CHF121.– was CHF129.–
Fractal Define R5 Black
mATX, Mini-ITX, ATX
Product ratings
Pros
Cons
82 reviews
Hi guys, my name is Patrick and I give hi...
Hi guys, my name is Patrick and I'm here to give my personal verdict on the R5.
Compared to its glorious predecessor, which is probably by far the best-selling upper-class case at Digitec, the Define brings numerous new features that justify the extra price.
The case is made of steel and plastic. The workmanship is very good and you can see it very clearly on the frame. The front is particularly impressive for plastic ;) Even if it looks like brushed aluminium.
While we're talking about the front, we should also look at the options and features. The front door can now be opened from both sides, i.e. depending on the position of the tower, you can open it on the right or left. Good idea!
The integrated dust filters are also functional and do their job, especially the dust filter at the bottom of the case. This covers the bottom completely and can be conveniently removed.
Another plus point is the massive interior. If both modular HDD cages and the optical drive are removed, you can do anything with the case. Graphics cards of up to 440mm fit inside, water cooling radiators on the lid up to 420mm and front 360mm at the same time, is a wet dream for an enthusiast and silent lover!
It is an enclosure that performs very well in every aspect, making it a very strong product. The one who wants it simple, easy and comfortable should definitely invest his money in this tower.
If you want to get an idea, besides my comment, you should have a look at these two links.
Fractal Design - http://www.fractal-design.com/home...
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/watch
Greetings PatrickPro
- Strong improvement on the predecessor R4.
- Very high quality workmanship - typical for Fractal ;)
- Very modular, you have the choice of what you want to do.
- Comfortable, easy cable management, well thought out and easy to maintain.
- Silent with good airflow for low temperatures and maximum lifetime.
Contra
- There is actually none, except "evolution instead of revolution"
I would possibly buy again.
I would possibly buy again.
Pro
- Cable management
- Position SSD's
- 2 enclosure fans with 3 level control
- Without graphics card and only with SSD and Corsair RM power supply inaudible
Contra
- Housing warps a little = rear thumbscrews not so easy to screw in
- Completely silent with active graphics card does not seem to work
Almost perfect for only 120.-
I've had cases from Coolermaster (HAF series), Nzxt (Phatom), but this case tops everything and that for not even 120. The case is solidly made and the plastic walls are quite decent to look at (looks like aluminium). The cable management is ingenious. Thanks to the lowered mainboard, the large space in between, the many well-placed openings for the cables, the Velcro holders in a notch, you will never have the problem that you can hardly get the back mounted. The SSD holders are also well placed. The HDD and drive cages can be removed. The insulation and air flow are very good (only 1-3 degrees warmer than an uninsulated case with a closed front door). The mainboard cut-out at the rear is very large. The hard disks are connected to the "drawer" with rubber parts. Front door can be mounted on both sides. Large tower CPU fans are no problem.
Disadvantages:
Case is more like a large mid-tower.
No dust filters on the top and sides after removing the flaps.
No rubber mounts for the case fans (a no-go for silent cases).
A large power supply unit blocks the middle fan or HDD cage slot at the bottom.
Drives must be firmly mounted (no "click fastening")
Only 2 case fans suppliedPro
- Very good price/performance ratio
- Cable management
- Decoupling the HDDs
- SSD mounts rear
Contra
- No decoupling of the enclosure fans
Good enclosure for SLI/CFX or as a DIY NAS
One of the best enclosures I have ever bought.
Pro
- Top cable management
- Many fan slots
- Various dust filters
- Insulation mats already in place
- Very easy access to HDD/SSD
- Removable HDD cage for better airflow
Simply good
Technically somewhat slimmed-down version of the Define R6, but still good.
The sound insulation mat is very thin, the technical details not as sophisticated as the R6.
Case size Minimally smaller than the otherwise identical R6Comprehensive, beautiful and high quality case
After a long search I found a compact and nice case that allows me to install my two 5.25" optical drives and meets all my other requirements. I had only found huge "BigTowers" which are too big for me. I don't know how loud the included fans are, since I installed be quiet fans and water cooling right from the start. These make the PC silent in normal operation. Thanks to the side doors without viewing windows (with sound insulation) there is also no annoying light leakage. The installation of the components was purposeful and logical.
Pro
- Enough space for the installation of all components
- 2 x 5.25" drive bays available
- Flexible, like e.g. selectable door opening right or left
- Silenced side cover
- No transparent side cover
- Compact dimensions
Contra
- Nothing
6 out of 82 reviews
How do ratings
work?