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Fractal Design Define R6 review
Posted by: on: 12/20/2017 03:00 PM [
17 comment(s) ]
Join us as we review the new flagship chassis from Fractal Design, the all-new Define R6 opens a new design era for them, a very enticing chassis shows nice aluminum elements, tempered glass, a power supply compartment to hide your PSU, hidden drive and SSD cages and the ability to mount the most extravagant 420mm liquid cooling solutions.
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Fractal Design
tsunami231
Senior Member
Posts: 9717
Senior Member
Posts: 9717
Posted on: 12/20/2017 05:06 PM
I likey, the addition of fan filters on top and psu area be separated are nice, lose Fan RPM control isnt big issue, all fans controller by 1 hub is great, less clutter, I do i have question though I like the idea behind the optional placement of GPU with extra cable not sure about price for it thought. might be good for blower style cards but the aftermarkets kind that have 2~3 fans be pushing air away from it might not like being positioned like that case how close it would be to the side of the case, any chance you test temps with AF GPU like that with in that postion? I just case see 2~3 AF fan setup that pushes air away from it performing to will that close to side panel. I could be wrong though maybe it will just push all that air to side and up the case,
One thing that bothered be about my R5 is the Led lights the Blue light serves as the Power led and HDD activity light, making hard to see hdd activity, did the separate the lights? and make different colors
less something happens to my R5 between now and my next build or better case comes along i think i want this
I likey, the addition of fan filters on top and psu area be separated are nice, lose Fan RPM control isnt big issue, all fans controller by 1 hub is great, less clutter, I do i have question though I like the idea behind the optional placement of GPU with extra cable not sure about price for it thought. might be good for blower style cards but the aftermarkets kind that have 2~3 fans be pushing air away from it might not like being positioned like that case how close it would be to the side of the case, any chance you test temps with AF GPU like that with in that postion? I just case see 2~3 AF fan setup that pushes air away from it performing to will that close to side panel. I could be wrong though maybe it will just push all that air to side and up the case,
One thing that bothered be about my R5 is the Led lights the Blue light serves as the Power led and HDD activity light, making hard to see hdd activity, did the separate the lights? and make different colors
less something happens to my R5 between now and my next build or better case comes along i think i want this
Netherwind
Senior Member
Posts: 6859
Senior Member
Posts: 6859
Posted on: 12/20/2017 05:39 PM
Good review and interesting acoustics comparison (btw, on the graphs, its "Dark Base 700, not Silent Base 700"). This one seems to have a lot of clever features and build quality paired with the X2 fans could prove a real winner. I also like that you "get what you need" for a standard build and don't have to buy additional fans, brackets and whatnot like with so many other cases.
My only gripe is the price for the TG version which is on the high side compared to the competition and to the FD brand itself. After all they're known to make cases which have good value for money.
Solid review Hilbert.
That is the best chassis I have seen in a while for eatx mb. Better than my Phanteks even. Very classy in white.
I just disagree when you say it is pricey. €150 nowadays is peanuts when you put it against DDR4 for example.
I completely disagree with that statement. Let's say that a €100 is better than this one, will ju disregard that one and buy the R6 simply because €150 is peanuts?
One thing that bothered be about my R5 is the Led lights the Blue light serves as the Power led and HDD activity light, making hard to see hdd activity, did the separate the lights? and make different colors
I personally solved that issue by connecting PWR LED to HDD LED
Then the light only shows HDD activity and nothing else.
Good review and interesting acoustics comparison (btw, on the graphs, its "Dark Base 700, not Silent Base 700"). This one seems to have a lot of clever features and build quality paired with the X2 fans could prove a real winner. I also like that you "get what you need" for a standard build and don't have to buy additional fans, brackets and whatnot like with so many other cases.
My only gripe is the price for the TG version which is on the high side compared to the competition and to the FD brand itself. After all they're known to make cases which have good value for money.
Solid review Hilbert.
That is the best chassis I have seen in a while for eatx mb. Better than my Phanteks even. Very classy in white.
I just disagree when you say it is pricey. €150 nowadays is peanuts when you put it against DDR4 for example.
I completely disagree with that statement. Let's say that a €100 is better than this one, will ju disregard that one and buy the R6 simply because €150 is peanuts?
