After rumours of its existence leaked in recent days, memory maker Corsair has confirmed that the new Obsidian Series700D High-Performance computer chassis – based on the award-winning Obsidian Series 800D chassis – will soon be available on the market, providing a somewhat cheaper, but still very high spec, option to its predecessor.

The 700D should attract plenty of interest this spring.

Jim Carlton, Corsair’s VP of marketing, lived up to his job title with this statement: “From the moment we announced the Obsidian Series 800D chassis, enthusiasts were captivated by its unique combination of features, looks and performance, and the fact that it is a true builders’ chassis.” He added, “Our goal with the Obsidian Series 700D is to offer a chassis that retains the essence of what made the 800D so popular, but at a lower price point, allowing a wider range of consumers to build their own Corsair Dream PC.”

According to HardwareCanucks, the Obsidian Series 700D replaces the four hot-swap SATA disk drive bays of the 800D with four fixed SATA bays. The total number of drives bays remains the same at six 3.5 inch (2.5 inch compatible) bays, and five 5.25 inch bays. The windowed side-panel of the 800D is also replaced by a solid side panel for the 700D.

“With the exception of the elimination of the hot-swap SATA bays and associated front panel changes, and the change to the windowed side-panel, the Obsidian Series 700D is identical to the 800D,” added the report. It boasts the same innovative multi-zone cooling system, removable CPU backplate for easy heatsink installation, tool-free 5.25 inch drive installation, and sophisticated cable-management system. Like the 800D, the 700D also features the capability to add a triple 120mm radiator, making it ideal for high-end, liquid-cooled Dream PCs. The 700D is built using the same high-quality, durable materials and retains 800D’s sleek, sophisticated looks.

The company statement confirmed that the Obsidian Series 700D will be available in April through Corsair’s worldwide network of authorised resellers. Expect to see it on Komplett’s books around that time.