Arctic Liquid Freezer II 280 liquid cooler review
Promo: Windows 10 Pro licenses for under 10 USD
Team Group MP33 NVMe 512 GB SSD Review
ADATA SE800 1TB Portable SSD review
Promo: Microsoft Office 2016 for $29.82
Corsair H100i RGB Pro XT liquid cooler review
Corsair K95 RGB PLATINUM XT review
AORUS Radeon RX 5700 XT 8G review
Endgame XM1 gaming mouse review
Guru3D Rig of the Month - December 2019
Review: Fractal Design Define R6 - A Devine PC Case?
Fractal Design is going for the Define as today they released their new flagship Define R6 chassis. opens a new design era for FS, a very enticing chassis shows nice aluminum elements, tempered glass and the ability to mount the most extravagant 420mm liquid cooling solutions.
We have reviewed this chassis, read the article here.
Review: PowerColor Red Devil Vega 56 (8GB) - 12/16/2017 10:52 AM
We take the first custom Vega 56 board for a test spin. In this review, we take a devilish PowerColor Radeon RX Vega 56 with 8GB graphics memory for a spin. The 56 is arguably the more affordable grap...
Review: The Affordable Corsair HS50 Stereo Gaming Headset - 12/15/2017 10:31 AM
A good proper headset for little money, meet the Corsair HS50 Stereo Gaming Headset. A headset back to its basics, stereo, lacking RGB, lacking integrated USB soundcard. Nope just back to the basics w...
Review: G.Skill Ripjaws MX780 RGB Gaming Mouse - 12/14/2017 08:39 AM
We review on the G.Skill Ripjaws MX780 RGB mouse, the device is sturdy and aesthetically pleasing with configurable RGB LEDs and has a grip that is intensely impressive. Read the review here. ...
Review: ASUS Republic Of Gamers Maximus X Apex - 12/07/2017 10:16 AM
We review the lovely looking ASUS ROG Maximus X Apex motherboard. A € 349,- costing Z370 motherboard style for the high-end PC crowd. It has distinctive looks, PCB cutouts and some of the mos...
Review: Noctua NH-U9, U12S, U14S TR4-SP3 Threadripper coolers - 12/05/2017 09:31 AM
We review three Noctua CPU coolers designed for Ryzen Threadripper / X399 motherboards with Socket TR4/SP3. All three coolers tested have recently been introduced into the channel with kicks perform...
tsunami231
Senior Member
Posts: 9855
Joined: 2003-05-24
Senior Member
Posts: 9855
Joined: 2003-05-24
#5503042 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: 6980
Joined: 2009-11-13
Senior Member
Posts: 6980
Joined: 2009-11-13
#5503056 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: 1321
Joined: 2012-04-30
Senior Member
Posts: 1321
Joined: 2012-04-30
#5503069 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: 1744
Joined: 2013-03-10
Senior Member
Posts: 1744
Joined: 2013-03-10
#5503100 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: 36773
Joined: 2000-02-22
Don Vito Corleone
Posts: 36773
Joined: 2000-02-22
#5503103 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: 1410
Joined: 2012-10-07
Senior Member
Posts: 1410
Joined: 2012-10-07
#5503118 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
Joined: 2017-12-20
Junior Member
Posts: 8
Joined: 2017-12-20
#5503119 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: 59
Joined: 2014-10-06
Member
Posts: 59
Joined: 2014-10-06
#5503161 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: 16
Joined: 2017-12-04
Junior Member
Posts: 16
Joined: 2017-12-04
#5503272 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: 5509
Joined: 2011-01-02
Junior Member
Posts: 5509
Joined: 2011-01-02
#5503280 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
Joined: 2014-12-22
Member
Posts: 67
Joined: 2014-12-22
#5505669 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: 734
Joined: 2008-07-16
Senior Member
Posts: 734
Joined: 2008-07-16
#5529264 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
Joined: 2012-02-06
Chuck Norris
Posts: 2538
Joined: 2012-02-06
#5529288 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
Joined: 2014-06-11
Senior Member
Posts: 214
Joined: 2014-06-11
#5563131 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
Click here to post a comment for this news story on the message forum.
Senior Member
Posts: 176
Joined: 2016-12-28
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.