Fractal Design Core 500 Review | New ITX Case King!

[@augurseer]

Bought and built a system using this chassis today. Dec 22nd 2019. Was very nice. front IO cables were annoying and the placement of the cutouts for some cables wasnt perfect. But still a fantastic build and chassis. Really enjoying.

[@nixtc]

2020 and at 49€ this case is still a steal and very capable.

[@jo05dk]

It's a really good case. I got mine last week, and have been very happy with it. What convinced me to go for it is that it houses both standard atx psu and a good tower cooler, and doesn't take up much space. Room for a long gfx isn't needed atm, but it's nice to know it's there if i decide to go big:)

[@MegaHakim88]

man your reviews really show solid background knowledge and research. keep it up

[@danielkerber8667]

Just built with this case. Decent overall. But for crying out lout some of those screws were in there damn hard. Had to get a power drill with a screwbit to unscrew a couple on the fronst so I could detach the 5 inch bay. Also had to detach the back fan to fit a huge power cooler. I would also HIGHLY recommend an SFX power supply. Gives a lot more room to work with. Full size will work but will likely compromise the videocard length.

[@Eshcole]

Another awesome vid Dmitry! Safe to say ITX cases have a come a long way, just like the motherboards of the same size. I can't wait till I can build an ITX system for a family member, media center, or a live streaming PC.

[@QuestionmarkX3]

Seems like you glossed over things a bit Dimitri, but still a solid review.

[@Soso64bit]

+QuestionmarkX3 agreed, would be nice to know which components he used and why. I guess it was just a simple case review, but I like when reviewers go into detail of the hardware used.

[@flagmuffin1221]

+Soso64bit That's exactly it - a case review. He has no need to go into what hardware he used. You can see what he used most of the time anyway - you don't really need to know what the motherboard, CPU, HDD/SSD or PSU he used since they are mostly always the same. Cooling he should cover because that takes up space.

[@JonathanKing9608]

this has to be the best ITX case I have ever seen, if and when I ever build a ITX system I will use this case no doubt about it. I wonder if a 140mm radiator on the back and a 280mm radiator at the top will fit together in the case at the same time?

[@Derkle]

Its really not that small. Like sure, its smaller than a mini ATX, but not by much. I feel like it kind of defeats the purpose of an ITX build. The Ncase m1 was much more impressive for dual rad mini ITX case.

[@0criticalHit]

+LightHawk000 have you ever even seen a 250D? for 60$ this case gives you better heatsink clearance than the 250D, and a longer gpu support. The 250D has the psu mounted under the motherboard, how does the layout lok even remotely similar?

[@ThePolulos]

+Jonathan King (lNomNoml) I think the Best would be Entho Evolv ITX

[@racer3822]

No long GPU support with nCase m1

[@clwoni1414]

Good video. Balanced specs. All in all well done Dimitri

[@CheungyNSX]

I bought this case last week and found that it's probably easier to manage some of your cables by routing them around the front of the frame (assuming that you're not utilising the removable 3.5" and 5.25" drive cage. There's always a way around it, it's just that you need to use your imagination

[@tr233]

I love Fractal design Core 500 its well engineered technology , like somebody did read my mind. The only thing which always do is to install a cooler for memory in this case it will be between powersupply and motherboard this is a right spot for this!

[@mangapc]

I agree this is the new ITX King. Fractal Design does it again with a awesome case design.

[@OniMuesashi]

I'm very happy with my HAF X but sometimes I wish it was that small so I can just put it in my car and take it with me easily.

[@erockrufiero]

Always great videos, sexy case too! Thank you HardwareCanucks!

[@SaKuLification]

Why no Support for an external Slim (Slot-In) drive. That would make so much more sense as it could be mounted behind the front panel only sacrificing one SSD and still keeping the inside clear for cables or a 240 radiator.

