Case before I pull the trigger

[iambayer]

Hi humans,

 

I've been thinking about upgrading my case for a while now, been using the same no-name brand my dad got from a co-worker 10+ years ago, which has only two 85mm fans in it.

I'm pretty set on the Fractal Design Define 7 Compact. I like the look and size + front IO options. I would probably get another 140mm front intake fan.

Before I pull the trigger buying this. Does anyone have other suggestions for compact full-atx case? For around $150 USD.

I know about the Meshify but, I absolutely hate that front panel design.

 

My only requirements are having 3-4 USB ports on the front (at least 1 USB C) and be about the size of the Define 7 compact.

 

Here are my specs:

CPU: Intel I9-9900K

Motherboard: Gigabyte Z390 AORUS PRO

RAM: G.SKILL 32GB

GPU: MSI NVIDIA Geforce RTX 3060 Ti Ventus (somehow manged to get one legitly in Dec)

Storage: WD 1TB BLACK SN750 NVME SSD

PSU: NZXT C750 750W 80 PLUS Gold

CPU Cooling: Cooler Master HYPER 212 EVO

 

[Tech87]

You won't get the airflow in the compact 7 as well as any case that has a front mesh style.

Because of this, your temps will obviously be higher, and you may not be able to boost to maximum efficiency with your system.

[Ravendarat]

Ive ran a number fractal cases, never had a problem with a single one of them regarding air flow. Im currently running a define 6 and its been excellent, using the same cooler as you on a couple different chips

[iambayer]

3 hours ago, Tech87 said:

You won't get the airflow in the compact 7 as well as any case that has a front mesh style.

Because of this, your temps will obviously be higher, and you may not be able to boost to maximum efficiency with your system.

I'm running in a case with a closed front and one 85mm intake fan without an issue, I think the thermals would be fine?

 

 

52 minutes ago, Ravendarat said:

Ive ran a number fractal cases, never had a problem with a single one of them regarding air flow. Im currently running a define 6 and its been excellent, using the same cooler as you on a couple different chips

Is the Define 6 slightly wider than the Define 7?

[Tech87]

I can't say I've ever used this case personally, but thermals seem to be a bit of an issue, that's all.

You can check the review out, here;

 

 

[Ravendarat]

I very much respect Steves reviews, but he can be overly critical at times and I think  this was an example of that. I mean if the OP is trying to overclock the snot out of the system than heat could be a problem, but as a standard everyday user with a 3060 in the case I dont think its a huge concern.

[Ravendarat]

1 hour ago, iambayer said:

 

Is the Define 6 slightly wider than the Define 7?

Im not sure, although I am sure the info is readily available 

[iambayer]

4 minutes ago, Ravendarat said:

Im not sure, although I am sure the info is readily available 

Oh yeah the Define 6 is 9.17" wide.

My current case is thinner (7.5") than the Define 7 compact(8.3") so the CPU cooler will definitely fit (in theory). I'm not going to overclock so that's not an issue, and if for some reason temps do cause a problem I can always add more fans or even an AIO.

 

It seems Define 7C is the best option, I saw a few other similar sized cases but the front IO was lacking.

[Tech87]

There are ways around the thermal issue, as you can always open the front panel and/or remove it entirely if you wish.

 

Even without overclocks, running a cpu with an air cooler would likely yield lower clocks than a case with a front mesh panel.

 

Outside of that, the case seems to be great, and so if you're going to use an AIO or just don't care, then all the power to you!

[iambayer]

1 hour ago, Tech87 said:

There are ways around the thermal issue, as you can always open the front panel and/or remove it entirely if you wish.

 

Even without overclocks, running a cpu with an air cooler would likely yield lower clocks than a case with a front mesh panel.

 

Outside of that, the case seems to be great, and so if you're going to use an AIO or just don't care, then all the power to you!

Years ago, I had to take off the entire side panel because it would get too hot somehow.... with a Phenom III and a gtx 960 lol

I made this thread to get other case suggestions but it turned into a Define 7 compact discussion, so that's fun.

[Tech87]

I never meant to derail your thread.

It just seemed you were more or less locked on the define 7, as you did in fact say "I'm more or less set on the define 7".

 

I offered some knowledge about the case thermals. That's it.

 

I'm not against fractal. I've owned a fractal case and currently have a fractal power supply, and it's been great.

 

 

[thrasher_565]

24 minutes ago, Tech87 said:

I never meant to derail your thread.

It just seemed you were more or less locked on the define 7, as you did in fact say "I'm more or less set on the define 7".

 

I offered some knowledge about the case thermals. That's it.

 

I'm not against fractal. I've owned a fractal case and currently have a fractal power supply, and it's been great.

 

 

some people dont care about thermals its just best to keep it at that as i have learned.

 

cant save everyone money, time. i do agree with you.

Edited May 25, 2021 by thrasher_565

[tdkid]

what you are asking for is almost impossible because not that many cases come with 3-4 USB type As on the front IO and 1 or more type Cs let alone be the size of a ATX mid tower. the fractal design define 7 compact is one of the worst cases you can buy because it puts the fans right up at the front of the case and then puts the air opening on the side next to the fans meaning no air thru the fans or very limited air. its a case i would never reccommend as is any case that looks like it. if you are lookinf for that solid front panel style i would say forget it or have a personal AC unit for the PC as it will get hot. most likely high 50s low 60s at idle, 80+ under load.