Corsair One i300: A Compact Powerhouse or Just a Pretty Face?
The Corsair One series has always been about packing serious gaming horsepower into a remarkably small and stylish chassis. The i300 continues this tradition, promising top-tier performance with its latest-gen Intel processor and high-end NVIDIA graphics card. But does this miniature marvel deliver on its ambitious promises, or does its compact form factor lead to compromises that ultimately diminish the gaming experience? We put it to the test to find out.
Right out of the box, the i300 makes a statement. The minimalist design, characterized by its sleek aluminum chassis and subtle RGB accents, exudes a premium aesthetic. The build quality is exceptional; every panel feels solid and well-constructed, reflecting Corsair’s commitment to quality. The small footprint is undeniably impressive, making it an ideal choice for gamers with limited desk space or those seeking a clean, uncluttered setup.
Under the hood, the i300 boasts impressive specs. Our review unit came equipped with an Intel Core i9-13900K processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090. This combination delivers exceptional performance across a wide range of games, effortlessly handling even the most demanding titles at maximum settings with ray tracing enabled. Frame rates were consistently high, and we experienced no noticeable stuttering or lag, even during intense firefights in titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Red Dead Redemption 2. The system also excelled in productivity tasks, making it a versatile machine for both gaming and content creation.
Corsair’s liquid cooling solution is instrumental in maintaining manageable temperatures within the confines of the compact chassis. While the system does get noticeably warm under sustained heavy load, the cooling system effectively prevents thermal throttling. However, the fans can become quite audible when running at full speed, potentially detracting from the immersive gaming experience.
Accessibility for upgrades is somewhat limited, a common trade-off for such a compact design. While some components, like the RAM and storage, are relatively easy to access, upgrading the graphics card or CPU is a more complex undertaking best left to experienced users. Furthermore, the proprietary power supply limits upgrade options down the line.
Ultimately, the Corsair One i300 is a premium gaming PC that delivers exceptional performance in a strikingly compact and well-designed package. However, its high price tag and limited upgradability mean it isn’t for everyone.
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Corsair One i300 (Gaming) Quick Summary
Key Scores:
- Value: 80%
- Design: 96%
- Performance: 95%
- Quality: 94%
- Popularity: 90%
Top Pros
- ✅ Gaming performance is exceptional, even at high resolutions and settings.
- ✅ The compact design saves space and looks great on any desk.
- ✅ Liquid cooling effectively prevents thermal throttling during intense gaming.
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Key Cons
- ❌ The price point is very high, placing it firmly in the enthusiast category.
- ❌ Fan noise can be noticeable under heavy load, which might be distracting.
- ❌ Upgradability is limited due to the compact design and proprietary components.
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