[@MrJibJub13]

this case looks awesome!! wish it came out a year ago when i built a itx system for my friend

[@Grumpy_Wolf]

Was previously using the fractal node 304, and loved it, but it lacked good cooling. I discovered this case when rebuilding my pc for ryzen, should be getting it in the mail today along with a 240mm water cooler, can't wait :D

[@SeBeck]

The cases I have aren't small or cheap but they look and perform great. One is a Lian-Li PC-O5S and the other one is a CaseLabs Mercury S3 (water cooled).

[@JayEff97]

Silverstone RVZ02 please. Mine is one the way but I want to know your thoughts about it. Thanks! :)

[@martopad]

+JayEff97 Oh my please please please

[@bubusbus1]

+JayEff97 He had done a review of it on Vessel with a [7-day exclusive] to it. Note: It was uploaded 4 days ago, so it should be coming to youtube in a couple more days.

[@dclifford23]

Nice to see that the 5 1/4" bracket still fits with an H105 installed. I don't love that cutout for a 5 1/4" bay, so I would probably put some sort of shallow 5 1/4" accessory in there. Does anyone know how deep this bracket is?

[@jensdanbolt6953]

It is quite deep, but removable.

[@jeremymtc]

I like my CM Elite 130s just fine. I built my first one as an HTPC, and liked it so much that I built a desktop from one too. Lack of included dust filters on the 130 are the only con vs. this Fractal, whereas I can run full-sized PSUs and GPUs without issue in the 130. I don't see the Fractal bringing much new here.

[@Thoyalogen]

Fantastic stuff. I'm wanting to go mITX for a FX trading bot system to run 24/7. I have been looking for the ideal case for a couple of days now and I think this is the one I will go with. Time to free up my main rig from running 24/7!

[@majdakalac9979]

If you're going for such a "big" case you might as well get yourself a mAtx MB, will offer more expansion slots.

[@SoundFX09]

I have been considering an ITX Build, and while the Core 500 Does an impressive Job, I still am more interested in the Silverstone ML07B. Awesome work though!

[@mrKozmoz]

I recommended this case in that NV 950 600 buck build, great price to feature ratio.

[@JhonBryl]

Would you mind reviewing the Thermaltake N21 mid tower case? I would love to see your comments about it, since this is the best channel in making reviews so far in my opinion.

[@birdlegs846]

I used this case for my mini itx build back in 2019 and really like it! I wanted to buy another core 500 to build a PC for my nephew but I'm wondering if fractal might of discontinued it? out of stock at the online stores I checked.

[@pettingsoftly]

I spent $40 on the Rosewill Neutron about a month ago and would be too much of a hassle to return, but otherwise I would definitely go for this case at $60

[@sn95leen]

Excellent, I've been waiting to see reviews on this case; thanks for doing one. I already have my itx build in this case, and I absolutely love it. Although coming from a large form factor build in an R5, cable management took additional patience. My only complaint about the case is the 5.25" cut out. The front panel would look much cleaner w/out it, especially given where 5.25 inch drives are in their life time. Regarding the front IO cable frustration mentioned at 4:15 - I routed mine outside of the interior, starting at the front panel and taking them along the upper/outer drive mounts. They flow nicely to the rear of the motherboard from there. And I did the same w/my sata cables. Instead of going across the interior along the motherboard, I routed mine behind the front panel, then along the outer drive mounts. This freed up a bit of interior space.

[@TheJacobshapiro]

IMO the SG13 and Elite 130 both do a better job in a similar form factor.

[@samet7422]

SG13 has terrible ventilation and cooling. Core V1 is small and it has great cooling.

[@untoldstory164]

Hardware support on this one tho. Sg-13 is capable up to 61mm of air cooler height while this can do up to 170mm. Depends really on what your after. I personally would go with this.

[@YoItsM0]

If you use an SFX power supply (as truly intended) i believe the SG13 can support roughly 125mm cooler actually

[@untoldstory164]

@@YoItsM0 when you put it that way. You are right.

[@shadeofficial524]

Great video. Did the power supply mesh have a dust filter as well?

[@MrGamegeek55]

At 2:18 I saw the logitech g633 spectrum which hasnt come out yet, are you going to do a review on them soon?

