For those of you who are looking to build your own gaming computer, choosing the right case is an incredibly important aspect of picking the components for your build.
There are a ton of factors to look for in a case, such as: airflow, lots of fan mounts, style, and, for LAN party builders, portability and durability.
Fortunately, there are a number of case options that not only look good, are well-built, and provide a number of features, but that are also portable and durable. One line of cases that meet these standards are Fractal Design’s Define R4 series.
The Define R4 brings everything that a LAN party gamer could ever want. In this article, I will go over my experience with the Fractal Design Define R4.
Fractal Design Background
Fractal Design is a Swedish based technology company that manufactures high grade power supplies, cases, and case fans. Adhering to Scandinavian design principles, Fractal Design products are made to have a minimalist feel, yet still look stylish.
While Fractal Design is a fairly small company, since its founding in 2007 it has made huge strides to become a fairly popular brand name among gamers and system builders. Their simple, but sleek-looking designs, have presented the market with a fresh new take on the computer case.
What the Define R4 Brings to the Table
The Define R4 utilizes a minimalist, but stylish, look, making it one of the more uniquely designed cases on the market. It also brings high airflow to the table and its noise-reduction induced design is great for those who prefer a quieter PC.
One thing that is essential when building a gaming computer, is to keep your system cool. With Fractal Design’s patented Moduvent™ Design, you, as the the user, have the option to choose between whether you want your system to run more quietly (which will reduce the airflow) or to run cooler (which will m.
The Moduvent™ Design is very useful for those who may use their systems for more than gaming and high performance programs. For instance, if you’re just using Microsoft Word Document or PowerPoint you can switch and make your system run quieter. And, if you want to do some heavy gaming, you can switch back to provide maximum airflow.
Another important factor that the Define R4 brings to the table is customization. This case includes drive cages that are rotatable and removable, presenting the user with even more airflow options. And, it also opens up room for a custom liquid cooling loop.
Unlike many other cases on the market, the Define R4 gives you the option to mount two SSDs on he back of the motherboard plate. This can be very useful, as it doesn’t take up any room in the hard drive trays.
Another strong point of the Define R4 is that it has excellent cable management. The space behind the motherboard is wider than most mid tower cases on the market have. In comparison, Corsair’s 600T offers 22mms behind the motherboard tray, while the Define R4 offers 26mms behind the motherboard tray.
To contribute to more cable management they have nice openings filled with rubber membranes on the motherboard tray that cases from other manufacturers do not come with, allowing for the utmost airflow and cable management.
Another feature that is great for any build that the Define R4 has is a large opening in the motherboard tray for the hefty coolers this case can support, such as the Corsair h100i and Thermaltake Frio.
Last but not least is the style and look to this case. It is able to match just about any kind of style or color scheme a builder could want while providing a modern look with a ton of space.
This case is also available in many different options and styles making it ideal for case modders. The case comes in Arctic White, Black Pearl, and Titanium Grey, each with the option of having a window.
Benefits
Multiple customization options
High airflow
Great cable management
Modern and minimalist style
Can fit large video cards
Comes in different variations and styles
Comes with a fan controller
Removable hard drive cages
Front USB 3.0 ports
Negatives
Included fan controller only supports three fans
It’s on the expensive side
What Customers Are Saying About the Fractal Design Define R4
From lwhitit on Amazon:
The R4 is a solid case that does a great job in cable and noise management. It is easy to open up to swap anything around and really easy to clean the fan filters. Fractal’s customer service is also quick and responsive. My case shipped with a busted fan and a broken latch, I contacted Fractal CC per the instructions inside the box and received replacement parts 2 days later. Only complaint I have about the case is the power/hd activity light is BRIGHT so bright that I decided to disconnect it. It may not bother you depending on how your space is configured but with a glass desk I couldn’t use it. I am happy I made the purchase and I am sure this case will last for many builds to come. (Read full review here…)
From Markam on Amazon:
The Define R4 is a pleasure to work with. It’s been a few years since my last build and cases have improved. This one makes the process satisfying and keeps everything organized. Lots of fan options too. I highly recommend it. (Read full review here…)
From Jay on Amazon:
I have been building computers for about 10 years now and this is hands down the best computer case I have ever used. I was looking for a robust computer case that runs silent and this fits the perfect ticket. I was previously using a Corsair Obsidian 550D and this case, in my opinion blows it out of the water. (Read full review here…)
Conclusion
In conclusion, this is a case that can match any builders’ needs. It has a wide range of customization options, excellent airflow, and allows the best cable management that you can possibly get from a Mid-Tower case.
Ultimately, the Define R4 series of cases are ideal for those who are looking to build a compact, high-performance computer, that is capable of SLI and CrossFireX–Something most other mini-ITX cases cannot accomplish–and being used as a LAN party machine.
Even though it is a little on the expensive side, overall this case is worth every cent.
This case gets a well deserved 9.5 out of 10 and I highly recommend this for anyone looking to build an Elite Gaming Computer.
(These reviews are not necessarily my personal recommendations; rather, they are reviews written by others who actually own the product. If you’d like to post a review of the experience that you’ve had with a specific component, please contact me.)
Author Bio
Hi, my name is Christian. I am a system builder who has built everything from home servers, to high-end gaming computers, to custom liquid cooling loops.
You can find me owning it up in the World of Warcraft arena or you can see me live-streaming whatever it is that I currently feel like playing.
The post Christian’s Review of the Fractal Design Define R4 appeared first on Elite Gaming Computers.