Are Corsair Products Worth it? | Complete Pros & Cons Review

Corsair is one of the most trusted brands in the computer hardware world, especially when it comes to RAM modules and power supplies. Their products are very reliable and long-lasting.

However, not all Corsair products are worthwhile because they have certain disadvantages to take into account.

The following article aims to better educate you when purchasing a Corsair product and provide you with the information needed to make a fully informed decision.

Key Takeaways

  • The Corsair Custom PC Builder is a great option for building your own PC, but the final product may not be as balanced.
  • Corsair keyboards are known for their authentic Cherry MX switches and good build quality but can be expensive.
  • The gaming chairs are comfortable but some models have a plastic base which may not be suitable for long-term use. They are expensive with the cheapest option starting at $289.
    • The T2 ROAD WARRIOR with an aluminum base is recommended.
  • Corsair cases have a minimalistic design. There are budget options starting at around $50, with the Carbide Series SPEC-05 being a popular choice.
  • The AIO liquid coolers are some of the best in terms of cooling performance, size, and noise level. They are reasonably priced compared to competitors like NZXT and Cooler Master.
  • Corsair RAMs are about 20% more expensive than competitors like Kingston or G.Skill.
  • Their PSUs are known for their reliability and durability. Having a high-quality PSU is important to protect other components from power cuts and surges.

Pros

  • High-quality products.
  • Exceptional manufacturer of RAM, PSUs, PC cases, liquid coolers, and mice.
  • Corsair iCUE software can synchronize your RGB and make your gaming PC look awesome.
  • Minimalistic design

Cons

  • Generally expensive items.
  • Customer support is questionable and has a lot of people complaining.
  • Some gaming chairs have a plastic base.
  • Only a few options for people on a budget.

Should you really use the Corsair Custom PC Builder?

Corsair Custom PC Builder is a great option if you’re looking to build your own PC but don’t know where to start.

Nevertheless, its downside is that the final product may not be as balanced as a prebuilt one since Corsair only really helps you with compatibility issues between your hardware.

Unfortunately, they just show you some size recommendations for your case and every hardware that’s fully compatible. You can easily end up pairing a premium Nvidia RTX 3090 with a mid-range i5 CPU.

On the positive side of things, they have a wide variety of options to choose from in comparison to other brands such as Skytech Gaming.

Corsair iCUE Software

Corsair iCUE is the software that you can use on your computer to control your RGB lighting and other devices. It will allow you to set up multiple profiles so that you can change the colors and effects of your devices whenever you want.

In addition, you can set custom curves for your fan speed to reach the desired RPMs that won’t make your PC too noisy while maintaining a cool temperature.

Think of it as Corsair’s version of Razer Synapse or Logitech G HUB. However, it does have some issues here and there!

Gaming Gear

Keyboards

Corsair commonly uses authentic Cherry MX switches so you can be certain of the typing experience you’ll have depending on which switches you choose.

They come in a range of different models, including some that have a wrist rest included, which makes them look even more appealing.

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There are also several versions available for each model so that you can choose one that has all the features that matter most to you.

For instance, you can choose a tenkeyless version or one with Cherry MX Brown switches such as Corsair Gaming K95 RGB Platinum.

Their quality is really good; even the cheaper ones. However, they do have some issues which can eventually be solved as we showed in that article.

In terms of pricing, the cheapest Corsair keyboard has a starting price tag of $60, which is definitely more than your average non-gaming keyboard. Unfortunately, high quality always comes with extravagant pricing.

That’s how this always goes, so if you’re looking for a keyboard that fits your budget, you’re going to have a hard time.

Pros

  • Excellent build quality.
  • Durable and comfortable.
  • Stylish and professional design.
  • Utilize the Cherry MX switches.

Cons

  • Expensive pricing.

Headsets

Corsair’s gaming headsets come in a variety of styles. They are designed to feel comfortable and durable.

They are also a great choice for gaming, with 7.1 surround sound that makes you feel like you’re actually inside the game. The more expensive the headset is, the better audio quality it has.

In addition, iCUE now offers improvements like AI-Assisted Noise Reduction and Room Echo Removal through integration with Nvidia Broadcast Audio Effects. Let’s just say that after trying it out for myself, it exceeded my expectations.