[@EposVox]

Nice job.

[@jamescraig7200]

+EposVox Iv'e seen you before but i don't know where?

[@EposVox]

James Craig Okay

[@insooleedat1asiandude]

+James Craig he makes youtube videos maybe thats how

[@AstroTrain100]

Hey Dmitry any chance you could review the IN WIN A1?

[@OxKing]

I like the front part of my CM Elite 130 with the 3 USB better, but beside of that this is an amazing ITX Case and i really like the modularity of it. Also dust filters, that i have to get separately for my case. If i had to do a new ITX Build i think i would go with that.

[@liangr]

I wish there was no 5.25 cutout.. Maybe a vertical orientation slot load next year?

[@liangr]

Sometimes as HTPC people still buy blurays so it's nice to have the option.

[@EDDSWORLDMEGAFAN]

You guys gotta start putting the music you use for your reviews up for availability or at least a link so we can listen to it or something

[@MarcelRobitaille]

definitely want to do an it build at some point. I want to plop it down next to my friend who thinks his Alienware laptop is cool.

[@jaynj908]

I built in this case the stock 140mm fan is an intake. I could not connect my audio jack. I am going to add a cpu water cooler (Deepcool).

[@JayzBeerz]

why no air intake fan?

[@renatorodrigues178]

Please review Cougar QBX. It's not a Ncase M1, but looks like it does the job for only $80.

[@DeilGrist]

Why make this build with negative-pressure when you have got to know that it leads to dust buildup because it pulls in unfiltered air? I think Skylake is efficient enough that you wouldn't have to work about the hot air causing anything to overheat. You could also go with a blower-style card to help keep internal temps down.

[@bhgemini]

I know I'm late, but could tell me what type of screwdriver you used to get those 4 overtighted drive bay screws out? I have tried 16 so far. The heads are soft, shallow, and will not move, and are starting to strip. I've used PH0 to PH2, My Ifixit kit, pen oil, and even small flat heads,

[@wtfbshax]

I like the look of this, Would you pick this over the Corsair 250D now?

[@iamthefoetus]

thermaltake core p5 case! need to see what you guys think about it!

[@Rejor111]

I wish I could like the Fractal 500, but I am looking for something a bit more solid. I travel a lot and would like something that has aluminum enclosures, not plastic. I've been considering cases from JONSBO, but they don't seem very good for cooling purposes. Maybe something else from Fractal or Silverstone?

[@DrMacintosh]

I think Elite 130 is a better case. For only $35 it does all the same stuff. It can also fit a nice rad in the front if you want. Also got tons of SSD storage options

[@HipocratesR]

Kinda makes me want to go there, but I still prefer the Phanteks Enthoo mini ITX, Although this one can use some awesome mods if someone wit the right tools adds windows and cuts few parts while adding Vinyl.

[@warin7214]

this case was great, however mounting the 4th screw in the psu was impossible for me and routing the extension cable to my seasonic x650 psu was a pain. also beware putting giant air coolers in this baby, its tough

[@GODDAMNLETMEJOIN]

I made the mistake of using a big ol' air cooler in this case. Got it all in eventually, but it was cramped.

[@shrikant444]

I'll be building This case next week

[@1Triton]

Finally a case that can fit inside my bag (looking at you phantek evolv) and house my 280mm radiator. And at a good price for $60 (ahem N1)

[@brandonthecloser]

Can you please add pc partpicker for this build because I'm interested in this for my next build. Thanks, and great job on the vids

[@saucyk8022]

yes you are right about installing the panel its a pain in the arse

[@L4CHI3]

dimitri you have such a wonderful accent, please don't ruin it by saying aluminium incorrectly!

[@michaelashton8754]

I already have an Arc Midi R2 PC (GTX980, H100i cooled i5-4690k) but as I'm going to uni I need a much smaller PC case.. Currently stuck between the awesome tiny form factor of the Fractal Node 202 and this one, which is cheaper and I could fit my AIO cooler inside. It's annoying as size really is crucial for me.

