ThunderX3 Core gaming chair: one-minute review
Having spent the past two years glued to the ThunderX3 Core gaming chair, I can say with confidence that the technology packed into the backrest is not, in fact, a gimmick. Looking at this racer-style gaming chair with its wiggly backrest protruding out, you might think it's undergone some kind of malfunction. But sit down and prepare to be amazed, because the ThunderX3 Core goes above and beyond for the price point, and it does so with impeccable style.
I've always steered away from gaming chairs with a separate lumbar cushion like that of the Corsair TC100 Relaxed; their rigidity does little for me as someone who moves around a lot, and I always feel like there's too much of a gap in the middle of my back. With the majority of racer-style gaming chairs opting for this solution, or some form of adjustable lumbar like the AndaSeat Kaiser 3 XL's practical but not-so-elegant, built-in side dial, I had thought my only other option was to spend over $1,000 on an office-style gaming chair that would adapt and reform itself to my body in motion. Then I spotted the ThunderX3 Core.
This ergonomic gaming chair features Lumbar 360° technology that sees almost the entire backrest deftly responding to your body as you bend and lean in the sitting position. I've felt consistently supported from the lower back right up to the upper back since the moment I started using it, helping me avoid the usual back pain that arises from all those awkward sitting positions I've been warned off.
The gently-bucketed seat can be tilted forward and locked at a slight angle, and the backrest can tilt and lock in several positions up to around 45 degrees. That does mean you don't get the full recline, but all that adjustability adds up, not to mention the four-dimensional armrests that even some mega premium chairs I've tested have omitted. Granted, the ThunderX3 Core doesn't come with an adjustable headrest like more premium ergonomic designs do, but it does include a gorgeous memory foam headrest with winged sides, as well as a footrest with two zippable sections and a non-slip texture on the bottom. All this while oozing premium design, without the premium price tag.
The major drawback for me has always been the armrests, which have always been a little rattly, but more so after a few years of learning. They've also always felt a little far forward for my liking, and don't move back as you recline, so the gap tends to see me leaning forward to reach them with my little arms. Over the years, the back of the armrest has been dented by my elbows while the rest hasn't, but it's still comfy as anything. I can't feel the plastic under the padding even after two years of everyday use.
Even the best gaming chairs will start to rattle a little after a time, and while it does get picked up by my mic every now and then, these little gripes haven't compromised the overall adjustability and comfort of a well-aged chair. If you're looking for refined aesthetics that combine steady comfort with dynamic and highly-adjustable ergonomics, I can wholeheartedly recommend the ThunderX3 Core. Not least thanks to the money saved compared to premium ergonomic chairs like the X-Chair X2 K-Sport Management.
ThunderX3 Core gaming chair: price and availability
- List price: $399.99 / £249.95 / around $595
- Footrest cushion is extra in the US, but totally unavailable in the US
- Affordable end of the spectrum and good value for money
Available in the US and the UK from Amazon and other big retailers, the ThunderX3 Core is easy to get a hold of and well worth the price of admission. It only comes with the footrest cushion in the UK, sadly, meaning US citizens will need to pay extra for the privilege, but with the money saved, you could buy two or three of these babies for the price of other premium gaming chairs like the Herman Miller x Logitech Embody.
For the price, it's rare to spy a chair design with no corners cut. That's exactly what we like to see in a gaming chair: zero compromise and exceptional comfort, two things the ThunderX3 Core has in droves, and all at an exceptionally affordable price point. Plus, a three-year warranty is always much appreciated.
ThunderX3 Core gaming chair: specs
Thunder X3 Core | |
Price | $399 / £339 / around AU$595 |
Maximum user weight | 331lbs / 150kg |
Min seat height | 18in / 46cm |
Seat width | 21.7in / 55cm |
Recline angle | 125 degrees |
Warranty | 3 years |
ThunderX3 Core gaming chair: design and aesthetics
- Lovely refined colorways
- Extra storage in the back
- Racer wing shape is a bit much
With several options when it comes to aesthetics and materials, the ThunderX3 Core doesn't pigeonhole gamers looking to live ergonomically enjoyers of the standard gamer aesthetic. While the Core Racer option caters to that with its high-contrast, almost neon blue strips along the back, the Loft and Modern options lean more toward refined colourways. Their ashy greys, muted red and navy give mature gamers the option to go subtle, or even opt for a suede-trimmed weave fabric chair if Pleather isn't your thing. I appreciate not having to peel myself off a Pleather seat in the summer heat, too.
I will say that cleaning a light grey fabric chair has been a minor challenge, but it's worth it for the gorgeous snowy look and plush feeling. Besides, over the years, it hasn't started to bobble, tear, or discolour.
