+Hardware Unboxed I believe DEMCifilter said they were going to make top dust filters for the Define S Nano which should make the top look quite nice. My friend has their filter on the top of his Define S ATX and it looks really nice :D
If this case only had 3 expansion slots instead of 2 for wider breathing room for non-reference models and a replaceable dust filter at the top for exhaust fans or radiators, this case would be unrivaled in design, cooling and noise levels..
Simple mod for the moduvent on top of the case, raise it with small posts and recycle a magnetic fan filter somewhere. That way you have a little raised top without completely removing the moduvent that also adds to the looks.
After watching this review I bought this case for a build for my mom. The case is really nice, so much so that I almost don't want to give it to her. I find your videos very informative and have grown to respect your opinions on hardware and the like. Keep up the good work!
Perfect video! You show the case from every aspect, first without components, and afterwards with components! Just gotta say it again, clean, smooth and a perfect video! Well done! :D
YES! Do all the comparisons please, i want to do a skylake build in one of these cases but i dont know which one is truly better and/or worth the money.
is it possible to move intake fan to the bottom? that HDD position is so stupid. in large cases intake fans are directly in front of HDDs cooling them.
Looks great! But why the funk did they include sound dampening on the front panel of the Nano S and not the Define S ?! And come on Fractal, filter option on the top!
+Johan Hägg They can they just don't want to. The NZXT Manta is bigger than a lot of mITX cases and bigger than some mATX cases but mITX is the biggest you'll get.. really pointless.
This actually really appeals to me. I currently have a high end mini-ITX system in a Silverstone RVZ01, which is a great little case, but I don't need that tiny size any more. I can move my hardware into this, get a Supernova P2 650W power supply to replace the Silverstone SFX one I have now (with its horrendously annoying fan), and put in a full loop, EKWB Predator 240 in the top (no need for a separate pump and rad), stick another 120 rad in the back, couple of low RPM 140mm intake fans, get a block for my 980, it'd be an awesome looking and super quiet system.
I wish it had room for two 240mm rads but looks like that top fan is all that can fit with a 30mm thick rad at the front. Would also like a top magnetic filter.
Is it really a moduvent if it's only one panel? It's not really modular, you either have the vent open or have it closed. Other than that, another great case by Fractal Design and another great case review by HWC
Where is the nail scratch test man? I always find that an important factor, since the whole reason for having a clear side panel is aesthetics. A badly scratched side window is anti aesthetic.
Would love to see this compared to the Phanteks Evolve ITX case, which is currently my favorite. I just built a new system in the Phanteks and it was a wonderful experience, and installing the Corsair H105 was a breeze.
You might have sold me on an ITX case. The price is right for a great view inside. I'm a bit confused with the compatibility though, will a 240 rad fit in the front of the case with room for the harddrive mounting to be placed vertically?
Damn, I really like this addition to the ITX market. I've been looking for a reasonably large case to replace my RVZ01 so I don't have to deal with such a tiny space for cooling, and so far the only case that really caught my eye was the phanteks evolv ITX
i have this case, and the noise damping is really good. Although, the downside is that the case is much bigger than usual ITX cases. They should have placed the PSU slot on the right side of the motherboard.
I've got an ITX Gigabyte 1060 and I'm worried about how close it'll be to the PSU, since it's an ITX card it won't go past the PSU. Should I look elsewhere for a case?
If you do a comparison, I think you should include the Enthoo Mini ITX as well. All three seem to aim at the same goals and audiences and are essentially shrunken ATX towers.
Awesome case. One of the few ITX cases that really catches my interest as much as my own Inwin 901 does. Might build my brother a system in this. And as usual, killer video. Cheers.
My dream case would be a mix of this and the R5 -- mATX form factor and one 5.25" bay left (or at least a slim-line optical slot). If they ever release an R5 Mini, I'll gladly buy it in a heart beat, despite having JUST bought my Define R5.
Dimitry, great as usual :) Can you make review for Thermaltake Suppressor F31. I have R5 and I also wish that Fractal start to include top dust filters for they cases. I'm wondering can that magnetic top filter from F31 can fit to R5 ...
I'm really curious whether the AIO cooler in use is a kraken x41? If it isn´t does the x41 fit there along with the preinstalled 140mm fan? Thanks in advance!