One thing that bothered be about my R5 is the Led lights the Blue light serves as the Power led and HDD activity light, making hard to see hdd activity, did the separate the lights? and make different colors
I personally solved that issue by connecting PWR LED to HDD LED
Then the light only shows HDD activity and nothing else.
fry178
Senior Member
Posts: 1180
Senior Member
Posts: 1180
Posted on: 12/20/2017 06:32 PM
Hilbert, your sure you dont have noise transfering from somewhere outside, to that room?
at least when we're talking about an "empty" room, 28 dBa isnt really "silent" to me.
i know im picky on that part (im running NB multiframe with 8dBa, and had to throttle them to really NOT hear them), but a room without anything producing "noise" should be much quieter.
Hilbert, your sure you dont have noise transfering from somewhere outside, to that room?
at least when we're talking about an "empty" room, 28 dBa isnt really "silent" to me.
i know im picky on that part (im running NB multiframe with 8dBa, and had to throttle them to really NOT hear them), but a room without anything producing "noise" should be much quieter.
Kaarme
Senior Member
Posts: 1667
Senior Member
Posts: 1667
Posted on: 12/20/2017 08:09 PM
Front panel IO then, arguably it looks a little bland. But you'll find three 3.0 ports alongside audio I/O, Power button with LED (blue), a reset button though. And once powered on, the power LED will turn blue.
Isn't it two usb 3.0 and two usb 2.0?
A very thorough review, as always. Since I don't like side windows, it's as you said: My current R5 is still a valid choice.
Front panel IO then, arguably it looks a little bland. But you'll find three 3.0 ports alongside audio I/O, Power button with LED (blue), a reset button though. And once powered on, the power LED will turn blue.
Isn't it two usb 3.0 and two usb 2.0?
A very thorough review, as always. Since I don't like side windows, it's as you said: My current R5 is still a valid choice.
Hilbert Hagedoorn
Don Vito Corleone
Posts: 36282
Don Vito Corleone
Posts: 36282
Posted on: 12/20/2017 08:11 PM
Isn't it two usb 3.0 and two usb 2.0?
A very thorough review, as always. Since I don't like side windows, it's as you said: My current R5 is still a valid choice.
Totally, correct thanks for noting.
Isn't it two usb 3.0 and two usb 2.0?
A very thorough review, as always. Since I don't like side windows, it's as you said: My current R5 is still a valid choice.
Totally, correct thanks for noting.
Robbo9999
Senior Member
Posts: 1333
Senior Member
Posts: 1333
Posted on: 12/20/2017 09:01 PM
Looks ok, maybe looks a bit boring though, but the white one looks better, that one doesn't look boring. Not a fan of cases with HDD racks, just disrupts airflow & creates visual clutter too. I'm more for sticking them behind the motherboard, I've got two SSD's back there.
EDIT: I know you can remove the HDD racks in this case, but I guess you're paying for them as part of the case, and perhaps don't need such a big case if removing HDD racks unless putting in custom watercooling I guess.
Looks ok, maybe looks a bit boring though, but the white one looks better, that one doesn't look boring. Not a fan of cases with HDD racks, just disrupts airflow & creates visual clutter too. I'm more for sticking them behind the motherboard, I've got two SSD's back there.
EDIT: I know you can remove the HDD racks in this case, but I guess you're paying for them as part of the case, and perhaps don't need such a big case if removing HDD racks unless putting in custom watercooling I guess.
djeiraji
Junior Member
Posts: 8
Junior Member
Posts: 8
Posted on: 12/20/2017 09:03 PM
superb.
i am looking for my switch 810 replacement. this seems to be a serious pretendant.
i would like some photo with recognisable object to determine the scale of the PC case.
My switch 810 is a monster i would like a smaller one.
(the photo with the monitor is a good hint but we dont have the size of display ... seems to be 27 inches..)
superb.
i am looking for my switch 810 replacement. this seems to be a serious pretendant.
i would like some photo with recognisable object to determine the scale of the PC case.
My switch 810 is a monster i would like a smaller one.
(the photo with the monitor is a good hint but we dont have the size of display ... seems to be 27 inches..)
maddog55
Member
Posts: 54
Member
Posts: 54
Posted on: 12/20/2017 11:51 PM
Good review of this Fractal case Hilbert.
My ARC Midi is still safe as i couldn't justify swapping over to this one,i have the clear side panel option here and it's a cracking wee case for air control...still looking out for a definite winner here!.
Good review of this Fractal case Hilbert.
