Corsair has been a leader in PC case design for a long time, making some of the most beloved models of the past. Recently rebranding their cases so that future releases match a number code, simplifying the buying process, the 4000D and 5000D are some of the company’s newest offerings.
Introduced in September of 2020, the 4000D introduced new features and technology to help with cooling while retaining a sleek, modern style. The 5000D built upon these innovations and bumped up the size, introducing more room for water-cooled or enthusiast rigs.
However, size is not the only change between these cases. Before beginning your build, there are some key differences between the Corsair 4000D and 5000D you should know.
Specifications
| Case | Corsair 4000D | Corsair 5000D |
|---|---|---|
| Design |  |  |
| Size | 48.55L (453mm x 230mm x 466mm) | 66.25L (520mm x 245mm x 520mm) |
| Fan Layout | 6x 120mm OR 4x 140mm (2x 120mm included) 1x 360mm front radiator OR 1x 280mm roof radiator | 10x 120mm OR 4x 140mm (2x 120mm included) 2x 360mm radiators |
| Drive Support | 2x 3.5in slots, 2x 2.5in slots | 2x 3.5in slots, 4x 2.5in slots |
| Maximum GPU Length | 360mm | 420mm |
| Maximum CPU Cooler Height | 170mm | 170mm |
| I/O | 1x USB 3.0, 1x Type C, 3.5mm combination audo/microphone jack | 2x USB 3.0, 1x Type C, 3.5mm combination audio/microphone jack |
| MSRP | $94.99 | $164.99 |
| Retailer | Amazon.com | Amazon.com |
An important note: Both the 4000D and 5000D are available in a few variants. Most notable are the AIRFLOW options, where the minimalist front panel is replaced by a mesh screen that improves airflow and cooling. The design specifications are the same for the basic models and the AIRFLOW models, but better temperatures can be expected in the slightly more expensive varieties.
Cooling – 5000D
Both of these cases excel at cooling, offering a number of fan and radiator placement options. However, due to its increased size and radiator support, the 5000D takes the lead here, featuring a total of 10 possible 120mm fan slots, 4x 140mm, and 2x 360mm radiator slots. In comparison, the 4000D includes a respectable 6x 120mm fan slots, 4x 140mm, and space for one radiator in 360mm, 280mm, or 240mm size.
The 5000D’s inclusion of motherboard tray fans is the largest difference in cooling ability between the two, opening up additional possibilities for water cooling. An additional radiator can also fit in the front of the case, and a push/pull 360mm fits in the top of the chassis. The 4000D still supports plenty of cooling setups, but its smaller size can become an issue with radiator placement. The case has space for only one at a time; either a 360mm radiator in the front or a 280mm radiator on top if low-profile RAM is used. Otherwise, it will only fit a 240mm radiator.
Both cases come equipped with effective and easy to clean dust filters on the top and bottom, featuring a small yellow tab matching Corsair’s style. It blends comfortably into the rest of the design, but the yellow may not appeal to some builders. The AIRFLOW variant is available for either case, featuring an attractive mesh screen instead of a solid steel front panel, significantly improving airflow.
Storage – 5000D
The 5000D again takes the lead here, fitting two extra 2.5in slots in the case. In total, the 5000D has space for six hard drives – two 3.5in HDDS and four 2.5in SSDs. The 4000D supports only four – two 3.5in HDDs and two 2.5in SSDs.
Across both cases, all storage bays are easily accessible with the back panel off, making installation and adjustments a breeze. Regardless of the variant chosen, the back panel is a solid steel plate.
Form Factor – 4000D
Those interested in a smaller footprint case have a clear winner in the 4000D. While still not a small case – it is firmly in the ATX mid-tower camp – it is positively dwarfed in size by the 5000D.
The 4000D has 48.55 liters of interior space and measures 453mm x 230mm x 466mm in size. In comparison, the 5000D has 66.25 liters of interior space and measures 520mm x 245mm x 520mm. The superior cooling capabilities of the 5000D are largely due to this increased space, so if the size is not a concern, it may still be a better option.
Even so, the 4000D is more than capable of supporting most builds. Custom water cooling is still possible, but working in the case may be more challenging than the 5000D. Both cases feature a nice cable management system with a 25mm recessed hidden channel for most wiring, making building easy. Improved cable management across both chassis also encourages better airflow and cleaner-looking builds.
GPU Compatibility – 5000D
Both of these cases can fit the best and biggest of new graphics cards, but the 5000D does so with a significant amount of extra room. The Corsair 4000D supports a maximum GPU length of 360mm, while the 5000D has room for 420mm cards.
For some context, the Founder’s Edition RTX 3090 has a length of 313mm. It will fit comfortably in either case, but performance may be improved in the 5000D thanks to the extra space for cooling. The cases are identical in supporting multiple 3 slot GPUs for SLI setups as well as vertical mounting.
I/O – 5000D
The I/O on both the 4000D and 5000D is modern and future-proofed, but the 5000D includes two USB 3.0 ports, putting it just ahead of the 4000D’s one. Both cases also include a singular type C port, power button, reset button, and combined audio/microphone jack.
All buttons and the yellow-colored USB ports sit flush against the top of the case, adding to the sleek overall look. Both cases support motherboards in Mini ITX, Micro ATX, ATX, and E-ATX sizes to fit any build inside. Expansion slots are identical across both cases, offering 7 rear slots and 2 vertical.
Price – 4000D
The 4000D’s MSRP of $94.99 places it among other mid-to-high tier cases. As the slightly older model, it can also be found cheaper than that among some retailers such as Amazon, where the 4000D is currently available for $84.99. For the price, it offers great value and aesthetics.
The 5000D is a steep increase to $164.99. For the price hike, builders get better I/O, expanded cooling options, and a much larger case. It is a great choice for enthusiasts and people looking for a high-end case, but the increased cost may be hard to justify for the average consumer.
Final Verdict
While the Corsair 4000D is a better budget option, the better cooling and additional space of the 5000D means further expansion in the future. It is a direct upgrade to the 4000D if size and price were not factors. With similar specifications across both cases, most builders will find the most value in the 4000D, but enthusiasts should embrace the 5000D’s extra space, increased storage capabilities, and improved I/O.
4000D & 5000D Alternatives
The Smaller, Budget Alternative: NZXT H510
The NZXT H510 is a smaller ATX mid-tower case that features a similar aesthetic to the 4000D and 5000D for a cheaper price. The simplified I/O, array of color options, and smaller size make this a great option for mid-tier builders looking for a similar alternative. The H510 retails at $69.99.
The Full Tower Alternative: Lian Li O11 Dynamic XL
The 5000D is already large for a mid-tower case, but those who want to go even bigger can upgrade to this full-tower chassis. The Lian Li O11 Dynamic XL is a premium case that compromises on very little, offering improved I/O, more fan space, and a larger footprint than the 4000D or 5000D. This can be a tough case to find, but those interested will find that it retails around $200.
The Premium Alternative: Fractal Design Define 7
The Fractal Design Define 7 is a high-level case with some extreme layout options that can offer more versatility than the 5000D at a similar price point. It features a more robust I/O, similar minimalist look, and roomy interior in a smaller footprint. Enthusiasts looking to compare the case to the 5000D can start with a similar price – the case retails at $169.99.