I can hear Dimitri's frustration with the moduvent. I feel the same way. On my Define S when I mount my 240 AIO cooler on top it only covers a portion of the open area, leaving about an 1.5" strip behind the radiator that is completely open. Hybrid system for the moduvent and don't go all the way to the rear of the case with the holes PLEASE Fractal. Other than that the case is a dream.
Will this case fit a cooler such at the Cooler Master Hyper 212? I'm considering liquid cooling the cpu on my next build but I would like the flexibility of a simpler air cooled set up if that doesn't work out.
Great review! Thinking of updating my gaming PC to a Define R5, maybe your viewers can help. Do I go Define R5 or NZXT S340? Will do an updated rig video for whatever I decide to get.
I really like the pricing here, It is much more in my range, I can go 60-80 but 100+ is really hard to budget when you are going smaller form factor. They definitely did there homework on how to build this case, I'm going to just mark this one for my next build.
Thanks fro the video! I had no idea that the Nano doesn't have a top dust filter included. This is surprising, given that the Fractal Design Define Mini C has one, afaik...
This case was released with all that space between the front panel and the fans over 2 years ago, and Cooler Master couldn't figure it out a few months ago with the Q300P
best mini itx case for a "steam macchine" build? i'm planning to buy the silverstone sg13 but i don't know, anything better around that price (and with the possibility to be bought in Europe)?
I'm looking for a very portable case, but I don't want to buy a new video card (I have a fan GPU and I'm worried about temps) Would this or the mini c be a better option for me? Keep in mind that by portable I mean "carry up and down several flights of stairs and to/from my car every few months"
My Silverstone Sugo SG13 is so small and nice for that but it is a PITA to work with. Something like this would be perfect after college. Mid tower is the biggest I would ever build a computer again (full size is way too big). Only downside to ITX mainly is no SLI but I have no plans for that now.
Such an adorable little define s. I want to buy one to out next to my define s. Maybe if I start streaming I can buy it for a stream machine. That's an excuse right?
Very good build as i like it....but i vabe a question, what model is the motherboard? I have one palit gtx 1050ti 4gb for gpu, i5 6500, 8 gb ddr4, Corsair cx650m and i'm choosing 2 case mini itx. This case or cougar qbx, but i'm thinking fractal is better.
Great review! Can I fit dual 3.5" drives on the back side? If I put a 280 mm radiator in the front, can I still fit a 3.5" HDD between the radiator+ fans and the PSU?
+Rauelius Totally agree...why would you even consider spending all that money on the Manta when this case seems to have a muuuuuch better design layout. Upgrade time. 250D...meet the Nano S. :)
Looks clean, typical Fractal design. Does look a bit ugly with the top lid off though.
(As always your B-Roll gets a DAM GOOD award Dmitry)
+Hardware Unboxed I believe DEMCifilter said they were going to make top dust filters for the Define S Nano which should make the top look quite nice. My friend has their filter on the top of his Define S ATX and it looks really nice :D
+Hardware Unboxed Thanks man :D glad to see fellow UA-camrs here in the comments!
HardwareCanucks Long-time watcher! You and a few others inspired me to start my own channel. So thanks and keep doing what you do :)
+HardwareCanucks are you gonna review the new deepcool genome mid tower? it has a 360mm rad aio cooler with a sick res and pump.
+HardwareCanucks
I'm still thinking about either this or the Phanteks evolve itx
Little Define toddler awwwww
+TekTick So cute right ;)
S'cute
This or the enthoo evolv itx?
srs?
You can really appreciate how much larger the Manta is in the B roll!
Great job again Dimitri
I can't describe how i love Your white balance and color grading in post prod.
How does one go "ITX" on the like button?
Just say it out loud while pressing it ^^
+HydraGaming go smaller and dont like
+HydraGaming Mini/Many likes. Idk that's how I interpreted it.
+HydraGaming Scream "INTERNATIONAL TITTIE XYLOPHONE" while gently clicking the button
As that is the proper acronym
+HydraGaming Hold ctrl and roll the mouse wheel down. Then click like. Good luck.
A tiny little Define case! I like it!
If this case only had 3 expansion slots instead of 2 for wider breathing room for non-reference models and a replaceable dust filter at the top for exhaust fans or radiators, this case would be unrivaled in design, cooling and noise levels..
$69 bucks for a windowed version of the Define NANO S is great value, the Ncase would be my first choice for an ITX case but at $185 I'll pass.
I'm game for whatever you guys dish out, I always look for your vids first on my sub list. Your quality is fantastic, b-roll @ it's finest.
What about adding the Phanteks Evolv Itx to the comparison?
