#17: Fractal Design Define R3 Review (CCReviews)

[Ashadow700]

As far as I know, this chassis has the form factor ATX, but is it possible to mount a mATX motherboard into it?

[7omRavenclaw]

You look and sound like a guy on HouseholdHacker channel.

[weeq326]

Does AMD Radeon Asus 5970 2GB fit in this case?

[gurre12345]

Thank you for a real great review, im getting this case next wednesday. Cant wait!! :)

[niniknoxville]

nice case... but 2 1/2 hours? maaan youre slow ;)

[CCReviews]

@niniknoxville By now I build pc's in less than half an hour ;P

[slipperydippery]

Hey man, great video. I'm thinking of getting this case. I like the style and I'm looking for something really quiet. Are there any other cases that are minimalistic and quiet that you think I should take a look at?

[mazur87]

You are just a boy...

[CCReviews]

@mazur87 And what is age related with perhaps?

[CCReviews]

@Sparx936 This is actually my old system which I used in these reviews back then.. it's an AM2 CPU ;)

[TheTechGuy007]

Could i fit a dual 120 / 140 rad in the top of the case?

[DHVester]

@TheTechGuy007 yes you could.

[RubyAD]

Hi. Someone else built my computer. How do you take the HDDs out?

[CCReviews]

@RubyAD have a look at how I install them. IT's the other way around, just don't forget to press together the 2 white latches on the side of the bracket ;)

[Santokh951]

Will this case support the maximus extreme z p67 motherboard? Because it say's in the specs of the motherboard that it is extended ATX.....

[CCReviews]

@Santokh951 it could fit, but it would cover all the cable management holes.

[TheGreenOnex]

Does this case have any problems with having a Corsair H80 in it?

[CCReviews]

@TheGreenOnex normaly not

[TheZxplayer]

do you get some fan with it?



[CCReviews]

@TheZxplayer a 120mm in the front and one in the rear

[BlackOpsPlayers]

Does 2x GTX 590 (SLI) Fit in that case? :)

Great review bte!

[ThePosjo]

Is there any marks where to put the distance things behind the motherboard? :P

[CCReviews]

@ThePosjo yeah ;P

[ThePosjo]

@CCReviews Ok, like for ATX bords you use B holes or anything like that?

[Matthington10]

Hey, can you remove the hdd cage and just use the one in the 5.25bay?

[CCReviews]

@Matthington10 You can't remove it. allthough that would be possible if you drilled out all the rivets keeping it in place.. Then you have only 2 5.25" bays left.

[Matthington10]

@CCReviews Thanks for quick are informed reply

[prosnake4]

Mate, go in a gym to get you're self a bit muscles, you are so skinny :S

[Gallardo95]

can you fita cooler master hyper 612s in there?

[CCReviews]

@Gallardo95 should work

[MrsShadowBroker]

20 C! No way.

[Itayxxx47]

hey,great vid,thanks :D

can you make a little list here in which you tell where an optional fan can be installed please?

thanks again ^^

[CCReviews]

@Itayxxx47 2 in the top (120/140mm)

1 extra optional in front 120mm (totaling up with 2 fans in the front both 120mm)

1 120/140mm in the bottom

[megashitto]

would extra fans be needed in this case ?

[CCReviews]

@megashitto if you're using it for gaming, yes

[ruhulaminutube]

Is the lack of  a HDD indicator light not strange? I usually like looking at that. lol

[CCReviews]

@ruhulaminutube perhaps a little strange that it was not added, but it's not that important in the end.. :P

[Herzbub74]

Thanks a lot! already bought it wednesday 7th. Alternate.de gave 20% on fractal design cases that day. But its a present for christmas, so im not allowed to open :(

I bought additional fans: 2x140mm sharkoon silent fan and one 120mm coolermaster fan.

[CCReviews]

@Herzbub74 Nice! Have fun with your new hardware then ;D

[glennirish]

Thanx for the review my friend

[CCReviews]

@glennirish no problem mate :)

[duartekute9]

Would the Thermalright Hr-02 fit with window closed?

[CCReviews]

@duartekute9 I think it should. Try to look up its height and compare it with this case's max cpu cooler height ;)

[MrIchbineinberliner]

Schexy

[MusicAddictionist]

sexy

[jeanettebajs]

Would the hd6990 fit?

[CCReviews]

@jeanettebajs

I don't know its size but there's a chance it wont..

[jeanettebajs]

@CCReviews Around 318mm i guess

[eyesz]

can you mount a 240mm radiator in this case?

[CCReviews]

@eyesz not sure =T

[JJSideshowBob]

nice review, case looks great. If it wasn't for the door (no space for the knobs of my scythe fan controller, dammit!) and the hdd mounting system (looks like i couldn't use my trusty sharkoon vibe fixer there) I would consider buying it. The minimalistic design is just what I'm looking for, though. Anyone got an alternative?