[@UniversalGamer647]

I actually have an itx build and i just put an R9 280 in it. I have the coolermaster elite 130 case. here are the specs. It has a 6800k richland APU, gigaybyte F2a88xn wifi mobo, corsair h55 all in one water cooler for the cpu. An old 700 watt power supply and 8 gigs of corsair vengeance pro ram at 2133. and 2 terabytes of hard drive space :). I need to get my other hard drive replaced in there so i can have 4 terabytes :D lol.

[@shivanthas]

what is the brand and model of the screwdriver used in the video?

[@Trophyon]

My 2nd rig is an ITX one and I went with the Corsair obsidian 250D since I have the 750D as main, and I absolutely love the 250D. This fractal one looks OK, but the logics of placement etc doesnt do it for me.

[@dunnyguy69]

now if you were to go with the corsair h80i cooler and a single fan next to it would it still interfere with the 5.25 drive bay?

[@orangemarmaladesky]

Can you turn that 140mm fan around to intake air? That seems better than having all the fans blowing out.

[@orangemarmaladesky]

Well that's fairly easily and cheaply solved with a aftermarket magnetic dust filter.

[@profilename1337]

this looks like the best fractal case yet, I can't wait to see what their next update in the define r series is like

[@Rebel1280]

How does this compare in size to the Cooler Master Elite 130? Seems a little bigger.

[@ceh4702]

The SFX power supply adapter plate is cenered, Why cant the power supply be designed to be higher by making it mountable to put the power supply higher or lower. Is it possible to bottom mount a ssd/M.1 drive.

[@insooleedat1asiandude]

dats a sick build!

[@yojgee]

I want to build one just to satisfy my adventure to simplicity. I'm also kinda sick with my gaming fridge.

[@weznation3009]

just had a quick question about the NZXT NOTIC 450 and the NZXT H440 what case would you recommend witch case is better??

[@saucyk8022]

does the fan that comes with the case just connect to the motherboard and thats it

[@chakra2380]

are there any itx cases that are compatible with full sized power supply units?

[@DoomWalker42]

I just wanted to double check that this fits a full sized air cooler like the Cooler Master 212 Hyper EVO? I'm looking for a mini itx case to use to transplant my current parts into a small build by downgrading my video card potentially. Many thanks in advance!

[@nateymcgeeleet7058]

CM Hyper 212 EVO is 159mm tall and the case supports up to 170mm tall CPU cooler so your good for the transplant!

[@DoomWalker42]

Thank you! I am still torn between what case to get. I am interested in the BitFenix Prodigy M at the moment. So many choices! If I get the BitFenix case then I don't need to get a Mini-Itx motherboard cause mine is already macro size.

[@DoomWalker42]

+NateyMcGee Leet I have a new question!! Will the Cooler Master 212 Hyper EVO fit along side a Corsair CW-9060007-WW Hydro Series H60 High Performance 120 mm Rad All-in-One Liquid CPU Cooler? I want to use that to cool my GPU because my Cooler Master 212 Hyper EVO is cooling my CPU. Many thanks in advance!! Sorry for the trouble.

[@nateymcgeeleet7058]

It will fit if you put the H60 towards the front where the CD drive/HDD bracket goes.

[@RichardCallaby]

Is there a parts list associated with this video? I am curious as I would like to build one of these myself.

[@big_yoshi01]

@OvAeons It uses negative airflow get it all vents have dust filters and...

[@KebabsRock1997]

So a 2x140mm radiator means no space for a drive bay right?

[@gabrielbaadsvikcallanan9046]

What graphics card did he use? Im planning to use a gtx 970 strix will it fit?

[@knowledge225]

Could you pleas review the thermal take core v31 as it is a great case on a budget but I would love a good quality review

[@TheGooznooz]

How does this case compare to the node 304. I'm looking for a good mITX case and hoping to fit a 308mm graphics card in it with decent looking cable management. Which one would be better, they are both very similarso it makes it a hard choice. Thanks.