My ARC Midi is still safe as i couldn't justify swapping over to this one,i have the clear side panel option here and it's a cracking wee case for air control...still looking out for a definite winner here!.
MUPPETA
Junior Member
Posts: 10
Junior Member
Posts: 10
Posted on: 12/21/2017 01:31 PM
Nice reviewHH-all ready have fractal midi -but this is better one.
Nice reviewHH-all ready have fractal midi -but this is better one.
sverek
Junior Member
Posts: 5361
Junior Member
Posts: 5361
Posted on: 12/21/2017 01:59 PM
I own Fractal Design Define C, and it's my favorite case. Nice, plain and simple.
Props to Fractal Design for keep doing what they do best and not jumping on RGB bandwagon.
I own Fractal Design Define C, and it's my favorite case. Nice, plain and simple.
Props to Fractal Design for keep doing what they do best and not jumping on RGB bandwagon.
hapkiman
Member
Posts: 67
Member
Posts: 67
Posted on: 12/31/2017 12:33 AM
Thanks for the review. I really like this case and I'm looking to replace my aging Corsair Air 540 with the Gun Metal version of the Design Define R6 (wife hates the Corsair case - calls it ugly). She won't be able to complain about this beauty of a case. Very slick looking. I just wish Fractal would hurry up and release this thing.
Thanks for the review. I really like this case and I'm looking to replace my aging Corsair Air 540 with the Gun Metal version of the Design Define R6 (wife hates the Corsair case - calls it ugly). She won't be able to complain about this beauty of a case. Very slick looking. I just wish Fractal would hurry up and release this thing.
wavetrex
Senior Member
Posts: 638
Senior Member
Posts: 638
Posted on: 03/19/2018 12:55 PM
Digging this thread out... (yes, I know it's 3 months old):
I just ordered Define R6 Black with TG - 140 euro in the Netherlands.
Hopefully it arrives tomorrow.
I'm going to fill it's HDD cage to the max (6 WD RED's, one DVD-RW and also the two SSD slots on the back). Large EATX mobo (Gigabyte X99 Ultra Gaming), Big Zotac GTX 1080 video card, Corsair H115i 280+mm radiator...
Yeah, I am going to fill up this case !
Hopefully cable routing won't be a huge problem.
The computer comes from a bigger "full tower" case which is about six years old, that one didn't have problems with space, but this one is much more compact. However I'm tired of that case, it occupies way too much space and has an "asian" type design with a lot of sharp corners... (apparently I had different tastes back then)
Will come back with pictures once it arrives ( might do a (re)build log in a separate thread as well )
Digging this thread out... (yes, I know it's 3 months old):
I just ordered Define R6 Black with TG - 140 euro in the Netherlands.
Hopefully it arrives tomorrow.
I'm going to fill it's HDD cage to the max (6 WD RED's, one DVD-RW and also the two SSD slots on the back). Large EATX mobo (Gigabyte X99 Ultra Gaming), Big Zotac GTX 1080 video card, Corsair H115i 280+mm radiator...
Yeah, I am going to fill up this case !
Hopefully cable routing won't be a huge problem.
The computer comes from a bigger "full tower" case which is about six years old, that one didn't have problems with space, but this one is much more compact. However I'm tired of that case, it occupies way too much space and has an "asian" type design with a lot of sharp corners... (apparently I had different tastes back then)
Will come back with pictures once it arrives ( might do a (re)build log in a separate thread as well )
StewieTech
Chuck Norris
Posts: 2538
Chuck Norris
Posts: 2538
Posted on: 03/19/2018 02:01 PM
Fractal is a classy manufacturer, those lads wont put out a bad case for the buck they usually ask.
Fractal is a classy manufacturer, those lads wont put out a bad case for the buck they usually ask.
ubercake
Senior Member
Posts: 214
Senior Member
Posts: 214
Posted on: 07/06/2018 07:17 PM
I picked this case up a few days ago ($109 USD) and set it up with the optional "open" configuration. With a little planning, I've made this the cleanest build I've ever had. I have 3 2.5" SSDs and a single 2280 NVME M.2 drive.
The PC is quieter than ever in this case. The case is well built and a very easy mid-tower to build in. I love the conservative styling. It really looks nice.
