Case Shopping Yet Again... Define R7 XL Vs ???

[SenKa]

Whelp, my Define R6 is officially not enough case. 7 PCI-E Slots isnt enough, and its not quite big enough for me to cram a radiator in front of the HDD sleds. So, I've turned to the Define 7 XL. I *love* fractals cases, and being the only brand I'm aware of still building ODD support in to their cases is a big one for me.

 

Is there truly a Define 7 XL competitor that offers similar features with maybe a bit better airflow, while maintaining its massive HDD support and an ODD or two? Or am I truly in a niche in that need and locked in to the fractal ecosystem? Just gauging my options, as if im spending $200 on a case I want to make sure im getting the most I can for that money.

[Falkentyne]

Very few, besides trying to find a used case someone is selling from Case Labs.  And a case with USB type C front ports?  Probably not.  I'd say get the 7 XL because there are very few people selling used Case Labs cases now.

Or you can try an older Lian-Li V1000/V2000 case?

[SenKa]

1 hour ago, Falkentyne said:

Very few, besides trying to find a used case someone is selling from Case Labs.  And a case with USB type C front ports?  Probably not.  I'd say get the 7 XL because there are very few people selling used Case Labs cases now.

Or you can try an older Lian-Li V1000/V2000 case?

The front type c doesnt matter much to me, the only accessory I've concidered buying for it is an SD card reader.

 

But, truth be told, my USB 3.0 one is more than fine for that. I've essentially given up on tracking down CL stuff, but I will look in to those lian li cases. Thanks a lot!

[TVwazhere]

14 hours ago, SenKa said:

Is there truly a Define 7 XL competitor that offers similar features with maybe a bit better airflow, while maintaining its massive HDD support and an ODD or two?

Phantkes Enthoo 719 (Enthoo Pro 2 will have better airflow but that has not yet been released)

http://www.phanteks.com/Enthoo-719.html

 

Issue is you need to purchase extra sleds to match the 7 XL's HDD bays. 

[SenKa]

3 hours ago, TVwazhere said:

Phantkes Enthoo 719 (Enthoo Pro 2 will have better airflow but that has not yet been released)

http://www.phanteks.com/Enthoo-719.html

 

Issue is you need to purchase extra sleds to match the 7 XL's HDD bays. 

 

Impressively, the enthoo 719 manages to be basically the same size as my define r6 (~.5" deeper, ~2" taller, roughly the same width) while fitting two systems, and having both radiator support WHILE holding 12 HDD's. Yea, 12 isnt quite 16, but... eh. Wait, its cheaper too!?

 

That is a very serious contender for me, thank you for bringing it to my attention!

[TVwazhere]

52 minutes ago, SenKa said:

Impressively, the enthoo 719 manages to be basically the same size as my define r6 (~.5" deeper, ~2" taller, roughly the same width) while fitting two systems, and having both radiator support WHILE holding 12 HDD's. Yea, 12 isnt quite 16, but... eh. Wait, its cheaper too!?

Those 5" and 2" increases equate  to a 30% increase in volume! However, The Define 7 XL and Enthoo 719 are nearly the exact same size, with the 7 XL being 1 liter larger in volume. These are about the same size as the Dark Base Pro 900.

[SenKa]

17 minutes ago, TVwazhere said:

Those 5" and 2" increases equate  to a 30% increase in volume! However, The Define 7 XL and Enthoo 719 are nearly the exact same size, with the 7 XL being 1 liter larger in volume. These are about the same size as the Dark Base Pro 900.

0.5, not 5

[TVwazhere]

2 minutes ago, SenKa said:

0.5, not 5

It's MUCH larger than your define R6. Might wanna recheck that  

 

Define R6:

Case dimensions (LxWxH)

543 x 233 x 465 mm - 58.8L

 

Enthoo 719:

Dimensions:

240 mm x 570 mm x 595 mm - 81.4L

 

Define 7 XL

Case dimensions (LxWxH)

604 x 240 x 566 mm - 82L

[SenKa]

23 minutes ago, TVwazhere said:

It's MUCH larger than your define R6. Might wanna recheck that  

 

Define R6:

Case dimensions (LxWxH)

543 x 233 x 465 mm - 58.8L

 

Enthoo 719:

Dimensions:

240 mm x 570 mm x 595 mm - 81.4L

 

Define 7 XL

Case dimensions (LxWxH)

604 x 240 x 566 mm - 82L

Phanteks' MM to In coversions arent quite accurate, theres my problem

 

Anyways, the dimensions that matter to me are length and width, which are both fairly close.

[Falkentyne]

The Phanteks requires an extra accessory bracket for optical storage that isn't even clearly explained in links on how to buy it.  Not even on their own product page (or if it is, it's not obvious where it is).  Also it doesn't come with fans.  The define 7 XL does.  And the 7 XL has a black aluminum side panel option as well if you don't like tempered glass.

[Falkentyne]

9 hours ago, TVwazhere said:

It's MUCH larger than your define R6. Might wanna recheck that  

 

Define R6:

Case dimensions (LxWxH)

543 x 233 x 465 mm - 58.8L

 

Enthoo 719:

Dimensions:

240 mm x 570 mm x 595 mm - 81.4L

 

Define 7 XL

Case dimensions (LxWxH)

604 x 240 x 566 mm - 82L

 

9 hours ago, SenKa said:

Phanteks' MM to In coversions arent quite accurate, theres my problem

 

Anyways, the dimensions that matter to me are length and width, which are both fairly close.

If you guys are rich, there's always the kitchen sink case!

http://www.phanteks.com/Enthoo-Elite.html

[TVwazhere]

17 hours ago, Falkentyne said:

The Phanteks requires an extra accessory bracket for optical storage that isn't even clearly explained in links on how to buy it.  

Their listings are easily find-able but they're out of stock.  

https://www.newegg.com/phanteks-ph-oddbay-01/p/N82E16811984034