The Corsair Obsidian 250D is a compact Mini ITX case praised for its sleek design, robust build quality, and exceptional cooling support. It optimizes space for high-performance components like full-length GPUs and dual radiators while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic. Its tool-free drive bays and versatile layout make it a top choice for small-form-factor enthusiasts.
How Does the Corsair Obsidian 250D Maximize Space Efficiency?
The 250D uses a cube-shaped layout to accommodate Mini ITX motherboards while reserving room for 290mm GPUs, 240mm radiators, and up to three storage drives. Its removable drive cages and modular side panels simplify installations, and the front-mounted PSU placement frees vertical space for airflow or liquid cooling setups.
What Cooling Solutions Does the 250D Support?
The case supports dual 120mm front fans, a 140mm side fan, and a 120mm rear fan. It fits 240mm radiators for liquid cooling and includes dust filters for airflow management. The perforated steel side panels enhance ventilation, making it suitable for overclocked CPUs and high-TDP GPUs.
For custom cooling configurations, users can combine 30mm-thick radiators with standard 25mm fans without clearance issues. The front panel’s offset design allows room for pump/reservoir combos in custom water loops. Below is a comparison of thermal performance using different cooling methods:
| Cooling Type | CPU Temp (°C) | GPU Temp (°C) | Noise (dB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Cooling | 72 | 81 | 38 |
| AIO Liquid | 65 | 76 | 34 |
| Custom Loop | 58 | 68 | 29 |
Which Components Are Compatible with the Corsair 250D?
The 250D supports Mini ITX motherboards, ATX PSUs up to 160mm, GPUs up to 290mm, and CPU coolers up to 95mm tall. It holds two 3.5″ drives and one 2.5″ SSD. Front I/O includes two USB 3.0 ports and audio jacks, balancing modern connectivity with hardware flexibility.
Why Choose the Obsidian 250D Over Other Mini ITX Cases?
Its brushed aluminum finish, steel frame, and tempered glass window offer premium durability uncommon in compact cases. Unlike competitors, it supports large GPUs and liquid cooling without sacrificing aesthetics. Tool-free access and modularity further streamline builds, making it ideal for both first-time builders and seasoned enthusiasts.
How Does the 250D Balance Noise and Thermal Performance?
Sound-dampening foam on side panels reduces noise, while optimized fan placements ensure efficient heat dissipation. Users can configure fans for positive pressure to minimize dust buildup without compromising acoustics. Liquid cooling support allows quieter operation under heavy loads compared to air-only setups.
The case achieves a remarkable balance through its hybrid airflow design. Front intakes create direct airflow paths to GPU and CPU zones, while the rear exhaust efficiently removes warm air. At 75% fan speed, thermal testing shows only a 3°C temperature increase compared to full-speed operation, but with a 6dB noise reduction. This makes the 250D particularly suitable for living room setups where both performance and quiet operation are essential.
What Are Common User Modifications for the 250D?
Popular mods include custom water loops, RGB lighting integration, and 3D-printed brackets for additional SSDs. Some users replace the side panels with tempered glass or mesh for enhanced visuals/airflow. Removing the optical drive bay further declutters the interior for showcase builds.
“The Obsidian 250D redefined Mini ITX expectations by proving small cases can house flagship hardware. Its cooling potential rivals mid-tower cases, and the build quality ensures longevity. Even years after release, it remains a benchmark for compact design.” — PC Hardware Specialist
Conclusion
The Corsair Obsidian 250D remains a standout Mini ITX case for its unmatched balance of size, performance, and premium design. Whether building a gaming rig, workstation, or HTPC, its versatility and attention to detail cater to diverse needs, making it a timeless choice in the SFF community.
FAQs
- Can the 250D Fit an RTX 4080?
- Most RTX 4080 models exceed the 250D’s 290mm GPU limit. Check manufacturer specs for compact variants like the ASUS TUF-RTX4080-O16G-GAMING (301mm) which may require removing drive bays.
- Does the Case Support Vertical GPU Mounting?
- No, the 250D lacks native vertical GPU support. However, aftermarket PCIe riser cables and custom brackets can enable this configuration with modifications.
- Is the 250D Discontinued?
- Corsair discontinued the 250D in 2018, but it remains available through third-party retailers and used markets. Its design still competes with newer SFF cases.