The more the years pass, the more we realize that the world
of hardware is becoming more and more baroque, more and more full of LED lights
and various frills, more and more impregnated with a sort of aesthetic onanism
that leads to investing in resources that define superfluous is an
understatement.
Precisely in this context this review is inserted which,
despite the deliberately mocking tones of the lines above, proposes a product
that stands in stark contrast to the general philosophy of the so-called
"PC-Masterrace", which often aims to make the "showoff" a
quality of equal value with respect to the performance and functionality of the
components.
The Fractal Designtherefore, he wanted to create a simple
case, placing a strong emphasis on noise suppression. Let's see more specifically
the characteristics of this object.
Building and convenience
Assembling the PC with Define C was easier than expected.
From the removal of the side panels to the installation of the power supply,
Fractal Design seems to have spoiled us with every step taken towards the
conclusion.
The panels, fixed with screws that can be easily unscrewed
and screwed, are equipped with a sound-absorbing material and slide along the
body smoothly, as do the hard disk slot carriages equipped with anti-vibration
rubber pads , placed, together with the power supply, under a hood. The latter,
which defines the lower compartment, isolates the power supply and memory disks
but also allows heat to escape and allows easy extraction of both the various
hard disks, or SSDs, and the power supply.
Inside the Define C there are rubberized spaces to pass and
hide the cables in such a way as to allow prudent cable management , which is
particularly simple even with the help of the cable ties included in the
package. It is also particularly convenient that the internal space is still
able to accommodate graphics cards up to 315mm in length .
The general quality of the materials of which the case is
made is high. Featuring only a matte black paint, the case is not easily
scratched or even yields to the much-hated fingerprints that remain etched on
the glossy surfaces.
Handle dust and heat
Keeping this case clean has proved to be very simple mainly
for 2 reasons : the presence of an optional anti-dust filter that can be
installed on top of the case thanks to the magnets and the possibility of
sliding the anti-dust filter placed at the base of the case in such a way as to
extract it from the front. This way, you don't have to flip the case over to
clean the bottom filter.
As anticipated in the table, there are already two
pre-installed fans in the case (Fractal Design Dynamic X2 GP12 ) and there is
room to add more. By removing ModuVent at the top, as well as being able to
install the optional filter (included in the package), you can also add extra
fans in the slots below it. In general, the air current inside it passes
through the front, where the removable panel is present, and is then expelled
from the rear.
Furthermore, by removing the front panel, it is possible to
notice how the front inputs / outputs, the power button and the USB ports are
entrusted to a separate compartment. The fans, however, are not equipped with a
regulation system .
Complete build
When the build is complete, the remaining space is enough to
be able to intervene later for cleaning or replacement of components.
As already mentioned, the side panels slide easily and
opening and closing everything is immediate and simple.
Fractal Design sacrifices aesthetics in favor of simplicity
, so if you are a fan of bright LED lights and other amenities, even the window
version of Define C will not satisfy your palate, as the entire structure is
devoid of any system that includes LEDs, as the more traditional Corsair or
Cooler Master could be .
If, therefore, you are looking for a case that enhances your
LED lights, rather than relying on the “Window” version, the aforementioned
brands are however more suitable.
However, the fixing of the screws of the panels in general
is sometimes difficult and unfortunately it is often difficult to find the
guide of the same to put the side panels back in their place but it is a
substantial defect that is perceived only in the case in which it opens a lot
often the case for one reason or another.
Definitely
Fractal Design, with Define C, wanted to make precise
choices: to create a compact and silent PC case that can easily accommodate all
kinds of builds. The quality of the materials, as well as the painting, is
excellent and everything is perfectly functional for the purpose it sets
itself. The internal space is well managed, as well as the wiring, and, in
several hours of use, abnormal or excessive heat has never been perceived,
demonstrating that, even with only the fans included in the package, a good air
flow.
Of course, we are not faced with a product with many frills
but the Define C can be both simple and elegant at the same time, an excellent
compromise for those who do not have big aesthetic claims.
In general,the Define C by Fractal Design is an excellent
case, recommended for any occasion .
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