Still using a Define R5 all white solid side panel in 2022. It's quiet it runs an I7 8700K overclocked on all cores to 4.8MHz. It runs an overclocked RTX3070 that idles at 40c and the CPU idles at 31c. The case runs three 2.5" SSD's an NVMe and two optical drives. It's air cooled with a Noctua Chromax NH-U12A so zero water leak or pump issue worries. Under gaming loads temperatures don't exceed 70c GPU 50c CPU. Did i mention it's quiet and cool. I like this define 7 but I have no need based incentive. If your looking in like 2022 don't hesitate. Nice review thank you.
Heh I just bought the r6 a few weeks ago. I’m very happy with it but my only gripe was the dark anodized aluminum on the front of the white case. I’m glad they fixed that.
Fractal is killing it again. GN wasn't quite as forviging in their review of the thermal performance, but I doubt it would actually be much of an issue with rads in the top, bottom, and front of this thing
I'm using Arctic liquid freezer ii 420mm radiator top mounted on XL case in 2023. RTX 4090 13900K Quietest case of all time under heavy load. This case was indeed future proof.
I think this is the first Fractal case I could see myself buying. I only have one quibble... I really like glass front panels to show off the fans and wish they has a SKU with this option, especially since the standard front panel is already closed off.
G'day Brian, I do like the Look & Layout options for Fractal cases, but here in Australia the Fractal Design Define 7 is $249AUD & the TG $259AUD, also with their lower spec cases like the Focus G not available anymore the cheapest Fractal case available in Sydney is the Fractal Design Focus I at $119AUD
When you do your build, can you do an AIO setup up top like a 280 or 360 if it supports it? I'm curious to see how this would work with tall motherboard components and/or RAM modules. Otherwise, it's an interesting choice if you're buying now. If you already have the Define R6, I'm not sure there's enough motivation to change cases.
Good to see a company still caring for us 3.5" nuts. In the future I want to expand my Plex Server to more than two 8TB 3.5" drives. Just wish the drives could be turned to face the other way and shown through the glass.
Phanteks makes some cases with some nice looking drive trays (# PH-HDDKT_02) that are oriented in the way you're describing. I think I saw you comment on another channel that you want an ODD bay so Phanteks has a few options but they're getting kind of old.
I would love to see the improvements of the Define 7, combined into the Meshify.... in a white case. Great airflow, with functionality of the Define7 (and white!)
Great review. I was hoping for a new Fractal Case as I’m jumping from an old Corsair 750d which is old and far too big. I’m glad I waited. The Define 7 looks really nice, even in White.
Thanks for making this video, I built a system in a Define R6 and just loved that case. I've built 2 other systems since in other cases and seeing what they have done with the Define 7 this is definitely my next build choice after watching your vid here! Excellent video Bryan, appreciate it man!
Agreed - but not only one drive bay! Had to buy the XL version of this to be able to fit two (I like on the fly copying, without having to store an iso-file on the SSD)
Looks like a great case, but I personally don’t like the silver and white look. Would have preferred it being all white. Still looking towards the unreleased Phanteks P500A though.
Looking for a case for a potential Threadripper build I am looking to put together and the XL might make a good choice but not overly convinced about the front design of the case it does seem a bit bland and the none solid top panels design is not overly standing out to me, still got another 2-3 months before I make up my mind
I think it should come with a vertical gpu bracket at that price. Otherwise there's nothing new from the r6 apart from the top panel and the fan controller.
@@paul2609 And have another thing flying around that is less capable as well? Sorry, I'd rather keep my drives (yes: Two for on the fly copying of DVDs etc.) in my case, thank you very much!)...it's why I just bought the XL version of this case (it has two optical drive bays!)...which should have arrived by now - it was probably smashed by an optical drive hater, right? :(
That fan hub... Really wish all of the headers were PWM but it looks like there's enough spacing between the headers to accommodate PWM fans anyway. Otherwise I really like what they've done here.
A blue-ray-drive (or burner!) is not "legacy hardware" - just because most people seem to enjoy an - IMHO - defective product (desktop PC without optical drives is kind of defective, like removing the small saw from a swiss army knife or removing the screwdriver from a Leatherman tool!)...hell, you save money as a blue-ray-burner is probably less expensive than an external blue-ray-player for a TV (which is also useless if, like me, you only have a 2 decades old TV that hasn't been on in years and should probably be thrown out!)
A case that still looks like the R6 . Too big . 3.5 hard drives are a thing of the past , Fractal design’s new logo and psu shroud cut out design is horrible looking . The only thing I like is the new cable management layout . I got rid of the my S2 case and went back with the Meshify C and I dont regret it .
well... im using fd define mini C TG... and love it. but looking at this case ... whyyyy //// ......???? NOthing NEW FACE .... boring i knew this is a great case. but need fresh look
Hi there, you’re a very likeable person, but I had to click dislike on this video as I compared it to other case reviews of the same case, now my question is did I in your eyes do the right thing with the comparison? I just wonder next time you are with GN Steve ask him about how they do their thermal testing, just an idea.