[@lolunderstated533]

Pass on this one btw guys and get the cooler master 130. I just built my system in this core 500 and i wanted to love it so badly but its a complete pain to build in this thing. The panel is a pain in the ass to get back on right as was stated in the video and If you have a full sized modular psu you cant install a gpu, which you can do on a cm elite 130. Sure my fault maybe for not looking too in depth at what you can and cant do with a full sized psu, but its ridiculous that an aged 35 dollar case can do what this one cant. Get the 130 unless you absolutely have to go with a fractal case.

[@nateymcgeeleet7058]

You can use a non modular 170mm PSU or 160mm modular PSU with a 310mm GPU so what are you talking about you cant install a GPU with an ATX PSU?

[@lolunderstated533]

+NateyMcGee Leet Most people i know have modular psu's. Btw I tried stuffing 3 atx power supplies in there one of which was non modular and not long at all and i still had to rub my gpu against the cords coming out of the psu. Ill say the core 500 has better airflow and probably better quality than the cm 130 but it doesn't fully offer full atx psu compatibility with a long gpu for about 90 percent of people out there. I tried to make this case work without having to resort to buying an sfx but alas for my needs i just couldn't. My 970 was forced to rub against every psu i put in there, all of them varying ion length.

[@nateymcgeeleet7058]

That sucks to hear I might get the Define Nano S now, thanks for the explanation.

[@lolunderstated533]

imgur.com/a/kx7QN check this out No problem and personally i wish the define nano as out when i was in the market for an itx case because the nano is far superior to this core 500. At least i found an alternate use for my core 500, it was re purposed as my secondary gaming rig which houses my i7 5775c and 1tb ssd, good enough to play league and some fps. Just take off the outside panel, drill holes on the frame to line up with your motherboard stand-off holes, zip ties through the holes you drilled, and viola, you have the worlds smallest open air full size atx chassis, which sadly holds more drives than my corsair 600c, which is a full tower. Everything is secure and ive grown quite fond of it. As an itx case, it sucks really badly if you want to fit enthusiast components, but as a makeshift atx cube, its actually is damn good and looks pretty snazzy imo. I know some people would think its hideous but hey, different strokes for different folks. It doesn't accumulate as much dust as my main rig in my corsair 600c or my other system in my define r5 which is weird seeing as its open air.

[@nateymcgeeleet7058]

Lmao that's awesome. You wont have any temp issues for sure.

[@DanielDTUBWeinberger]

knowing how i only use one pci slot and 2 ram slots, and like small form factor atm, im still wondering why i went ATX when i upgraded to my e3 1230 v3 .-.

[@Lincscd]

Nice case I'm looking to build my own small pc.

[@romayojr]

Cooler Master beat Fractal to the punch in the mini itx department. My HTPC is still rockin CM 130 and lovin it!

[@eddietim]

is this thing bigger overall compared to the node 304 ?

[@b16crxt]

How would you compare this to the Node 304?

[@Toby-pw9ge]

What screwdriver is that that he uses in this vid?

[@thesuremen]

i like this case & prefer using fractal design core 500 itx case over this coolermaster elite 130 because can fit CPU cooler from AIR up to 170mm or 280mm radiator liquid AIO cooler. the benefit is the power supply move to the front on bottom. suggest using SFX slimmer power supply because shorter cables. my 1st from late 2016, asus z170i, i7-6700k, hyper 212 evo cooler, corsair 16gb DDR4, 500gb SATA SSD with dvd drive & silverstone 450w SFX PSU & windows 10 home. waited on GPU until mid-2017 lead to shortage from bitcoin mining. id had corsiar h60 cpu cooler but switch because went to family member because upgrade over their windows XP on it. idle at low 30 C & never goes more then 40 C because light workload with only watch youtube video. 2nd, in nov. 2018, asus z370i, i7-8700k, be quiet dark pro 4 cooler, corsair 16gb ddr4, 250gb nvme SSD, 4tb nas backup drive, corsiar SFX 600w power supply & evga geforce gtx 1060 6gb ssc, windows 10 pro. my 8700k was delid & temp are down ~10 C. idle in low 20 C & never got higher under load 60 C. the gtx 1060 GPU has reach ~ 74 C. & still quiet. itx case build is smaller space & know on limited expansion & space for installation. you can turn up front side up & remove screws & look like the "black" mac pro desktop but more upgrade.

