The Corsair 2000D Airflow
The Corsair 2000D Airflow is a unique small form factor (SFF) case that offers some interesting features for its size. With a tall and slim profile, mesh panels on all sides, and support for 360mm all-in-one (AIO) liquid coolers, it pushes the boundaries of what's possible in a small chassis.
Corsair refers to the 2000D Airflow as a 'tower-class' SFF case, and rightfully so. It can accommodate high-end hardware, including full-size, three-slot GPUs up to 14.37 inches long. This is a significant step up from other SFF cases like the Asus Cube N180, which can only fit two-slot GPUs.
In addition to its GPU support, the 2000D Airflow also stands out with its ability to accommodate 360mm AIO liquid coolers. This is quite rare in SFF-style cases, as most usually only support 240mm AIOs or require an adapter for a 120mm AIO. The case can also hold up to three 2.5-inch storage drives, although only two can be used out of the box. The included SSD mounts on the back of the motherboard tray need to be removed to install the power supply.
Specifications
Here are the specifications of the Corsair 2000D Airflow:
While the 2000D Airflow may be relatively expensive for an SFF case, it offers unparalleled support for high-end components.
Some suggestions for improvement include adding support for full-size power supply units (PSUs) and making it easier to obtain a third SSD mount. It's worth noting that the case requires an SFX PSU, which mounts onto an included bracket. While the bracket facilitates PSU installation, it reduces the available space for cables.
On the front panel, there are I/O connections at the bottom and a front I/O panel with various ports. While this design makes it easier to connect accessories, it does not provide a dedicated space for a USB thumb drive or WiFi receiver.
Design
The Corsair 2000D Airflow features mesh side panels, allowing for superb airflow and easy component access. While this design may be less elegant than cases with a single glass side panel, it effectively showcases the components inside.
Measuring 14.9 x 8.7 x 14.9 inches (H x W x D) and weighing 7.7 pounds, the 2000D Airflow's tall, square form factor enables it to fit into various environments. However, it may require some adjustments to accommodate it on a table or shelf.
The case also has I/O connections at the bottom and a front I/O panel with various ports. Corsair includes a low-profile AC power cable adapter, which is particularly useful due to the unique position of the power supply.
Cooling
The Corsair 2000D Airflow can be cooled using either air or liquid cooling configurations. For optimal air cooling, it is recommended to orient the cooler so that the fan exhausts the air through the front of the case. This setup effectively pushes hot air out of the top of the case while drawing in cool air through the mesh panels on the side and front.
The most ideal configuration, however, is to use liquid cooling with the fans pushing the air through the radiator directly outside of the case. This ensures that the components inside the chassis remain cool without drawing excessive attention to the case.
Overall, the Corsair 2000D Airflow is a solid SFF case capable of effectively cooling even the most thermally demanding consumer CPUs and GPUs. Its unique features set it apart from the competition and enhance the overall user experience.
