The Fractal Design Core 500 conforms to the Mini-ITX form factor and so can accommodate motherboards with form factors Array.
![]() | Form Factor | Mini-ITX | ![]() | Maximum CPU Cooler Size | 170mm | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Motherboard Form Factors |
| ![]() | Rear Fans | 1 | ||
![]() | Material | Steel | ![]() | Rear Fans Size | 140mm | ||
![]() | Color | Black | ![]() | Rear Fans Speed | 1000 RPM | ||
![]() | Expansion Slots | 2 | ![]() | IO Display Panel | yes | ||
![]() | 5.25″ Drive Bays | 1 | ![]() | Front USB 2.0 Slots | 0 | ||
![]() | 3.5″ Drive Bays | 3 | ![]() | Front USB 3.0 Slots | 2 | ||
![]() | 2.5" Drive Bays | 3 | ![]() | eSATA | no | ||
![]() | Tool-less Rails | yes | ![]() | Audio IO | yes | ||
![]() | Maximum Graphics Card Length | 310mm |
The Fractal Design Core 500 has a the Mini-ITX form factor. Mini-ITX is even smaller than Micro-ATX, allowing PC builders the opportunity to create a low-performance, but discreet and low-power system. Using the Mini-ITX standard, the case can house motherboards and power supplies with form factors Array.
The Fractal Design Core 500 has two expansion slots, so there is very little room for extra components, which may be a deciding factor when planning on the longevity and build type of a PC system. The case has one 5.25" drive bays, which is enough room for an optical drive but little else, and with just one 3.5" drive bay, there is basically no room at all for expansion. With three 2.5" bays, however, there is enough room for a laptop-sized HDD or solid-state drive. Installation of hard drives into these drive bays is made all the more easier by screwless rails that allow tool-less mounting.
Made primarily of Steel, the Fractal Design Core 500 is built to be strong and well-ventilated. Steel cases are generally fairly cheap and sturdy, but also tend to be quite heavy. Whatever your case's material, it is important to keep a consistent airflow so that heat doesn't build up inside. It is therefore advised that you make use of the available built-in case fans and fan installation sections.