As for the pricing, there are indeed a few budget options that start at about $30. They’re not the cheapest, but keep in mind that you still get a lot of quality and features for that amount of money.

Pros

  • Very good sound quality.
  • Decent microphones.
  • Excellent gaming choice with 7.1 surround audio.
  • Reasonable pricing.
  • Noise Reduction and Room Echo Removal using Nvidia Broadcast Audio Effects.

Cons

  • Very few budget options.
  • Not the fanciest design.

Mice & Mousepads

I’ve only used a couple of Corsair’s mice, but they were really well-made, and since they were their entry-level versions, you should anticipate even better construction for their premium models.

The majority of their mice have a subtle look and are less extravagant than models from other brands.

Their mousepads are also made from a high-quality fabric that prevents fraying, so even after years of use, they won’t lose their shape.

The company makes several different types of mouse pads, including wireless charging, RGB, cloth surface, and hard surface ones.

The price point for the mice is also very reasonable considering how much value you get from them because you will be able to use them for several years before needing to replace them. The price tag varies from $40 to $120.

Their pricing ceiling is typically substantially lower than those of other brands. For instance, Razer and Logitech’s flagship gaming mice cost over $150. As for the mousepads, they fall under the same category as the mice.

They cost about 40% less than those of competitors while having very similar features. Overall, Corsair is value for money in this specific category!

Pros

  • Responsive and comfortable.
  • Elegant design.
  • Value for money.
  • High quality.

Cons

  • Mice don’t look as fancy as those of other brands.

Gaming Chairs

Corsair’s gaming chairs are as comfortable as advertised but there are a few disadvantages you should keep in mind.

The chairs themselves are designed for long-term use but some of them such as the T3 RUSH have a plastic base that is supposed to support a fully grown adult who might weigh up to 120kg. I am not quite sure how this is gonna work.

At the same time, the cost of the cheapest chair is set at $289 which means that there is no option for people on a low budget.

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Overall, I have some bad memories of chairs with a plastic base so I am not particularly sure if I would ever pay that much money without at least having a metal or aluminum one.

If you have money to spend, then I would recommend you get the T2 ROAD WARRIOR instead which comes with an aluminum base.

Pros

  • Comfortable sitting for hours.
  • Top quality.
  • Quite durable.
  • Fair pricing considering how expensive gaming chairs are.

Cons

  • No options for people on a low budget.
  • Some chairs come with a plastic base.

PC Components

Cases

When it comes to PC cases, Corsair is frequently regarded as having some of the finest on the market(on the same level as NZXT).

Selecting the right one may be challenging, notably with Corsair’s extensive selection. In general, the majority of Corsair’s PC cases are built for gamers.

They combine a minimalistic design with all the latest technology(always depending on the model) to give you a case that is both beautiful and functional.

The airflow in some cases could definitely be improved but if that’s what you’re focused on, then you can easily get something like the Corsair 275R Airflow which is designed for that purpose.

As for pricing, they do have budget options with a starting price point of about $50. If you do a little research on the internet, you’ll quickly realize that the Carbide Series SPEC-05 is the top selection for a PC case on a limited budget.

It’s a mid-tower case with an asymmetrical, smooth-edged design. In general, Corsair’s Carbide line has been great for budget gamers over the years. Be sure to check them out if you want to spend less than $100 on a case.

Pros

  • Minimal and elegant design.
  • Very well priced.
  • Large variety for all budgets.
  • Exceptional quality.

Cons

  • The airflow needs a few improvements in some models.

Cooling Solutions

The Corsair AIO liquid coolers are some of the best options in terms of cooling performance, size, and noise level(if not the best).

Their pricing is pretty reasonable based on the quality that they offer and the price points of their direct competitors like NZXT, Cooler Master, etc…

The base of these coolers has a large nickel-plated copper cold plate that makes contact with your CPU for maximum heat dissipation. This essentially gives them excellent thermal conductivity and helps keep the pressure balanced if you’re overclocking.

The radiator on Corsair’s liquid cooling setups uses high-quality aluminum fin stacks that have been optimized for high performance and are nicely spaced to provide maximum airflow.