Brian (hopefully that's the correct spelling) focuses more on aesthetics and quality of life things in cases, whereas Steve goes hard on thermals. I don't think you need to compare the two, and you don't have to dislike a video just because there's another one.
Alex Trotta hi there Alex, I like quite a number of Brian’s uploads, but I have six uploads of the same case review and I watch them all as it’s good to see how each channel reviews the same thing. Now in my mind surely it’s ok to compare them to each other as if I only watched one ( say Brian’s) I may buy it without knowing all about it. Maybe your right in the I don’t have to dislike an upload compared to another. I do with UA-cam would give us a better selection to pick from. Maybe a ratings system for how much I liked or disliked ?
That's a beautiful case! I personally love the silver and white, and I'm glad to see lighter tint options for the glass. Thanks for the info!
random inconsistent hole patterns are beautiful?
@@paul2609 you say "random inconsistent", I say "asymetric", so...subjectively: yes.
Still using a Define R5 all white solid side panel in 2022. It's quiet it runs an I7 8700K overclocked on all cores to 4.8MHz. It runs an overclocked RTX3070 that idles at 40c and the CPU idles at 31c. The case runs three 2.5" SSD's an NVMe and two optical drives. It's air cooled with a Noctua Chromax NH-U12A so zero water leak or pump issue worries. Under gaming loads temperatures don't exceed 70c GPU 50c CPU. Did i mention it's quiet and cool. I like this define 7 but I have no need based incentive. If your looking in like 2022 don't hesitate. Nice review thank you.
Heh I just bought the r6 a few weeks ago. I’m very happy with it but my only gripe was the dark anodized aluminum on the front of the white case. I’m glad they fixed that.
This is my next case!
Not enough to replace my R6, but the XL might be a motivator. Looking forward to your build with that case.
Fractal is killing it again. GN wasn't quite as forviging in their review of the thermal performance, but I doubt it would actually be much of an issue with rads in the top, bottom, and front of this thing
Case arrived today, gonna build in it next week. I've had the R4 for many years and i'm very happy with it, and this new case looks great.
I can see the 7XL (and 7 for that matter) being for home NAS builds for the people who don't want a rackmount chassis.
I'm using Arctic liquid freezer ii 420mm radiator top mounted on XL case in 2023.
RTX 4090
13900K
Quietest case of all time under heavy load.
This case was indeed future proof.
I think this is the first Fractal case I could see myself buying. I only have one quibble... I really like glass front panels to show off the fans and wish they has a SKU with this option, especially since the standard front panel is already closed off.
G'day Brian,
I do like the Look & Layout options for Fractal cases, but here in Australia the Fractal Design Define 7 is $249AUD & the TG $259AUD,
also with their lower spec cases like the Focus G not available anymore the cheapest Fractal case available in Sydney is the Fractal Design Focus I at $119AUD
nice case , i got a R6 in white , love that case , best i built in , the 7 just made the best case even better
When you do your build, can you do an AIO setup up top like a 280 or 360 if it supports it? I'm curious to see how this would work with tall motherboard components and/or RAM modules. Otherwise, it's an interesting choice if you're buying now. If you already have the Define R6, I'm not sure there's enough motivation to change cases.
Good to see a company still caring for us 3.5" nuts. In the future I want to expand my Plex Server to more than two 8TB 3.5" drives. Just wish the drives could be turned to face the other way and shown through the glass.
Phanteks makes some cases with some nice looking drive trays (# PH-HDDKT_02) that are oriented in the way you're describing. I think I saw you comment on another channel that you want an ODD bay so Phanteks has a few options but they're getting kind of old.
applemaggot You May have seen a comment somewhere, I can’t remember, but thanks for the recommendation.
I would love to see the improvements of the Define 7, combined into the Meshify.... in a white case. Great airflow, with functionality of the Define7 (and white!)
Great review. I was hoping for a new Fractal Case as I’m jumping from an old Corsair 750d which is old and far too big. I’m glad I waited. The Define 7 looks really nice, even in White.
definitely improved in all areas over the 6, particularly with the front I/O.
I disagree
The looks is a downgrade, look at those stupid random holes that are inconsistent.
Paul ?
Front I/O is exactly the same - define r6 had usb c
Thanks for making this video, I built a system in a Define R6 and just loved that case. I've built 2 other systems since in other cases and seeing what they have done with the Define 7 this is definitely my next build choice after watching your vid here!
Excellent video Bryan, appreciate it man!