[@davideastham]

Like the case but, I love my Cooler Master Elite 130. I got it for $49

[@nateymcgeeleet7058]

What are temps like in a case that has only a 140mm exhaust? I wont be using a rad at the top for my CPU but will try to fit my Bequite Pure Rock if possible.

[@nateymcgeeleet7058]

Just checked out the specs. This case is perfect for my Bequite Pure Rockcpu cooler, Seasonic M12II ATX psu, WD Blue 1TB HDD/250GB SSD and R9 380X gpu!

[@Wanooknox]

I wanna know if this thing could take the beefy girth of a full sized Hyper 212 Evo.

[@anticholinergic09]

waiting for mine to arrive!

[@BaselBannoud]

You have configured all fans for exhaust! Is that wise?

[@PyromancerRift]

air will intake naturally from all the holes of the case to compensate the lack of pressure inside the case compared to outside. If you do only intake fans the air will exhaust from all the holes to compensate too. Doing only intake with dust filtered fans will help a lot to keep the system dustproof as the air will get out from the tiny holes and the dust cant inter by here.

[@cyberlocc]

That and rads should never be exhaust. They need the coldest air they can get, that rad should be intake and I would flat out remove the rear fan or put a very slow one.

[@JayzBeerz]

Just got this case and the motherboard rear IO doesn't sit flush. Poor quality control on FD part.

[@ygolohcysp8755]

Where can I buy dust filters?

[@ImWagyu]

I've been looking to move to ITX cause I can't take my Entho Primo with me anywhere. Is this a good case for taking on the road? Or should I look at different options.

[@kazauta]

+DrWayger Try looking up the Corsair Graphite 380t if you're gonna be taking a computer around.

[@fridericusrex9812]

This case would l cool with a NZXT Sentry 3 fan control in the front.

[@faiazhalim9674]

Cooler master v850 is modular but 170mm in length, it'll conflict with gpu in this case right? :/

[@phil-l]

Please zoom out when viewing the products, close up shots are cool, but not always better

[@DoomWalker42]

Hey guys, how do you put this lid back on? I have made a mini itx gaming rig in this case and the lid won't fit on! The screw holes won't line up with the holes on the enclosure lid? I don't have too many cables in the way and it should close but I can't figure out the mechanism and the manual was atrocious! Any help would be really appreciated!!

[@jayden9818]

Hammer

[@DoomWalker42]

lol

[@DoomWalker42]

I managed to close the lid but now I opened it again cause I Want to remove the radiator bracket so I can do some proper cable management. Getting good temps but worried about wasting space for better air flow inside the case. My only problem is that 3 of the 4 screws for the mounting bracket are too tight to remove. I have a normal Philips-head screw driver and the first one came off just fine. Wondering what went wrong and maybe if I got a faulty case with the screws soldered onto the case. The manual says the bracket is removable for ease of access so it should work okay and that screw driver undid all the other screws so I don't see why I am having this problem. Any advice? Just lost my multi-bit screw driver as well! :( that might have done the trick.

[@GameHead]

I'd still go with the Carbide 100R

[@groothelion9321]

Hi, I konw I'm late for this. But I got one question that I need anwer as fast as possible. Can it fit a 2,5 slot graphic card? (Looking at the new GTX 1080 Ti Asus Rog edition)

[@michaelneal2062]

my only question is will it fit a corsair h110i gtx 280mm rad

[@lolakyle8]

Lian-Li TU100 with R9 Nano would be awesome :D

[@crazycanadian7223]

I don't get why people fret about visible wiring in non-windowed cases. And I don't mean non-organised wiring, I mean organised but visible wiring. Nobody's gonna see it except for maintenance, and basic cable organisation can be done competently in pretty much any case. What's the point?