Name: Fractal Design Core 500
Brand: Fractal Design
SKU: AR201506170101
Price: 94.94 EUR
Availability: OutOfStock
Rating: 8 (8 reviews)

Very good case for a compact gamer setup

Let's start with the negative points before moving on to the positive ones :-)
- Soundproofing: I searched for a long time which hard drive I could put inside, and I chose a WD Red 1Tb (WD10EFRX) which is quite discreet for this enclosure. I also tested the WD Green 1Tb (WD10EZRX) and it was unbearable (warning: I am a big noise freak).
- The fan is quite noisy but I think it was defective (thanks LDLC for exchanging it for a voucher!)
- The case does not have an ATX/SFX adapter: I had to cut an aluminium plate to do it myself

The case does not have an ATX/SFX adapter: I had to cut an aluminium plate to make it myself. I have to know that this case requires a compromise between the length of the graphics card and the length of the power supply: I put a Corsair SF450 modular power supply (SFX format) which is 10 cm deep, and I have 3 cm of margin between the power supply cables and the back of my graphics card.

That being said, let's move on to the (crazy) advantages of this Core 500 :-)
- a crazy space to put the CPU fan you want: personally I put the Zalman FX70 which is a kind of passive monster... and it fits!
- A 140mm fan that is located 1cm behind the FX70 and acts as a case fan and CPU fan
- A crazy length and height to fit any dual slot graphics card!
- a really neat finish, with silentblocks to fix the hard drives, a very complete set of screws and dust filters

As you can see, this case is a very good choice for a semi-passive configuration where only the big 140mm fan would be running permanently (get a PWM so that it runs even slower!). For the rest the Zalman FX70 keeps my Core i3-6320 at 25°C idle and 38°C under load. With a semi-passive graphics card and a semi-passive power supply, it is the hard drive that makes the most noise in my configuration!

Global rating

8/10

based on 8 reviews Editorial and moderation guide

63%
5 reviews
25%
2 reviews
0%
13%
1 review
0%

by JoeBAR85
Posted on 17 Oct 2019

Product bought from LDLC on 9 Oct 2019

Number of reviews: 4 Average rating: 8

Almost flawless, formidable ...

... but you have to like to spend a bit more time than an ATX on installation.
Especially for HDDs. I mounted 4 of them on the side slots, the war to connect all this little world. Almost impossible with the connectors facing each other.
I oriented the connections of the 2 SSDs to the outside and it went like that, it's still a handkerchief.

But what a nice result!

I'm taking off one star because there could be a fan on the front panel. At least to inject some coolness. According to your configuration, it would be the only one lol
I personally put everything in extraction
I'm not worried about the temperature but I can't judge in summer O:)

I remember : Super compact, super sturdy, hyper optimized to the mm
I'm not sure what to do with it, but I'm sure it's a good idea to use it.

It's really compatible with a 240mm watercooling rad at the top.

Beware of your standard power supply (like 150*160) which can strongly hinder the installation of even medium-sized graphics cards.
Ideally, the whole bundle should start on the right side with the fan at the bottom.
I had to mount an old PSU upside down because of this. So it takes the air in the case, not cool at all but not anticipated costs so it will wait ^^
I'm going to mount a 2060 mini to save some space and to be able to put the power supply in the right way. I'll keep you posted.

PS: forget the optical drive unless you don't need to take advantage of the 2nd fan slot on top.

Review automatically translated
by Fabrice V
Posted on 11 Mar 2018

Product bought from LDLC on 21 Dec 2017

Number of reviews: 4 Average rating: 9

Good box, spacious with some limitations

The negative
It is an open case that does not provide any soundproofing.
It is a spacious case (everything is relative), which in the case of a DD + BR configuration does not leave enough space to slide the sata cables between the elements (by forcing it to go through).
The structure on the opposite side of the card (not visible on the LDLC photos) could have allowed the sata layers to pass through in a way that would have been more adaptable to the orientation of the connectors.
I highly recommend a modular power supply, a graphics card that is not of maximum length... And method to get everything in... then put it under the desk to limit the noise of operation.

Review automatically translated
by Christian B
Posted on 14 Sep 2017

Product bought from LDLC on 15 Aug 2017

Number of reviews: 3 Average rating: 6

Quality of finish to be improved

For a brand that claims to be Premium, the quality of the finish leaves something to be desired.
2 of the 4 screws that tighten the cover to the body were so tight that I had to use pliers to loosen them. These screws were forced in because the holes on the cover are not opposite those on the body (or vice versa).
I contacted LDLC customer service who were not really helpful. It was confirmed that I could keep only 2 screws to hold the cover, checking that there is no vibration that appears.

As for the rest, the case is pretty much well designed. There is an intermediate power cable to connect the power output to a remote socket on the case. The shape of the plug forces a loop which puts this cable under strain; reversing the angle of the cable socket would have avoided bending it forcibly.

Don't expect cable management to clear the area between the motherboard and the fan (especially the top one if you add one) perfectly. On the other hand, given the small size of the case, you have to accept the compromise.

2 stars only because the price/performance ratio is not there.

