The same style, innovations inside
Fractal Design cases are very popular, so the release of the new type is in some way an event. Computer case is a passive component and it is not that much of a concern for some, but if you consider low noise and extra comfort main priorities, this might interest you. The Swedish company is now releasing a new improved version of the Define case that will offer new features.
It is called Fractal Design Define R6 and, according to the name, follows the style introduced by previous models – large single panels of steel, aluminum (front wall) or tempered glass (if you buy the glass version that has one side made of a single piece of glass). The design is very similar to R5 (2014), but the interior was redesigned. There is a possibility of installing up to 420mm liquid cooling radiator in the case ceiling (again with ModuVent sealing caps, now the third generation), and a 360mm radiator near the front panel and dust filter. In addition, Define R6 adds the option of having a third radiator up to 280 mm, hidden in the power supply tunnel. You can also install one extra small radiator (120mm/140mm) on the rear panel. There are nine positions for fans (three Fractal Design Dynamic X2 GP-14 140mm fans are supplied with the case). The speed controller is behind the right wall.
Positions for disk drives are in front and fully modular, six holders for 2.5 “or 3.5″ drives can be mounted or removed in different positions. There is also 5.25” position at the top, so you can install optical drives and stuff. An interesting component is the vertical sheet metal around the space for disk drives – it can be installed on both sides, either to cover drives and their cables, or to create a single internal space. The case has yet two other reserved positions for 2.5 “SSD. They are behind the mounting plate. However, if you do not want to hide your drives, but have them “exposed” behind the glass sidewall, you can also mount them on the floor of the interior.
One of the major changes is also the possibility of installing expansion cards. Define R6 replaces the perforation near PCI Express slots with a new position for vertical graphics card mounting. It can have two or two and a half slots, and is mounted in the cable riser and holder that are optional accessories (Flex VRC-25). The advantage of this assembly method is that the card is vertically on the slot, and its weight has a much better support. There is no risk that the gravity would bend heavy cards and damage them or slots. An alternative motivation for choosing this assembly method may be that you want to show off the front and cooler of your graphics card behind the glass.
In addition to these fine improvements, the case also has one quantifiable advantage. You can finally get the front panel (or, in this case, a bit of a top panel too) that features the latest Type C USB port (traditional audio connectors, USB 2.0, and USB 3.0 are also included, of course). There is only one, however, but it supports full speed of USB 3.1 – 10 Gbps (sometimes referred to as USB 3.1 generation 2). The port works on both sides and its cable for the board has a generous length of 70 mm. This front panel is sold separately (Connect D1), standard delivery is with USB 3.0. Like the riser, it is for a surcharge.
Fractal Design Define R6 comes in four colour versions. There are two shades of black (Black, Blackout), grey (Gunmetal), and white. Optionally, you can have a glass side for each colour. The glass version costs 150 euros/150 dollars/135 British pounds, the “common“ one costs 130 euros/130 dollars/120 pounds.