The overall shape is a little over the top, with wings protruding unnecessarily far from either side of the head, but that's the only thing that gives it away as a racer. With the addition of a multifunction footrest, you're getting an extra boost where ergonomics are concerned, either for propping your feet up or leaning your arms on while gaming with a controller. Plus, the little pocket in the back is great for storing anything from a small laptop to a folder, or even a secret love note if that's how you roll.
ThunderX3 Core gaming chair: comfort and adjustability
- Auto-adapting comfort
- Cushioned to perfection
- Armrests could be nicer
The Thunder X3 Core nails overall comfort, with oodles of latex foam padding that doesn't immediately deflate. Like our long-term favorite, the Secretlab Titan Evo 2022, the fantastic combination of dynamic ergonomics and versatile adjustability is great for getting awkward sitters like me through long days at my desk without feeling stiff before the week is out.
Since the armrests are a little too far forward for my frame, they have dented slightly due to constant pressure on the back. Still, those with a larger build will be best pleased. The wide, only-mildly-bucketed seat is yet another indicator that this chair caters to larger gamers. It also means I can sit with my legs crossed like an ergonomic heathen, because what's the point of joint hypermobility if you can't exercise it?
ThunderX3 Core gaming chair: assembly
- Super short assembly time
- Simple instructions
- Heavy to get it where you need it
It took me under 20 minutes to get this whole chair up and running, though that's discounting the time it took me to lug it up the stairs and get it unpacked. Considering the amount of greebles, I was amazed I hardly needed the instructions aside from figuring out a practical order of events.
Out of the box, the arms are already screwed in place, and with no mechanisms left bare for me to mangle myself in there was no need to have my partner supervise the process either. Sure, it doesn't come fully assembled like the Herman Miller Vantum, but sixteen minutes of time for years of comfort is well worth the effort.
Should I buy the ThunderX3 Core gaming chair?
Buy it if...
You want dynamic back support
If you shift around in your chair a lot and need constant back support as you move, the Thunder X3 Core has you covered from lumbar to upper back.
You're looking to save a buck
The Thunder X3 Core is one chair that nails that price-to-performance ratio. I've tested chairs with far fewer features and worse comfort being sold at double or triple the price.
Don't buy it if...
You're rocking a smaller skeleton
Smaller gamers might struggle to reach the far-forward armrests. They don't move back enough for children, for example. But larger, heavier frames will have zero trouble fitting into it.
You prefer static ergonomics
If you know what you want and don't tend to shift around much (or prefer not to), then other, more rigid ergonomic designs might be more your speed.
Also consider...
If the ThunderX3 Core isn't quite for you, then consider these two fine alternatives that we think really highly of.
ThunderX3 Core | Secretlab Titan Evo XL | X-Chair X2 K-Sport Management | |
Price | $399 / £339 / around AU$595 | $599 / £514 / AU$869 | $879 / around £655 / around AU$1,315 |
Maximum user weight | 331lbs / 150kg | 393lb / 180kg | 275lb / 125kg |
Min seat height | 18in / 46cm | 18in / 46cm | 15.81in / 40.1cm |
Seat width | 21.7in / 55cm | 22.8in / 58cm (inc. sides) | 19.5in / 49.5cm |
Recline angle | 125 degrees | 165 degrees | 40 degrees |
Warranty | 3 years | 5 years | 15 years |
Secretlab Titan Evo 2022
Still our favorite gaming chair, the XL version of the Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 is only a little more expensive than the ThunderX3 Core, and comes with a slightly better warranty. Sure, there's no dynamic lumbar, but it ticks all the build quality boxes and offers a much higher weight capacity.
For more information, check out our full Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 review
X-Chair X2 K-Sport Management
The X-Chair X2 K-Sport Management has a lot to offer in terms of ergonomics without breaking the bank. While it's not as adaptable in real-time and takes far longer to set up, it's a much more customizable option. It's also super breathable and comes with an incredible 15-year warranty.
For more information, check out our full X-Chair X2 K-Sport Management reviewView Deal
How I tested the ThunderX3 Core gaming chair
- Used the chair nearly every day for almost two years
- Tested all the mechanisms
- Compared long-term wear with out-of-the-box condition
I've been using the ThunderX3 Core almost every day for the past 2 years, and having put it together and dragged its bulk up and down the stairs several times, I've had enough hands-on experience with it to give an informed opinion.
I check the ease of use where mechanisms are concerned, the overall comfort then versus now, and have noted the general wear that's happened over the years.
First reviewed between 2023-January 2026