[CCReviews]

@JJSideshowBob You should check out the NZXT H2, Cooler Master Silencio 550 or the Fractal design Arc Midi ;)

[JJSideshowBob]

@CCReviews awesome! didn't have the Silencio on my radar yet. ty

[CCReviews]

@JJSideshowBob No problem ;) Check out my review of it if you want :)

[MissMan666]

Intake is way to restricted, dust filter and front door to close to the front fan.

[Nhirlathothep]

u need a bigger desk!

[CCReviews]

@Nhirlathothep apparently I actualy need a bigger office these days..

[Nhirlathothep]

@CCReviews

office? u 're 16-18 years old and u have a office?! i call it gaming room and i need it too

[CCReviews]

@Nhirlathothep It's a room that I turned/ am turning into an office (still need to install another desk and such) for the purposes of reviewing. Of course gaming happens here aswell, but since I don't game that often anymore..

[TechLetsPlays]

Can you remove any of the HDD Cages?

[CCReviews]

@TechLetsPlays Only the brackets but not the cages.

[jexla]

@TechLetsPlays Yes.

[ThePosjo]

Can you remove the hdd cage?

[jexla]

@ThePosjo Yes.

[mysoulflies]

Very nice review, congrats!

i 'm interested in this case....but, the GPU is 20ºC hotter than other cases when gaming? That's a lot! isn't it? WOuld you recommend this case for gaming? Thanks!

[CCReviews]

@mysoulflies It is hot with the stock fans. I would deffinately recommend this case, even for gaming. But I sugest you also get some extra fans for the case ;)

[Tagge1337]

what was ur graphich card in this review? and can I use a 6990 or a 590 in this case? IS there room for SLI in this case? and can I install water cooling for the cpu and attach the fans on the top of the case?

[CCReviews]

@Tagge1337

You can do an SLI. The max lenght for a graphics card is about 30cm and I don't think you can install a 240mm radiator in top as the fans don't seem to be close enough for that.

[NickyTheRook]

Does it fit fancontrollers with knobs in the front?

(every search comes up with the included fancontroller)

[CCReviews]

@NickyTheRook No it doesn't unfortunately. ;)

[TranzeFuze]

very professional! i like it!

[Magnumbean]

Can the Noctua nh-d14 cooler fit in this case without problems?

[CCReviews]

@SsjJesusMechaMuhamed

Idd it does!

[LovvenLoevkvist]

Is the colour any different on the titanium grey version from the black version? I mean everything except from the front panel. If you know please answear.

[CCReviews]

@LovvenLoevkvist

Normaly that should be the same. You can go to the fractal design website and check out images of the different cases their if you want to be a 100% sure.

[x69Crunchyx]

what nationality are you?

[CCReviews]

@x69Crunchyx

I'm Belgian ;)

[x69Crunchyx]

@CCReviews they should add a side window to this case. whats the point of all black interior if nobody can see?

[CCReviews]

@x69Crunchyx

it would be nice. They'd probably do that as an option or other version if this case then though (if they would lol). You can always make the window yourself, it's not that difficult :)

[Milanissta98]

NZXT H2 Midi Tower own this one anytime. i have it and i feel i got alot of space to operate. add to that the smart design and more functionality overall.

[mathias921]

Thank you for making this video Sidney Crosby! xD

[TheNiceguy1212]

I have a question. Is there another computer case you would recommend for me? I would like to it be ALMOST the same as fractal design's design with the noise damping and sleek look. 2 or 3 cases you would recommend unless this is the best one :D

[CCReviews]

@TheNiceguy1212

The only one being almost the same is the cooler master silencio 550 for all I know. But I'd still recommend getting the R3 over the silencio ;)

[TheNiceguy1212]

@CCReviews Thanks, really appreciate the quick response!! :D

[fishbaitfood]

Is this case really limited to support PSU's up to 170mm (depth)?

Is it possible to install a 180mm PSU in this case?

[CCReviews]

@fishbaitfood Well it's possible to take that plastic module out, on the bottom. The question then is just how you are going to rout your cables.

[phantom1C4]

Is this a good enough chassi for watercooling? I've heard it's pretty tight trying to place a radiator between the top and the motherboard :P Would love to be able to do it though :)

[CCReviews]

@phantom1C4

I don't think there's much space for that unless you position it on top of the case. (on the exterior)

[phantom1C4]

@CCReviews Ok, thanks for the answer :)

[MetroidMark]

Hello how is the build quality ?