Simple mod for the moduvent on top of the case, raise it with small posts and recycle a magnetic fan filter somewhere. That way you have a little raised top without completely removing the moduvent that also adds to the looks.
After watching this review I bought this case for a build for my mom. The case is really nice, so much so that I almost don't want to give it to her. I find your videos very informative and have grown to respect your opinions on hardware and the like.
Keep up the good work!
Perfect video! You show the case from every aspect, first without components, and afterwards with components! Just gotta say it again, clean, smooth and a perfect video! Well done! :D
Your 1080p always looks alot better than other youtube Videos ;) nice videos keep it up dimitri, itx forever ❤️
Isn't mounting the AIO tubes higher than the pump working against gravity?
Evolve ITX basically started this "mini ATX" case style for mini ITX builds.
YES! Do all the comparisons please, i want to do a skylake build in one of these cases but i dont know which one is truly better and/or worth the money.
Fractal Design NANO S vs Phanteks EVOLV ITX pls :3
Fractal Design Nano S or the Phanteks Enthoo Evolv ITX? Plan on custom water cooling later and trying to see which case supports it better.
I don't watercool but Nano S is built for ITX watercooling
JayZTwoCents has a watercooled build
I believe both cases support water cooling pretty well
I can confirm that
A NY NIGGA get the define nano s, its way quieter. i can confirm
THIS IS DOPE !
I JUST BOUGHT THE DEFINE S, AND THIS.....I'M GETTING THIS !
When will fractal have RGB lighting for their power supply button?
We've all been waiting for more reviews on the Nano S. Thank you!!
If only Fractal made an M-Atx version of this case
You should do a comparison of the smallest of the small cases. It would be cool.
is it possible to move intake fan to the bottom? that HDD position is so stupid. in large cases intake fans are directly in front of HDDs cooling them.
Looks great! But why the funk did they include sound dampening on the front panel of the Nano S and not the Define S ?! And come on Fractal, filter option on the top!
all Fractal cases are awesome!!! I have never had any issues with any of their cases.
This is such a huge mITX-case. I really think they could have fit mATX if they tried.
+Johan Hägg They can they just don't want to.
The NZXT Manta is bigger than a lot of mITX cases and bigger than some mATX cases but mITX is the biggest you'll get..
really pointless.
+Captain Leerox I'm sure there will be a bunch of modders who will convert this case and the Manta :P
is there space on the bottom for a HDD wih a 240 rad and fans on the front?
Hello Dmitry, is it possible to mount another hard-drive on the floor, with that current set up?
Waiting for a Define µATX now.
+SaKuLification Define Mini. It's been on the market for years.
+SaKuLification AHHHHHHHH engineering joke
Not what i meant. Dont want the cages for drives but the recessed area next to the mainboard and space for two 140s in the top.
+SmoothTH10 But it lacks the windows and is several generations behind in terms of features and design.
+SmoothTH10 It's outdated case, we need a refresh.
This actually really appeals to me. I currently have a high end mini-ITX system in a Silverstone RVZ01, which is a great little case, but I don't need that tiny size any more. I can move my hardware into this, get a Supernova P2 650W power supply to replace the Silverstone SFX one I have now (with its horrendously annoying fan), and put in a full loop, EKWB Predator 240 in the top (no need for a separate pump and rad), stick another 120 rad in the back, couple of low RPM 140mm intake fans, get a block for my 980, it'd be an awesome looking and super quiet system.
Would like to see a comparison with the Phanteks Evolv ITX. :D
How would this case match up with 2015's top cases? I'm not really sure how relatively good this is in terms of other cases.
I just leave a thumbs up and comment here since I already watch all your videos on Vessel
+PhantomTech hey man your vids are almost as good so far keep doing em and you will grow like this :)
ThePolulos
Thanks for the kind words! Hopefully we can get there one day
I wish it had room for two 240mm rads but looks like that top fan is all that can fit with a 30mm thick rad at the front. Would also like a top magnetic filter.
Is it really a moduvent if it's only one panel? It's not really modular, you either have the vent open or have it closed. Other than that, another great case by Fractal Design and another great case review by HWC
Where is the nail scratch test man?
I always find that an important factor, since the whole reason for having a clear side panel is aesthetics. A badly scratched side window is anti aesthetic.
+tiger d its too OP
+tiger d Almost all side windows aren't really scratch resistant.
