Fractal Design Define R3 or similar

[limitedaccess]

I'm wondering if anyone using these can give some impressions? Particularly to the build, as I heard some comments that the case is relatively "thin" and flimsy, especially for the top. (sometimes put objects or my leg on the case lol...)

Also what would you say is the maximum GPU length that will fit?

Also if anyone has some similar case suggestions?

[martin_metal_88]

The case suport GPU up to 290mm so a 5970 wouldn't fit but everything else will fit like a charm. I saw one last week and gived it a little look. It's not that bad for the construction. Side panel are not as thick as a 600T but I concider it over the average case. You can look at lian li and silverstone. They are usually more expensive but build quality is one more step over.

If you want something larger, you can always look at the define XL.

[CMetaphor]

You can read my writeup on it here: Write-up Review: Fractal Design R3 - Wait till R4?

Basically, I wouldn't get it again. Go for the Lancool K-62 or similar. Far better build quality.

[limitedaccess]

That is somewhat troubling about the Define R3 regarding the build quality. The drive bay issues however would not really affect me, as I don't use or plan have any 5.25inch drives. Like the low noise factor, as I sometimes sleep with the PC on in the same room.

The issue is I wanted a clean/elegant case design and one that was white/silver (tired of all black), otherwise I was actually looking at cheaper <$100 cases like the Silverstone Precision Series, Zalman Z9, Antec 100/300 and etc. The Silverstone Fortress series and Lian Lis are quite a bit more pricey, and I don't feel if I can bring my self to spend that much more and not have it go towards other components instead. My current Sonata Plus has the issues of only accepting <9.5 inch cards, and only 2x92mm intake/1x120mm exhaust fan. In terms of GPU size, the highest end card I ever expect to buy would be something along the 6950/GTX 570 type class, so won't need the length for dual GPU cards. Case actually need to fit on a self -


I would actually go with a mATX, but the selection for p67 boards is limited at the moment and the power delivery on them does seem to be worse compared to the ATX versions.

[CMetaphor]

Can't afford a few bucks over $100? Its worth it for quality IMO.

NCIX.com - Buy Lancool PC-K62 Black ATX Advanced Mid Tower Case 5X5.25 4X3.5INT No PS USB Audio - PC-K62 In Canada.

[limitedaccess]

Originally Posted by CMetaphor

Can't afford a few bucks over $100? Its worth it for quality IMO.

NCIX.com - Buy Lancool PC-K62 Black ATX Advanced Mid Tower Case 5X5.25 4X3.5INT No PS USB Audio - PC-K62 In Canada.

Misunderstanding there, was referring that a clean white/silver design from Lian Li or Silverstone would run into ~$200 or more.

But would you say the Lancool is worth the $30-50 extra over say the Silverstone Precison/Antec 100 and etc. type cases? The design is quite nice (despite my color preferences), it seems too many cases these days all have these "flares" all over.

[martin_metal_88]

Lancool is worth even 200$ over any antec case IMO XD over the precision series also.

If you are ok with MIR you can also take a look at the NZXT phantom that is at a decent price this week at NCIX. The fan controller integrated in the case could help you keep it silent while sleeping.

NCIX.com - Buy NZXT Phantom EATX Steel Computer Case 5X5.25 7X3.5/2.5 With Integrated Fan Controller - White - PHAN-001WT In Canada.

[limitedaccess]

The Phantom is actually too big for me, thanks for the suggestions though. Thinking about the Lancool and Fractal now, and it is a function vs form debate it seems. Anyways I will browse a bit more, not in a rush at the moment, want find 1-3 more good choices maybe and then do a final decision.

Still thinking about mATX even if they do release more P67 motherboards.

[martin_metal_88]

Here is a little list of clean case that are great. Some might look like but theu are not the same ;)

Newegg.ca - LIAN LI Lancool PC-K58 Black CECC Steel &#47; Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Newegg.ca - LIAN LI Lancool PC-K7B Black Aluminum&#47; SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Newegg.ca - NZXT HUSH Black SECC Steel&#47; Aluminum&#47; Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Newegg.ca - Antec Sonata Proto Black 0.8mm cold rolled steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Newegg.ca - LIAN LI PC-7B plus II Black Aluminum ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Newegg.ca - Antec Sonata Elite Black 0.8mm cold rolled steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Newegg.ca - LIAN LI Lancool PC-K56W Black 0.8 mm SECC, Plastic &#43; Mesh ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Newegg.ca - LIAN LI PC-A06FB Black Aluminum ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

If you want the clean look my fav is definatly the K7B.