- Insulation
- Noise of the original ventilation
- Air flow
Concerning the addition of the ventilation, we choose to integrate a fan in 140 mm and a second slim in 120 mm. They will both be placed in aspiration, one above the CPU ventirad, the other in front of the graphics card.
Configuration :
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 1700X
- Motherboard: MSI B350i Pro AC
- Graphics card: ASUS HD 7970 reference
- Cooler : Cryorig C1
- SSD : Kingston HyperX 3K 120 Go
- Power supply : Corsair CX650M
[nextpage title=”Tests”]
Tests
Airflow :
Additional ventilation takes the form of a Thermaltake Riing 14 and a Silverstone 120 slim fan, positioned respectively in front of the CPU ventriad and the graphics card.
CPU airflow, original and completed ventilation:
We start first with the temperature of our CPU. We keep the front and the top of our test case. Let’s see if the airflow is sufficient for the good cooling of the Ryzen 7 1700X.
As we said on the second page, the case does not have fans by default… This is a shame for a model called ” airflow “. As a result, in “12V”, let’s say in stock configuration, the temperatures are not good. On our processor, we read more than 75°C. The addition of a mill blowing on the motherboard allows gains of madness since we fall to 52.5 ° C.
If you are interested in this model, you should not hesitate to buy a pack of additional fans to bring some fresh air to your configuration.
CPU airflow original ventilation without front panel or top :
In order to ascertain the limiting factor in the story (and how much), we remove the top as well as the front of the case. The goal here is to show the raw performance of the integrated fan.
By removing the front panel, the CPU breathes much better, as we can see, we then go from 75.6°C to about 60 degrees. Without basic ventilation, the case tends to either keep the heat in well, or it’s the ventirad fan that doesn’t draw enough coolness. In either case, it is the processor that suffers.
GPU airflow, original ventilation then completed :
We repeat the operation, but with measurements made on the graphics card. Here, we test with original ventilation and completed ventilation.
The least we can say is that our graphics card has bad memories of its test session in the 2000D Airflow. By default, our card hits 95°C. However, it should be remembered that this is a so-called ” blower ” model and that its fan does not allow fresh air to be drawn through the mesh wall. Certainly a card equipped with two or even three axial fans would fare better.
On the other hand, the addition of a slim fan right in front of it allows it to drastically reduce its temperatures. This fresh air intake allows to stabilize its temperature at 68°C, phew! If, like us, you are using an old reference card, you should not hesitate to add fans just in front of the card… Even if it is a more recent model.
Note, however, that if your card occupies three slots, adding a fan may be complicated.
GPU airflow original ventilation without front panel ortop:
We redo the same test, but remove the front panel and top of the case. Let’s see how this will affect the temperatures of the card.
Removing the front panel allows the case to breathe a little better. This can be felt on the temperatures which stabilize around 89°C.
Insulation:
Here we simply measure the noise emitted by our config when running the CPU cooling and GPU cooling very fast.
Of course, the mesh is clearly not a good sound insulator, the proof is that we have 60 dB on this test. We are also very close to the noise emitted by our configuration on the bench.
Noise of the original ventilation:
This time, we measure the noise emitted by the original ventilation of the case. For this, the configuration runs in idle mode ( CPU and GPU fans at minimum) while the readings are taken successively at 5V, 8V and 12V on the case fan.
Of course, without fans, we can only take one reading. Moreover, we only read 30.5 dB when the machine is running at rest.
In summary:
Corsair should have renamed its 2000D case to simply 2000D, because by default, there are no fans. If you want to find a standard fan, you’ll have to look at the RGB version which benefits from AF120 RGB Slim mounted on the front.
We strongly advise you to opt for a fan pack when buying this case. By default, the situation is quite catastrophic between the CPU and the graphics card. On the other hand, after adding two fans, it is much better and the components breathe. You just have to know where to position the fan.
[nextpage title=”Conclusion”]
We are now at the end of our test on the 2000D Airflow from Corsair. So, good little case or not? We tell you everything!
ITX with a lot of height!
With this new case, the Corsair brand offers us a monolithic and sober ITX reference. However, be careful if it offers a reduced footprint on a desk, the height remains consequent and will require a little attention from you.
Moreover, the design is not necessarily practical in all respects, since access to the motherboard’s rear connectors is from inside the case. The same goes for the graphics card output connections. Beware of the thickness of the sleeves of your HDMI/DisplayPort cables, as you may have to bend them a lot. To avoid this, you’ll have to turn to bent cables that you can easily find here (HDMI) or here (DisplayPort) on Amazon.
Cabling not necessarily obvious:
The positioning and mounting of components is not something very complicated since we will have simplified access to the compartment of each element. Nevertheless, the cabling is a bit more difficult in the sense that the storage of each cable will be in the same place. If your power supply’s connections are relatively flexible, it’s fine, but if they are rigid, things will get more complicated and you’ll find yourself rolling everything into a ball at the bottom of the power supply compartment. So certainly, that is done well, but it is not what there is of more “clean”. Otherwise, we notice a lack of rigidity when the fan tray is removed, so be careful to put it back.
A good compatibility with the components
In addition, with this new case, the brand offers us a reference that can be loaded with fans. In total, it will be possible to mount up to eight mills… Some medium tower cases do not do as well. The same goes for mounting a watercooling radiator with a 360/280 mm model support. While we’re at it, let’s point out that there won’t be any big restrictions on the size of the graphics card, and if you opt for an aircooling cooler, it shouldn’t exceed 90mm in height.
That’s really lacking in fans!
However, by default, this is a model that is sorely lacking in fans. As it is, our components have seriously sweated with a graphics card pointing at 95°C. Fortunately, it is possible to bring the temperature down quickly by adding only two mills: one in front of the ventirad, the other in front of the CG… Provided you have a dual slot card.
If there is no conclusion to be drawn from the noise generated by a non-existent ventilation, we have a few things to say about the insulation… Which is almost non-existent. During our readings, it turned out that the case was almost as noisy as a bare configuration. After that, it must be said that the mesh is not a good insulator, it’s even the opposite.
What about the price?
It only remains to talk about the selling price since this box is officially announced at 124.90 €. In our opinion, given the target sector, the pricing is not so inconsistent. For this price, we have a compact case in which we can integrate a 360 mm watercooling radiator and eight fans. Nevertheless, we would have liked to have at least one fan as standard… Just to match this “Airflow” denomination, as it is, it looks a bit stained.
Corsair 2000D Airflow:
We liked:
- The very pleasant monolithic design
- The control panel on which you can plug two USB keys
- The possibility of installing up to eight fans
- Its compatibility with a 360 mm watercooling radiator
- Support for triple slot graphics cards
- Its coherent pricing
We liked less:
- The lack of rigidity of the chassis when the fan plate is removed
- The not always obvious wiring
- The clear lack of a standard fan
- The perfectible insulation (but we are facing mesh panels)
- The lack of accessibility of the video outputs and the motherboard connectors
At the end of this test, we choose to award the bronze to this 2000D Airflow from Corsair. The case has a number of annoying drawbacks, such as the lack of access to the motherboard’s I/O connections. Similarly, the lack of a fan will be a real problem for cooling, fortunately it is easily overcome. Fortunately, the pricing is consistent and it is a permissive model in ventilation/watercooling… So maybe we can wire the configuration!
A big thank you to Corsair!