+Great Scott Email NZXT they'll send you a new window. They did for free with my H440
Mine's even older then that. Give it a shot mate :) Nothing to lose, right?
Are you a grizzly bear?
Would love to see this compared to the Phanteks Evolve ITX case, which is currently my favorite. I just built a new system in the Phanteks and it was a wonderful experience, and installing the Corsair H105 was a breeze.
You might have sold me on an ITX case. The price is right for a great view inside. I'm a bit confused with the compatibility though, will a 240 rad fit in the front of the case with room for the harddrive mounting to be placed vertically?
Damn, I really like this addition to the ITX market. I've been looking for a reasonably large case to replace my RVZ01 so I don't have to deal with such a tiny space for cooling, and so far the only case that really caught my eye was the phanteks evolv ITX
Can one buy extra mounts for this, or will it just come with one? It looks like a perfect case, but I want to use an SSD and three HDDs.
i have this case, and the noise damping is really good. Although, the downside is that the case is much bigger than usual ITX cases. They should have placed the PSU slot on the right side of the motherboard.
I've got an ITX Gigabyte 1060 and I'm worried about how close it'll be to the PSU, since it's an ITX card it won't go past the PSU. Should I look elsewhere for a case?
Weird I have the 1060 from Gainward And it goes Up to 70°C max
G1 cards are with Windforce coolers right?
You can get an SFX PSU, but the cables are shorter so you'll need extension cables for it. you'll have a good clearance between the GPU and PSU.
Not really the Corsair SF series doesnt get loud atall
I really, really, love this case and the watercooling future!
If you do a comparison, I think you should include the Enthoo Mini ITX as well. All three seem to aim at the same goals and audiences and are essentially shrunken ATX towers.
+Phillip Peck I mean the Evolv ITX, not Enthoo.
i would like to see the comparison between this case and the nzxt manta and the phanteks enthoo evolv mini itx also .
please
Awesome case. One of the few ITX cases that really catches my interest as much as my own Inwin 901 does. Might build my brother a system in this. And as usual, killer video. Cheers.
My dream case would be a mix of this and the R5 -- mATX form factor and one 5.25" bay left (or at least a slim-line optical slot). If they ever release an R5 Mini, I'll gladly buy it in a heart beat, despite having JUST bought my Define R5.
Foxxy Rin go look at the Define mini C. Their new mATX case
what water cooler is pictured in this build? looking for a good one and exploring my options
get your hands on the dan A4-SFX case pls. Its 7.25L volume while this one is 26.8L.
I would definitely have this tower for my next build.
Could the back HDD bracket also be put on the wall instead of the bottom one?
Dimitry, great as usual :)
Can you make review for Thermaltake Suppressor F31.
I have R5 and I also wish that Fractal start to include top dust filters for they cases.
I'm wondering can that magnetic top filter from F31 can fit to R5 ...
I'm really curious whether the AIO cooler in use is a kraken x41? If it isn´t does the x41 fit there along with the preinstalled 140mm fan? Thanks in advance!
Fractal did it again!
A comparison between the two would be great!
With the apropriate mobo, can you fit a full size GTX 970 in there? And does the PSU have to be ITX-specific? Thanks!
Yes! I would love to see a comparison between this case and the Phanteks evolv itx.
I can hear Dimitri's frustration with the moduvent. I feel the same way. On my Define S when I mount my 240 AIO cooler on top it only covers a portion of the open area, leaving about an 1.5" strip behind the radiator that is completely open. Hybrid system for the moduvent and don't go all the way to the rear of the case with the holes PLEASE Fractal. Other than that the case is a dream.
So would you recommend going with a reference model cooler then for this build?
Also what black/red cabels did you use in this built?
Will this case fit a cooler such at the Cooler Master Hyper 212? I'm considering liquid cooling the cpu on my next build but I would like the flexibility of a simpler air cooled set up if that doesn't work out.
can't wait to pick one up and start a budget build!
Great review! Thinking of updating my gaming PC to a Define R5, maybe your viewers can help. Do I go Define R5 or NZXT S340? Will do an updated rig video for whatever I decide to get.
+Jack's Gadgets I prefer fractal at that price point. But the psu shroud is good on the s340
+Imraan Omar Hmm I'll have a think, price point is a lot higher on the R5 but then there are so many more options to customise it.
as someone with an s340, neither. go for the phanteks eclipse or phanteks enthoo pro m.
