CORSAIR FRAME 4500X

Before this build, I had experience building in the 3500X and FRAME 4000D. When I first saw the FRAME 4500X, I was very excited about the curved design, wraparound glass, and larger size.

The first thing I noticed when I opened the box was the pattern printed on the inside of the box. [Image 2]

On the rear of the case, I noticed a label that had a bunch of helpful information. It had a handy QR code that linked to the Quick Start Guide (QSG), as well as some tech specs. [Image 3]

Since the FRAME 4500X uses the FRAME Modular Case System, my goal was to transplant pieces of the FRAME 4000D into the FRAME 4500X - with components attached!

After all of the panels were removed from the FRAME 4000D and FRAME 4500X [Image 4 & 5], I unplugged all of the cables from the motherboard except for the ATX 24-Pin PSU cable because it was really snug on both ends. I started by moving the PSU over first. [Image 6]

With the ATX 24-Pin PSU cable and TITAN AIO Pump still connected, I carefully transplanted the motherboard tray from the FRAME 4000D to the FRAME 4500X. Yes, the TITAN 360 RX LCD was mounted to the Side Fan Mount during the transplant as well. [Image 7]

With the major components successfully inside the FRAME 4500X, I reconnected the cables to the motherboard. [Image 8]

I haven’t done a push/pull setup before, so I thought I would try it out. [Image 9] After screwing in the extra set of fans, I thought everything looked great! [Image 10]

The last piece to transplant from the FRAME 4000D was the InfiniRail located on the top of the case. There was a set of 3 iCUE LINK RX120 fans mounted to it. Using the CORSAIR PC DIY Precision Toolkit, I was able to remove the Torx screw from the InfiniRail without any issues. [Image 11]

After the InfiniRail was installed in the FRAME 4500X, I thought I would try installing the GPU next. Sadly, I didn’t have as much space as I had originally thought. The GPU couldn’t connect to the motherboard because it was making contact with the fans in the push/pull configuration. I had to remove the extra set of fans because I didn’t have a PCIe Riser Card to try installing the GPU vertically. I felt a bit defeated, and waited until the next day to continue.

After my mistake was corrected, I installed the RS-R ARGB 120mm fans that came with the FRAME 4500X to the bottom of the case. The shape of the PSU shroud allowed the lower fan to fit nicely. [Image 12]

When I tried installing the GPU for a second time, it still didn’t want to connect properly. I removed the PCI Plate to get a better look and found out that the GPU needed to be adjusted so that it could sit properly between the motherboard and case. [Image 13]

After adjusting the GPU Anti-sag Stabilization Arm, the GPU was finally secure. To cover up some of the gaps in the motherboard tray, I was able to use the Magnetic Strip that was provided in the Accessory Box. I put the Panoramic Glass Side Panel back on the FRAME 4500X. [Image 14 & 15]

When I reviewed the Quick Start Guide, there was a tip that stated:

You can lock the Panoramic Glass Side Panel (C) in place by securing it with two Motherboard / HDD Screws (8). The Side Panel and Filter (K) and the Side Fan Mount (J) will need to be removed to allow access.

Thankfully, I had made sure there was enough slack on the iCUE LINK cables attached to the TITAN 360 RX LCD ahead of time, or else it would have been rather inconvenient trying to remove the Side Panel and Filter in order to access the inside of the case. I found the location of the top screw easily, but it was a bit challenging trying to screw the screw in place - even with the flexible extension rod included with the PC DIY Precision Toolkit. [Image 16]

I was a bit confused when I looked at the bottom though. The diagram shown in the QSG showed a screw in the middle, but that was impossible because there was a rivet there. With some assistance, it was determined that the diagram was incorrect and 2 screws were actually required to secure the bottom. [Image 17]

It wasn’t easy, but I was able to get 3 (not 2) screws installed to lock the Panoramic Glass Side Panel in place. I edited the diagram from the QSG to show the actual location of the two bottom screws. [Image 18]

With everything all sorted out, it was finally complete! I knew before building that the FRAME 4500X would look great, and it looked even better once the RGB was on. [Image 19]

If you want to see a video, please check out my post: Love the Curves of the FRAME 4500X.

PCPartPicker list: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/BMbqt3

Fan configuration:
Top: Exhaust [3 x iCUE LINK RX120 RGB 120mm]
Side: Exhaust [iCUE LINK TITAN 360 RX LCD]
Bottom: Intake [3 x RS-R ARGB 120mm]
Rear: Intake [1 x iCUE LINK RX120 RGB 120mm]

Temps in iCUE [Image 20]

DISCLAIMER: In addition to the products listed at the top of my previous case swap post, CORSAIR sent me the 4500X RS-R ARGB Tempered Glass Mid-Tower, White as part of the CORSAIR Insider program. I shared my honest opinion and experience, and will continue to do so.