Corsair Carbide SPEC-06 RGB Review

RGB VS Non-RGB

When looking at the SPEC-6’s range of colour and lighting options, we think that it is only right to describe the differences between each version of the chassis. 

The obvious answer here is that the RGB versions offer RGB illumination instead of static LEB backlighting, though that would only be scratching the surface when it comes to overall design changes, especially for the SPEC-06’s black non-LED version. 

Non-RGB versions of the SPEC-06 do not require an RGB controller at the rear of the case, offering powered on and powered off states only, with the white version shipping with a plain white LED while the black version ships with a red LED. Other changes for the black version is that it includes a red plastic plate behind the front panel, instead of the white one that is included in its RGB counterpart.  

Aside from these relatively minor changes, both the SPEC-06 and SPEC-06 RGB are pretty much identical, offering the same internal case layout, side panel window and the same stock fan configuration. 

The front of the SPEC-06 is made up of a large plastic panel, which is connected to the front of the case with a short wire that provides power to the front-mounted RGB LED strip. This strip is contained within a tick shaped black plastic section on the front panel, preventing light from the RGB LEDs from entering the case directly while focusing the light on the front and base of the system. 

In the picture below, we can see that the front fan mounts are covered by a full-cover dust filter, with air intakes around the edges of the front plastic section of the SPEC-06. These air gaps appear larger than those that are included on Corsair’s Carbide 275R, which is good news for those who desire less restricted airflow. 

Some will complain about how restrictive Corsair’s front panel could be when it comes to airflow, though this is a moot point given this case’s design. You can’t have a mostly flat front panel like this without compromising airflow somewhat. If you want a tonne of unrestricted airflow, you may need to look for a different PC enclosure. 

  

Water Cooling

We said in the first page of this review that the SPEC-06’s water cooling support comes with a few caveats, as while the chassis does support a front mounted 360mm radiator and a top-mounted 240mm radiator, it is hard to see many users fitting a full custom loop into the enclosure. 

The SPEC-06 is a case that is perfect for AIO liquid coolers, shipping with support for front mounted 360mm and 280mm AIOs and support for up to a 240mm radiator at the top of the chassis. There isn’t much room for a pump/reservoir, making custom loops difficult to fit, though that doesn’t mean that it is impossible. 

Top-mounted radiator support is possible thanks to an offset, 120mm fan mounting setup, which should allow most 240mm AIOs to fit if your system doesn’t use overly tall VRM heatsinks or DRAM. This shouldn’t be a problem for AIO users, as single AIO can be mounted in the front of the case, leaving little need for a top mounted radiator in most systems.   

  
  

The top of the SPEC-06 is covered by Corsair’s magnetic dust filter, offering space for two 120mm fans or a single 120mm and a single 140mm fan. To be honest, the inclusion of a single 140mm fan mount at the front of the case baffles us, as this section of the chassis is above an area of the case with relatively few components, leaving no need for additional airflow.