Jack's Gadgets For some reason in South Africa thes340 has the same price as the R5 both around $110. God bless import taxes and shit
+givemeajackson unfilitered fans and weird I/O port. Pass on that one. I really like the look of the Corsair 400C
AWESOME CASE WITH THE FAN SPLITTER
Wouldn't the GPU fan and the PSU fan being close together cause a problem?
I really like the pricing here, It is much more in my range, I can go 60-80 but 100+ is really hard to budget when you are going smaller form factor. They definitely did there homework on how to build this case, I'm going to just mark this one for my next build.
Thanks fro the video! I had no idea that the Nano doesn't have a top dust filter included. This is surprising, given that the Fractal Design Define Mini C has one, afaik...
If we fit 160mm CPU cooler, does it still has any space left within the window panel?
hmm thinking about going mini itx.. would the temps be affected? ill probably get an rx 470 and an i5 6600k
This case was released with all that space between the front panel and the fans over 2 years ago, and Cooler Master couldn't figure it out a few months ago with the Q300P
Could all of this stuff inside a regular Miditowe case fit into this one?
best mini itx case for a "steam macchine" build? i'm planning to buy the silverstone sg13 but i don't know, anything better around that price (and with the possibility to be bought in Europe)?
I'm looking for a very portable case, but I don't want to buy a new video card (I have a fan GPU and I'm worried about temps)
Would this or the mini c be a better option for me?
Keep in mind that by portable I mean "carry up and down several flights of stairs and to/from my car every few months"
Much better than that monstrous CRT box Manta crap that was sponsored on every YT channel and instagram
My Silverstone Sugo SG13 is so small and nice for that but it is a PITA to work with. Something like this would be perfect after college. Mid tower is the biggest I would ever build a computer again (full size is way too big). Only downside to ITX mainly is no SLI but I have no plans for that now.
I'm still using this case in 2018. Anyone still using this? If you would upgrade your case this year, what case would you put your parts in?
with this case support a SAPPHIRE PULSE Radeon RX 5700 XT ? according to newegg the card is 2.3 slots and the case recommends 2 slot cards.
Fantastic review as always! Why are you listing the price in USD when you're based in Canada? the Nano S is $99.99 CAD on ncix.com (Canadian site)?
Such an adorable little define s. I want to buy one to out next to my define s. Maybe if I start streaming I can buy it for a stream machine. That's an excuse right?
Very good build as i like it....but i vabe a question, what model is the motherboard? I have one palit gtx 1050ti 4gb for gpu, i5 6500, 8 gb ddr4, Corsair cx650m and i'm choosing 2 case mini itx. This case or cougar qbx, but i'm thinking fractal is better.
Great review!
Can I fit dual 3.5" drives on the back side? If I put a 280 mm radiator in the front, can I still fit a 3.5" HDD between the radiator+ fans and the PSU?
is it better to use aio + air cooler for intake like in the video or should I go full 240mm aio instead?
DO THE COMPARISON VIDEO BETWEEN MANTA AND NANO S.
I like your review on this case and build looks soo clean, so i was wondering which nzxt cooler did you use? x41? Thanks
only thing missing is replacement of that top cover with a magnetic filter instead since it is for water cooling and not complete silence.
Compare against the Phanteks Enthoo EVOLV ITX please
Why do You forget the NAIL on WINDOWS test on last few case reviews?
I love those so bad!
I prefer NZXT personally when it comes to ATX cases, but this Fractal destroys the Manta in almost all aspects.
absolutely. especially since the Manta is ridiculously overpriced. I don't care if it's based on a Ferrari. lol
+Rauelius Totally agree...why would you even consider spending all that money on the Manta when this case seems to have a muuuuuch better design layout.
Upgrade time. 250D...meet the Nano S. :)
+ThePreludeDave Manta looks like an old TV
+Brian Gommage Lol so true. never thought about it. throw back
Dimitri do a review of Thermaltake Suppressor F51 !
Should be good for lan gaming computer?
This or Cougar qbx?
Where do you get those cable clips for the CPU, 24-pin and GPU power cables?
+Max Just Google "cable combs".
Is there a Tempered Glass version of this Case ?
So my 180mm length PSU would actually be able to fit in this case? It says on the website 160mm is the max length.
Got the Define S, Lovely case to work in but it looks a bit cheap when you're used to aluminium cases. Of course it shows in the price as well.
Good review, now i now more about to install more 3,5 HDD places in this case.
I want this exact case but with a little more room so I can fit a µATX motherboard. I like this internal layout.
How would this work for an air cooled build?