Review automatically translated
by gambol
Posted on 29 Aug 2017

Product bought from LDLC on 8 Jul 2017

Number of reviews: 10 Average rating: 8

Very good case for a compact gamer setup

Let's start with the negative points before moving on to the positive ones :-)
- Soundproofing: I searched for a long time which hard drive I could put inside, and I chose a WD Red 1Tb (WD10EFRX) which is quite discreet for this enclosure. I also tested the WD Green 1Tb (WD10EZRX) and it was unbearable (warning: I am a big noise freak).
- The fan is quite noisy but I think it was defective (thanks LDLC for exchanging it for a voucher!)
- The case does not have an ATX/SFX adapter: I had to cut an aluminium plate to do it myself

The case does not have an ATX/SFX adapter: I had to cut an aluminium plate to make it myself. I have to know that this case requires a compromise between the length of the graphics card and the length of the power supply: I put a Corsair SF450 modular power supply (SFX format) which is 10 cm deep, and I have 3 cm of margin between the power supply cables and the back of my graphics card.

That being said, let's move on to the (crazy) advantages of this Core 500 :-)
- a crazy space to put the CPU fan you want: personally I put the Zalman FX70 which is a kind of passive monster... and it fits!
- A 140mm fan that is located 1cm behind the FX70 and acts as a case fan and CPU fan
- A crazy length and height to fit any dual slot graphics card!
- a really neat finish, with silentblocks to fix the hard drives, a very complete set of screws and dust filters

As you can see, this case is a very good choice for a semi-passive configuration where only the big 140mm fan would be running permanently (get a PWM so that it runs even slower!). For the rest the Zalman FX70 keeps my Core i3-6320 at 25°C idle and 38°C under load. With a semi-passive graphics card and a semi-passive power supply, it is the hard drive that makes the most noise in my configuration!

Review automatically translated
by Olivier F
Posted on 29 Jul 2017

Product bought from LDLC on 11 Jul 2017

Number of reviews: 5 Average rating: 8

Good box

This box was bought in promotion at a price defying all competition. It is still excellent and good value for money even without the promotion. It is of good quality, the sheet metal is thick, the shock absorbers for the hard drives are quite efficient. The volume is perfect and it is capable of carrying a good confiq. The volume is perfect and it is capable of carrying a good amount of power. I use it in a modest and fanless configuration, it is perfect for this role.

Review automatically translated

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General information	Product name	Fractal Design Core 500
	Brand	Fractal Design Fractal Design
	Model	FD-CA-CORE-500-BK
Main characteristics	Graphic card max. length	310 mm
	Max height CPU fan	170 mm
	Power format	ATX/EPS
	Case format	Mini tower
	Use	Office
	Material	Aluminum
	Motherboard format	Mini ITX
	Power supply supplied	No
Design	Case color	Black
	Front color	Black
	Glass	No
	LED RGB	No
	Water cooling compatible	Yes
Expansion slots	Number of PCI slots	2
	Low profile	No
	Number of visible 3.5" slots	0
	Number of invisible 3.5" slots	3
	Number of 2.5" slots	3
	Number of 2.5"/3.5" slots	0
	Number of visible 5.25" slots	1
	Number of invisible 5.25" slots	0
	Number of Slot-in slim 5.25'' slots	0
	Number of Slim 5.25'' slots	0
Front connectivity	Location of expansion ports	Front
	Connector(s) available	1 X Headphone (3.5mm Jack Female)
		1 X Microphone (3.5mm Jack Female)
		2 X USB 3.0
Cooling	Number of rear fan(s) slots	1 X 120 or 140mm
	Quantity of rear fan(s) supplied	1
	Number of above fan(s) slots	2 X 120 or 140mm
	Quantity of above fan(s) supplied	0
Water cooling	AIO radiator compatibility	120mm radiator
		140mm radiator
		240mm radiator
		280mm radiator
	Above AIO slot(s)	120mm radiator
		140mm radiator
		240mm radiator
		280mm radiator
	Rear AIO slot(s)	120mm radiator
Physical characteristics	Width	250 mm
	Height	219 mm
	Depth	367 mm
	Weight	4.4 kg
	Volume	20.1 l
Warranties	Commercial warranty	Seller 3 years
Warranties	Legal warranty	See terms & conditions

Fractal Design Core 500

Mini Tower Case

Overview

Specifications

Customer reviews

General information

Product name

Brand

Model

Main characteristics

Graphic card max. length

Max height CPU fan

Power format

Case format

Use

Material

Motherboard format

Power supply supplied

Design

Case color

Front color

Glass

LED RGB

Water cooling compatible

Expansion slots

Number of PCI slots

Low profile

Number of visible 3.5" slots

Number of invisible 3.5" slots

Number of 2.5" slots

Number of 2.5"/3.5" slots

Number of visible 5.25" slots

Number of invisible 5.25" slots

Number of Slot-in slim 5.25'' slots

Number of Slim 5.25'' slots

Front connectivity

Location of expansion ports

Connector(s) available

Cooling

Number of rear fan(s) slots

Quantity of rear fan(s) supplied

Number of above fan(s) slots

Quantity of above fan(s) supplied

Water cooling

AIO radiator compatibility

Above AIO slot(s)

Rear AIO slot(s)

Physical characteristics

Width

Height

Depth

Weight

Volume

Warranties

Commercial warranty

Legal warranty

Almost flawless, formidable ...

Good box, spacious with some limitations

Quality of finish to be improved

Very good case for a compact gamer setup

Good box