The only thing I don't like about the case is it needs one or two more SSD trays included (I have 3 SSDs) with it. There are four positions (two behind the mobo tray and two above the PSU cover) for four SSDs to be mounted in the case using the "open" configuration. They only sell the case with two SSD trays and offer no option for obtaining additional trays on the Fractal Design web site. Someone asked about this in their support forums and a rep responded they would consider selling the SSD trays individually if enough people inquired about them. It is possible to rig up the 3.5" drive mounts to allow a couple SSDs to be attached to the back side of the tray (the one you slide back for the "open" configuration), but why?
A replaceable front connection panel means you could theoretically use this same case forever.
I used the "Contact Us" form on the Fractal Design web site to inquire about obtaining additional trays. It's been three days and I've received zero response.
---- Update... It's been a week and zero response. Fractal Design is definitely no Noctua from a customer service/sales standpoint. I am definitely not impressed with the lack of response from Fractal Design.
On a good note, I replaced all of the stock fans with Noctua 140mm PWM fans (ugly beige and brown) and this system is even quieter. Amazing:
Perpetuity
I picked this case up a few days ago ($109 USD) and set it up with the optional "open" configuration. With a little planning, I've made this the cleanest build I've ever had. I have 3 2.5" SSDs and a single 2280 NVME M.2 drive.
The PC is quieter than ever in this case. The case is well built and a very easy mid-tower to build in. I love the conservative styling. It really looks nice.
The only thing I don't like about the case is it needs one or two more SSD trays included (I have 3 SSDs) with it. There are four positions (two behind the mobo tray and two above the PSU cover) for four SSDs to be mounted in the case using the "open" configuration. They only sell the case with two SSD trays and offer no option for obtaining additional trays on the Fractal Design web site. Someone asked about this in their support forums and a rep responded they would consider selling the SSD trays individually if enough people inquired about them. It is possible to rig up the 3.5" drive mounts to allow a couple SSDs to be attached to the back side of the tray (the one you slide back for the "open" configuration), but why?
A replaceable front connection panel means you could theoretically use this same case forever.
I used the "Contact Us" form on the Fractal Design web site to inquire about obtaining additional trays. It's been three days and I've received zero response.
---- Update... It's been a week and zero response. Fractal Design is definitely no Noctua from a customer service/sales standpoint. I am definitely not impressed with the lack of response from Fractal Design.
On a good note, I replaced all of the stock fans with Noctua 140mm PWM fans (ugly beige and brown) and this system is even quieter. Amazing:
Perpetuity
Killian38
Senior Member
Posts: 312
Senior Member
Posts: 312
Posted on: 07/06/2018 09:17 PM
They make good cases. I'd pay maybe $90 U.S. for it. Reminds me of my sons Phanteks case. Great case and cheaper. Fractal Design is on the edge of making really great cases. Their price kills it for me.
They make good cases. I'd pay maybe $90 U.S. for it. Reminds me of my sons Phanteks case. Great case and cheaper. Fractal Design is on the edge of making really great cases. Their price kills it for me.
A49ER08
Senior Member
Posts: 183
Senior Member
Posts: 183
Posted on: 12/09/2018 11:36 PM
so I just completed a build in this case yesterday.. I gotta say, I was a bit disappointed
after doing two R5 builds and a Define S build recently.. this one was tougher for me to complete
the top radiator clearance is complete garbage.. had a real hard time trying to mount and find a suitable position for it.. that took a lot of time on my end to figure out.
also the PSU Shroud is more of a pain, at least in my opinion, just the angle at which the cables come out through the back makes it a very tight fit to work...
so yea.. if I needed another case, I think I'd go with the R5 instead, it just feels a tad more 'roomy.'
so I just completed a build in this case yesterday.. I gotta say, I was a bit disappointed
after doing two R5 builds and a Define S build recently.. this one was tougher for me to complete
the top radiator clearance is complete garbage.. had a real hard time trying to mount and find a suitable position for it.. that took a lot of time on my end to figure out.
also the PSU Shroud is more of a pain, at least in my opinion, just the angle at which the cables come out through the back makes it a very tight fit to work...
so yea.. if I needed another case, I think I'd go with the R5 instead, it just feels a tad more 'roomy.'
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Senior Member
Posts: 159
Solid review Hilbert.
That is the best chassis I have seen in a while for eatx mb. Better than my Phanteks even. Very classy in white.
I just disagree when you say it is pricey. €150 nowadays is peanuts when you put it against DDR4 for example.