TL;DR
The Hyte X50 combines a distinctive rounded glass design and bold color options with strong cooling and unusually low noise for an open-feel case. It supports large radiators and multiple fan layouts but highlights cable-management flaws and complicates top mounting for AIO CPU coolers.
What happened
Wired reviewed Hyte’s X50, a compact desktop PC case that dresses a conventional chassis in curved, custom-cut tempered glass and a playful color palette. The reviewer praised the case for looking unique on a desk and for delivering impressive quiet operation despite numerous vents; Hyte says the tempered glass is laminated to reduce noise transfer. Internally the X50 offers flexible cooling: both the front and the motherboard side accept up to three fans and room for large radiators. That flexibility let the reviewer remount a 360-mm AIO to the side and use three bottom intake fans, which improved GPU airflow and dropped CPU radiator temperatures by about six degrees vs the previous setup. Drawbacks include a top-mounted PSU that prevents ideal top radiator placement and large display windows that expose cable runs, making clean builds more demanding. Hyte also offers an X50 Air variant with a curved mesh panel limited to black and white.
Why it matters
- Marries a strong visual design with real thermal and acoustic performance, showing aesthetics needn’t sacrifice function.
- Multiple fan and radiator mounting options let builders optimize cooling even with large AIOs.
- Laminated tempered glass can reduce perceived system noise despite open grilles and mesh.
- The case emphasizes visible presentation, so cable management and component color-matching are more important than in typical towers.
- Top-mounted PSU layout forces compromises for standard top-mounted AIO radiators.
Key facts
- Wired’s reviewer gave the Hyte X50 a 9/10 rating.
- The case uses thick, laminated tempered glass that Hyte says helps lower noise escape.
- Both the front and motherboard side support up to three fans and have space for large radiators.
- A top-mounted power supply in the X50 prevents mounting a CPU radiator at the top, complicating ideal AIO orientation.
- Reviewer mounted a 360-mm AIO on the side and three fans on the bottom for intake.
- The reviewer reported the CPU radiator ran about six degrees Celsius cooler after reconfiguring the cooling layout.
- Large glass windows make cable runs and mismatched components more visible; neat cable work is recommended.
- Hyte sells a color-matched fan option and offers an X50 Air model with a curved mesh panel available only in black and white.
- A removable hard-drive bay was taken out by the reviewer to free space for a fan and pump controller.
What to watch next
- Confirm AIO mounting compatibility for your specific cooler and orientation before buying.
- Plan for cable-management and, if aesthetics matter, consider color-matched fans or custom PSU cables.
- If you prefer a mesh front or don’t need the colored glass options, check Hyte’s X50 Air (limited to black and white).
Quick glossary
- AIO (All-in-One) CPU cooler: A self-contained liquid cooling unit that combines a pump, tubing, and radiator for CPU heat removal without custom-loop plumbing.
- Tempered glass: Heat-treated glass that is stronger and shatters into small, less dangerous pieces; often used for PC side panels to show components.
- Radiator: A component of liquid cooling that dissipates heat from the coolant via attached fans.
- Intake/Exhaust fans: Case fans that draw cool air into the chassis (intake) or push warm air out (exhaust) to manage internal temperatures.
- M.2 drive: A compact solid-state drive form factor that mounts directly to a motherboard, freeing up space compared with 2.5- or 3.5-inch drives.
Reader FAQ
Is the Hyte X50 quiet?
Yes; the reviewer found it surprisingly quiet under load and attributes much of that to the laminated tempered glass.
Can the X50 accommodate a 360-mm AIO radiator?
Yes, but the top cannot be used for a radiator because the PSU is top-mounted; the reviewer mounted a 360-mm AIO at the side instead.
Is this case good for first-time builders?
The reviewer advised hesitation for novices, noting multiple fan positions and tighter cable areas can make an optimal build less straightforward.
Does Hyte offer a mesh version?
Yes. Hyte sells an X50 Air model with a curved mesh panel; it is available only in black and white.
BRAD BOURQUE GEAR JAN 12, 2026 6:00 AM Review: Hyte X50 PC Case Hyte’s rounded glass case brings a fun, bubbly aesthetic to your desk. COURTESY OF HYTE SAVE THIS…
Sources
- Hyte X50 PC Case Review: Computers Should Be Cute
- HYTE X50 – AWARD WINNING AIRFLOW – IN STOCK NOW
- Hyte X50 Case Review: rounded, colorful style meets …
- The Weirdest Case So Far: HYTE X50 & X50 Air Case …
Related posts
- Xfce is great — a long-time user’s case for keeping desktop simplicity
- Samsung Galaxy S26 may add iPhone-style 24MP camera mode in stock app
- Project Farm Tests Hidden Camera Detectors That Claimed to Expose Spy Cameras