The best feature is the 5.25 not all cases that has it anymore sadly :(
But this thing has it
Pls bring the 5.25 back
Agreed - but not only one drive bay! Had to buy the XL version of this to be able to fit two (I like on the fly copying, without having to store an iso-file on the SSD)
I Love my Fractal Mesh S2
I'd like to see this in a front Mesh version.
What are your thoughts on the huge space between the front fans and the motherboard? It just seems like a huge gap and looks weird in my opinion.
Looks like a great case, but I personally don’t like the silver and white look. Would have preferred it being all white. Still looking towards the unreleased Phanteks P500A though.
3.5 drive sleds are available? I have looked everywhere. Where?
Looking for a case for a potential Threadripper build I am looking to put together and the XL might make a good choice but not overly convinced about the front design of the case it does seem a bit bland and the none solid top panels design is not overly standing out to me, still got another 2-3 months before I make up my mind
Interesting looking case but I think I'll go with InWin 909.
when does it drop???? when is the release date?
Any updates on the review for the lian li tu150 with the evga ftw3 graphics card build. Would really like too know what you found out.
My notifications hint at an embargo from fractal being lifted.
Greenmeanie91 mine too😂
Thanks for another great review. Really enjoying your content.
More small, more clean. And moreee powerfulll.
Anyone else getting the Super Sport Motocross vibes from the hoody? I like it
Eww
I think it should come with a vertical gpu bracket at that price.
Otherwise there's nothing new from the r6 apart from the top panel and the fan controller.
R6 has a fan controller
@@jetsku4972 Even R4 had one.
Awsome review... Seems Fractal really upped there game on thise models :)
What about HDD led? Its gone from 2019 :(
integrated into power led
@@llexl but there are no physical pins that connects to motherboard hdd header
So plug the power led into the hdd header. Use an led fan or strip in the case if you like.
They couldn't decide if they wanted full minimalism or gamery look. It looks ugly with the random angled holes compared to the previous design.
I will continue to cling to my opitcal drives, dammit. But especially if it means delaying a solid front panel, because noooo thank you.
I want to build a case out of optical drives and call it the "ODDCase". What do you think? Should be more functional than actually using one.
@@BPSCustoms You remember this reply...
Just use external drives geez
@@paul2609 Why? Don't you think a case like this is big enaugh to install an internal optical drive?
@@paul2609 And have another thing flying around that is less capable as well? Sorry, I'd rather keep my drives (yes: Two for on the fly copying of DVDs etc.) in my case, thank you very much!)...it's why I just bought the XL version of this case (it has two optical drive bays!)...which should have arrived by now - it was probably smashed by an optical drive hater, right? :(
That fan hub... Really wish all of the headers were PWM but it looks like there's enough spacing between the headers to accommodate PWM fans anyway. Otherwise I really like what they've done here.
A blue-ray-drive (or burner!) is not "legacy hardware" - just because most people seem to enjoy an - IMHO - defective product (desktop PC without optical drives is kind of defective, like removing the small saw from a swiss army knife or removing the screwdriver from a Leatherman tool!)...hell, you save money as a blue-ray-burner is probably less expensive than an external blue-ray-player for a TV (which is also useless if, like me, you only have a 2 decades old TV that hasn't been on in years and should probably be thrown out!)
nice review
I really like the video, but as for the Define 7.. ehh Can't get too excited about it.
It’s big
A case that still looks like the R6 . Too big . 3.5 hard drives are a thing of the past , Fractal design’s new logo and psu shroud cut out design is horrible looking . The only thing I like is the new cable management layout . I got rid of the my S2 case and went back with the Meshify C and I dont regret it .
HOW MUCH?
well... im using fd define mini C TG... and love it.
but looking at this case ...
whyyyy //// ......???? NOthing NEW FACE .... boring
i knew this is a great case. but need fresh look
Hi there, you’re a very likeable person, but I had to click dislike on this video as I compared it to other case reviews of the same case, now my question is did I in your eyes do the right thing with the comparison? I just wonder next time you are with GN Steve ask him about how they do their thermal testing, just an idea.
Brian (hopefully that's the correct spelling) focuses more on aesthetics and quality of life things in cases, whereas Steve goes hard on thermals. I don't think you need to compare the two, and you don't have to dislike a video just because there's another one.
Alex Trotta hi there Alex, I like quite a number of Brian’s uploads, but I have six uploads of the same case review and I watch them all as it’s good to see how each channel reviews the same thing. Now in my mind surely it’s ok to compare them to each other as if I only watched one ( say Brian’s) I may buy it without knowing all about it. Maybe your right in the I don’t have to dislike an upload compared to another. I do with UA-cam would give us a better selection to pick from. Maybe a ratings system for how much I liked or disliked ?