[CCReviews]

@MetroidMark

Very good build quality. Very strong, nothing coming loose, decent dustfilters, you can sit on the case if you want lol. So very good ;)

[Hexeuss]

It looks like a mini-fridge :D

[pbHepitonic]

AWESOME DESK

[nubjake]

This case will be most likely my next case. That was a nice review, but I'm pretty concerned about the temperatures though.. Well I hope some extra fans will cool the system off well. Thx, this video gave me a lot information about this case.

cheers, Jake

[CCReviews]

@nubjake

Hey don't worry about the temps as long as you add those extra fans man ;) Cheers

[dograbbitbeaver]

@nubjake these kinda cases are better with water cooling, course you still need fans for everything other than the processor

[PaulKemp007]

Great review, this is how it's supposed to be done!

[ThePosjo]

Does Corsair Cooling Hydro H100 fit on the top?

[CCReviews]

@ThePosjo

I'm not realy sure, actualy, but I'm affraid it's not really possible as the holes aren't alligned correctly.

[ThePosjo]

@CCReviews ok. what about the H80? ;)

[CCReviews]

@ThePosjo

that'll fit :)

[12d3var]

Good review. Thanks

[startsem]

When you speak about the extension cable around the back, is that a 4 pin ATX 12v extension cable. I never knew you could buy them and usually can't stretch it around the back. MIght just invest in one now!

[CCReviews]

@startsem

The one here is a 4 pin CPU power cable.

[startsem]

@CCReviews

For some reason I was thinking the ATX is 4 pin, until I checked the connection and checked my manual (Asus P8P67) and saw it's 8 pin. Much easier to get an 8 pin extension cable!! Pick up the case on Tuesday with the cable, can't wait to build it!

[startsem]

Excellent review, very well detailed, just going to order this case now and put my replacement B3 board into it's new home!

[Serbocop666]

th

[0HxTiffany]

Hi my name is BORAT, note that all the cables are "BLAAAGGHHHKKK" @ 5:12..

You will never get this LA LA LA LA LA.

lol.. jokes =P

[AxeTard]

I dont know if you know but the most popular gadget website in Norway has a link to your video ;)

[OpiumWarz]

can you put an external radiator on top of the case for watercooling?

[mrcoma42]

Great review very informative which what I been looking for.

[mirrmovies]

I NEED HELP. please answer this in a PM :P

how is the stock cooling for this case? with only the two fans included with the case? has anyone tried? i cant find any reviews online ... i can send you the specs im planning to have. please answer ... :)

[BranZyme]

Best review ever. Thank you.

[TheMillsEffect]

Can the bottom fan mount be remove to make space for a long PSU such as a Corsair HX1000w?

[CCReviews]

@TheMillsEffect

yes it can be ;)

[TheMillsEffect]

@CCReviews

Thanks dude. I might use this case for a friends rig. Good review :)

[MadMadsGamer]

modder board. But all jokes aside, thanks for the great review.

[Andreilg3]

are the fans they give you silent? I am really thinking about buying this (I am a computer producer and I need complete and absolute silence from my computer). Also do you think I should buy anything else or do anything to it to make it completely silent if it isn't already, thanks

[CCReviews]

@Andreilg3

The fans are quite and certainly with the included fan controller. adding a few extra ones like Noctua fans couldn't hurt though.

[Andreilg3]

@CCReviews alright thanks man

[deathsreeper]

Thank you for the review, I will buy this case after this review!

[CCReviews]

@deathsreeper

No problem man! Have fun with this Awesome case ;)

[hoakley123]

@danman789, what fans and where did you put said fans. (building a rig and need some help, was that amount needed, also which did you use for h7o cooler?) thanks

[danman789]

lol, i have 4 140mm fans and 4 120mm on this case. 2 front. 2 back for h70. and 4 140mm for top side and botte,

[fluffyman15]

dude your voice is great, love your accent lol..review is one of the bests (if not the best) on youtube also

[trockcrazy]

been looking for a review for just this case for a while now, thanks for the review! :)

[MrAlexkohl1993]

on the otter side

[Demonwicked]

comment rape and subscribe (y)

[3r3turn]

what are the temps like! and could the case hold a fan controller 5.25"?

[CCReviews]

@3r3turn

Temps are high, I recommed extra fans. It can hold a 5.25" controller as long as it is touchscreen.

[YoukipsD]

Also advice to people who bought this case. Don't lay the sound damp side of lid on the bottom! The are soft and gets easily squished. The edge of my sound damper became permanently squished after leaving it on top of my tower :/

[YoukipsD]

omfg THANK YOU for this tutorial :D I was having trouble installing my HDD into the tray and saw your video. You made my life a lot easier :,)

[MyVlogger]

will this case be able to fit two Sapphire Radeon HD 6950 2GB GDDR5?

[CCReviews]

@MyVlogger

If the cards aren't longer than 29cm..

[OwlGames]

i have this tower, but... the fan-strenght controll that you get so you install on the back... ive plugged up all my 3 fans to it... but i dont know where the "POWER" are going to? I know the motherboard, but idk if its "CPU-FAN" or "PWR-FAN" or what it is :S

Someone may help?

