The Corsair One i500 compact gaming PC commands a premium price of $3,599. While this may seem steep, a closer look reveals thoughtful design touches and premium features that justify the investment. This review explores the i500’s unique blend of aesthetics, performance, and practicality, highlighting why it stands out in the pre-built PC market.
While our focus typically lies on DIY PC builds and laptops, the pre-built market offers convenience and peace of mind for those lacking the time or technical expertise. The Corsair One i500 provides a compelling example of what this segment can achieve.
The i500’s warm, organic aesthetic, powered by its genuine wood-paneled case, immediately sets it apart. Coupled with a powerful Core i9-14900K processor and an Nvidia RTX 4080 Super housed in a compact 22-liter chassis, the i500 delivers both style and substance. While building a PC yourself can be more cost-effective, the Corsair One i500 offers a compelling argument for the value of a premium, pre-built experience.
Corsair One i500 front angle lab shot
Corsair One i500: Specifications and Features
The $3,599 configuration reviewed here features:
- Processor: Intel Core i9-14900K
- Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 Super
- Memory: 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5-6000
- Storage: 2TB NVMe SSD
- Ports: 2 USB-A (5Gbps), 1 USB-C (10Gbps), 4 USB-A (480Mbps), 3 USB-C (10Gbps), USB-C (20Gbps, 2×2), 7.1 audio jack, headphone jack
- Wired connection: 2.5Gbps Ethernet
- Wireless: WiFi 6e; Bluetooth 5.3
- Operating system: Windows 11 Home
- Dimensions (inches): 15.5 x 7.4 x 11.8
- Weight: 21.2 lb
- Colors: Metal Dark, Wood Bright, Wood Dark
- Included Accessories: power cord, Wi-Fi antennas
A higher-end configuration is also available for $4,699 with a Core i9-14900K, Nvidia RTX 4090, and 64GB of DDR5 RAM. Both models come with a two-year warranty.
Build Quality and Design: A Touch of Class
The Corsair One i500’s FSC-certified genuine wood paneling (available in bright or dark options, alongside a dark metal variant) adds a touch of natural elegance rarely seen in gaming PCs. While RGB lighting accents the front corners, the overall design remains understated and sophisticated.
Corsair One i500 LED shot one
A standout feature is the one-touch rear lighting. A simple tap illuminates the I/O panel, making connecting peripherals in dimly lit environments a breeze. This thoughtful detail highlights the care Corsair put into the i500’s design.
The compact chassis houses a surprisingly accessible interior. Removable side panels reveal neatly organized cabling and a well-designed cooling system. While upgrading components like RAM and the M.2 SSD is relatively straightforward, replacing the graphics card requires more extensive disassembly.
Corsair One i500 rear LEDs in the dark
Performance: Power in a Small Package
The Corsair One i500 performed admirably in our tests. Its Core i9-14900K and RTX 4080 Super combination delivered smooth frame rates in demanding games, even at higher resolutions. The system remained remarkably quiet under normal operation, with fan noise only becoming noticeable under heavy load.
Corsair One i500 PCMark 10 PCMark 10
Benchmarks in games like Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Metro: Exodus, Cyberpunk 2077, and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla showcased the i500’s gaming prowess. While the system easily handled 1080p gaming, its capabilities extend to 1440p and even 4K resolutions.
Corsair One i500 interior
Conclusion: Is the Corsair One i500 Worth It?
The Corsair One i500 isn’t just about raw performance; it’s a statement piece. Its unique design, thoughtful features, and quiet operation elevate it above the typical pre-built gaming PC. While the price tag may be a barrier for some, the i500 offers a compelling combination of luxury and performance for those seeking a premium, compact gaming experience. The limited upgradability, particularly regarding the CPU socket, and the somewhat basic software are minor drawbacks in an otherwise impressive package.
