Unfortunately due to a rather frustrating electronic storage error, our photo’s from our visit with Fractal Design at CES 2011 in Las Vegas were a bit delayed. Thankfully, things were retrieved and so we can show off exactly what consumers can look forward to from the blossoming Swedish based company over the next year.
Fractal Design appeared on the North American market with a bang in early 2010, a relatively young company from Sweden known for their attention to detail, solid construction and focus on silence. Their first case, the Define R2, was met with excellent feedback and the company has continued to expand the Define series, catering to both those looking for more space, and users with a penchant for the smaller enclosures.
At CES 2011 this year though, the company unveiled its plans for two additional lines of chassis for two different market segments.
Arc Series
The Fractal Design Arc Series is geared for the gamer and enthusiast. While the Define focuses on silence, the Arc is all about airflow and compatibility for larger hardware. There will be two models to start; the Arc and Arc Mini, but we wouldn’t rule out the possibility of a third, full-sized tower sometime in the future.
The Arc supports ATX, mATX and Mini-ITX motherboards, and while its dimensions are a modest 230x460x515mm it can support video cards up to 470mm long with the removal of one of the hard drive cages, and as you can see, there is space for a top mounted internal 240mm radiator. The front panel has an incredibly well done brushed aluminum look, but in fact it is just solid plastic, which helps to keep costs manageable while still looking stylish. The case supports up to 8×3.5″ devices with 2.5″ SSD support, and two 5.25″ external bays. Front panel support will include internal USB 3.0.
The Arc Mini is nearly identical in design, shrunk to support only mATX and Mini-ITX boards. The case still includes an adjustable hard drive bay, which can be rotated to face the drives parallel or perpendicular, or removed to support extended video cards. The Mini also has front panel USB 3.0 support and can fit CPU heatsinks up to 165mm in height.
Both cases keep Fractal’s positive approach to clean cabling with plenty of room in behind the motherboard tray for wires, and rubber grommet spacing.
The Arc Series is expected sometime before the end of January, and hopefully at NCIX.com, Fractal’s exclusive North American retailer, shortly thereafter.
Core Series
The newest lineup will be the entry level Core series, still yet to be officially announced by Fractal Design, we have your sneak peek. The Core Series will offer much of the companies great design and layout in a more cost efficient package, through the reduction a few internal features, and notably the use of a thinner metal.
The first two models will be the Core3000, a full sized tower with ATX board support, and the Core1000, a mid-tower for mATX or Mini-ITX boards. The Core3000 supports 6×3.5″ drivers, interchangeable with 2.5″ , while the 1000, has an innovative vertical mounted drive position, supporting 2×3.5″ drivers or 3×2.5″.
An official launch date, and final retail pricing is still yet to be determined.