[vadvilldu99]

Great case but worst fans ever. After 2 week they leave a annoying whistle sound, Not good airflow so i exchanged them for Noctua fans which is alot better, Now see if im going to buy from fractal. Im disapointed since im from Sweden -.-!

[AudioWeaponry]

Great review! :)

I want to get this case and fit an i7 + HD6870, do you think it will need extra fans? I will only be playing games at 1280 x 1024 and it would only be for 4 or 5 hours a couple of times a week. I need it to be as silent as possible for music production.

[Fuice1]

Does the Radeon 6990 fit in the case? I mean, it says 290mm is max and the 6990 is 310mm. But when they say 290mm is max, does that mean that the card will hit the Harddrive brackets/slots? Or is it just max so its still a tiny bit of space for wires and such? Because if its still a small space between the card and the harddrive bracke, then is it possible to squeeze it in? Can someone test this if its possible?

[CCReviews]

@Fuice1

No I really mean the maximum here. So that card wont fit in.

[lavisblade]

@CCReviews I'm more curious if this case will fit a 580gtx. Thing runs 11.5in = 292mm 2 mm larger then 290mm. I'm having a hard time finding information on the size of the 580gtx in mm.

[CCReviews]

@lavisblade

If they say the gtx580 is 11.5" and that is 292mm, then it won't fit..

[lavisblade]

@CCReviews Just for your information the 580 with a after market cooler fits, but barely. If power connectors are in the back of GPU it wont plug into the power. You need a side power connector.

[climb2freak]

Ik hoorde da ge van België waart den eerste moment dak u stem hoorde :D

Goeie review :)

[EmptyMellon]

Nicely done; review was informative and helpful.

[zactheazn]

is this the titanium version??

[CCReviews]

@zactheazn

yes :)

[felixg38]

Can anyone tell me whether I could fit a Noctua NH-D14 in this case? Thanks in advance...

[Thrasher1719]

Would a evga gtx 580 fit in the case?

[M4fian]

Is there enough space for MSI 6970 Lightning? Its 310mm long card.

[CCReviews]

@M4fian

No, the max. length is 29cm

[BustedController]

The white on the inside is a turnoff. Cleaning the dust off of the fans and drive bays would be too great of an annoyance for me to buy it

[FinalFragment]

Got the Artic White case, it is beautiful!

I would have loved to know the way you made your airflow. Its nice to know the best directions =)

[CCReviews]

@FinalFragment

I've done another build in this case.. there I used 2 noctua fans in the front as intake and I kept the stock one in the back and screwed the one from the front in the top. It keeps that system cool, though adding even more could of course never hurt, but that's up to you and would actually also depend on the hardware you have ;)

[FinalFragment]

@CCReviews I see.. Im builing a new setup with a i7 950, a radeon hd 5870 and some other "high" end hardware. Well really second generation most of it, but I think the latest hardware releases haven't really been worth the upgrade so I've bought peoples old stuff to make a nice studio PC.

I am tryin to make it as silent as possible, so im not gonna go with all that fan party stuff you got going on =)

ill use 1 intake in front and perhaps move the back one to the top like you did, good idea. Thx

[adrianchen19888]

why didnt you let us listen on the sound of this case?

[CCReviews]

@adrianchen19888

Basicaly because you weren't gonna hear anything as the stock fans didn't make any noise really.

Secondly: watch?v=62O29Ty9CuE

[smeeIT]

Usually, I get super board watching tech reviews, but you had me drawn in! I watched all the way through! Keep up the GREAT work and continue setting the EXAMPLE of how a tech review SHOULD be! :D :D :D

Also, I am buying this case. Hehe.

[CCReviews]

@smeeIT

Thanks a lot mate! ;D

[jonkanswe]

Just bought a black one :D

[mrendall90]

@CCReviews Is the front panel made of metal or plastic?

Great review by the way. Super helpful

[CCReviews]

@mrendall90

Plastic if I recall correctly. But it did seem like a metal piece ;)

[ShepardLives]

Just picked up the R3 Titanium Grey case. Thanks for the great review, it was a huge deciding factor.

[CCReviews]

@ShepardLives

No problem ;)

Have fun with your new R3!

[Luger718A1]

this review helped alot very detailed on pointing the little things out can believe this case is only 110 bucks!

[CCReviews]

@Luger718A1

You do indeed get a lot for your money with this case ;)

[Luger718A1]

@CCReviews im actually getting the XL version still a great deal for the features your get

[CCReviews]

@Luger718A1

:) Make sure to get some extra fans for the XL though, when we tested it it got almost hotter than the R3.

[Luger718A1]

@CCReviews i dont have a beefy graphics card yet (using a gt 240) but when i do get one, maybe in the next few weeks, ill definitely get some 140mm fans to go with it. maybe you can pm a link to the fans they use in the case so i can get the same ones :D