You can now understand how all of these features will end up increasing the price of the final product. Overall, if you are in need of a CPU cooler or simply some 120mm RGB case fans, Corsair should be your first stop.

Pros

  • Best liquid cooling manufacturer alongside NZXT.
  • Excellent performance and airflow.
  • The fans are almost silent.
  • Perfect for overclocking and gaming enthusiasts.

Cons

  • Quite expensive even though, they are worth their money.

Memory & Storage

Corsair has a great reputation for making reliable memory and storage that’s compatible with a ton of different systems. They are also reasonably priced, so you won’t have to break the bank to get the most out of your computer.

Compared to other brands such as Kingston or G.Skill, their RAMs are about 20% more expensive. As for availability, Corsair products are easy to find in most stores. You can also check out their website, even though the pricing is much higher there.

The big negative of Corsair when it comes to storage drives is the lack of variety. There are not nearly as many options as in the RAM category.

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SSD drives are a bit extravagant compared to the other brands but the USB sticks are pretty cheap starting at about $10.

Pros

  • State-of-the-art performance of RAM modules.
  • High compatibility and durability.
  • USB devices are cheap.
  • Reliable manufacturer of RAM.

Cons

  • SSDs are a bit more expensive than alternatives.
  • Low variety except for RAMs.

Power Supply Units

Corsair is the best power supply company currently on earth, period. Their PSUs are known for their reliability and durability, and they come in a wide range of sizes and prices, so you can choose the one that’s right for your needs.

They are built from premium components and come with a range of different features that make them perfect for your gaming setup, whether it’s a high-end rig or a budget gaming PC.

Just take a look at the article on the best PSUs of 2022. Corsair is comfortably at the top for a reason.

Having a high-quality PSU is significant as it protects the rest of your components from power cuts, power surges, and more.

I am not in favor of spending more money than you typically should but when it comes to power supplies, paying an extra 20-30 bucks could turn out to be detrimental to the longevity of your PC hardware.

Pros

  • Best power supply brand on the market.
  • Durable and reliable.
  • Best quality.

Cons

  • Expensive but definitely worth it.

Gaming PCs

Corsair ONE

Corsair ONE is a compact gaming PC that comes in many different versions and is built to handle any game you can throw at it.

These are expensive machines so don’t expect to get one for less than $2500 while they do have state-of-the-art performance and are easily upgradeable, they do have a big drawback and that’s their cooling design.

Just looking at the casing, you can probably tell that there is something wrong with the airflow.

It’s not gonna affect performance all that much but the more powerful hardware you use the hotter the device gets and your CPU might start experiencing some throttling.

Therefore, it’s very possible that you may run into even more serious issues further down the road if you choose to upgrade your system.

In addition, I would like if Corsair added a Glass panel on the side to make it look more like a gaming PC.

Pros

  • Great quality
  • Ideal for gaming, video editing, and intensive tasks.
  • Gorgeous design philosophy.

Cons

  • Highly expensive.
  • Bad airflow can cause a slight decrease in performance.
  • There is no glass side panel.

Customer Support

Corsair is committed to providing quality products, but sometimes even their items might stop working and just be DOA(dead on delivery). I never had a faulty Corsair product so I can’t really tell you how well they handle things.

What I can tell you is that based on reviews, a lot of people are unhappy with the customer service. Their website has a Trustpilot score of 2.3 so you can imagine how things are going over there.

Most people are unhappy about shipping delays and slow response times on their tickets.

The Bottom Line

To summarize, Corsair’s product reliability and durability are on point. Their CPU coolers, power supply units, RAM modules, peripherals, and PC cases have all been designed to stand the test of time by Consumer Reports.

This puts them in a position to guarantee the quality of their products for up to five years after purchase.

This is a testament to the high quality of their components and demonstrates that Corsair understands what it takes to build enthusiast-level hardware that will last. Therefore, if your budget allows you to buy one of their products, then go ahead.

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Lampros Koukis
Lampros Koukis

I am Lampros, co-founder of c4re.gr. I am passionate about gaming, technology, and computers. I have been involved in that industry for about 15 years. I have been a tech writer for the last 5 years so I am bringing to you guys the expertise and knowledge I have gathered through the years.

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