Fractal Design Define 7 XL review - Product Showcase

Cool, let's start off with the review. As always we begin with the packaging. It's a simple yet informative thing to show as when you purchase a chassis, honestly, you do not want any defects and scratches on it. The chassis is packaged in surprise, wait for it ... cardboard :)

I need to quickly show you a model overview as the Define 7 and XL are offered in multiple versions in terms of colors and with/without Tempered glass. As you can see the starting price is 160 USD for the regular model, our tested XL version, however, sells at a pretty staggering 210 USD, and add a tenner in the EU. The XL version is BIG btw, 604 x 240 x 566 mm. But you know that old saying, size matters.

Once you take the unit out of the cardboard box you'll notice two layers of foam protecting the unit, which on its end is covered in a plastic bag. The packaging was done decently; risk on damage is fairly minimal. But, and I do speak out of the experience, you never know with Fedex, UPS, DHL. They once delivered a package to me after they had driven over it with a forklift. At the top side of the photos, you can see an extra box, you will receive an accessories kit (this is included at standard). 

Included in the bundle is the standard gear like screws, standoffs, and zip-ties, most nice and black by the way, we like that. The extra's you receive is still like an extension for the PSU, top vent mesh and cages for HDD/SSDs. It is pretty unique to see this included as standard, as again, you do not have to purchase these optionally. 

Once unpacked, we see and understand a little better what the chassis is all about. The chassis is made out of a steel structure with black faceplate/bezel. That faceplate is made out of anodized aluminum with reversible dual-handed hinges and magnetic latching. Here's something we haven't said in a while (as they are going the way of the dodo) there's room for two 5.25" devices. The chassis has E-ATX, ATX, Micro ATX and Mini ITX motherboard compatibility and let me again mention the sheer size of the XL model, chassis dimensions of  (WxHxD): 604 x 240 x 566 mm.