Fractal Design News: Epoch. Affordable cases with LCP fans

It may sound a bit unusual, but yes, this combination is indeed possible—relatively inexpensive PC cases equipped with fans made of liquid crystal polymer (LCP). These fans have become a hallmark of Fractal Design in recent times, but the story doesn’t end there. The Epoch cases deliver a simple, purposeful, and functional design that might just be the missing piece in the Swedish company’s current lineup.

With the launch of the “Epoch” series, readers are encountering a brand-new product line from Fractal Design. This range did not exist until now. At launch, FD has released five different Epoch case variants, which differ in features—from the most basic and affordable model with metal panels on both sides, to a more premium version featuring a glass left side panel with integrated lighting. Size-wise, these are mid-tower cases (approximately 45 liters in volume), with dimensions of 447 × 215 × 469 mm. They support motherboards up to the ATX format, including mounting holes for smaller form factors like Micro ATX and Mini-ITX.

All Epoch case variants share a perforated front panel, as well as a trio of 120 mm fans pre-installed behind it. Whether the interior airflow will create positive or negative pressure depends largely on the CPU cooler configuration. The top of the case accommodates liquid coolers up to 240 mm. For a larger 360 mm radiator, users will need to move or replace the front fans—shifting two to the top and one to the rear, for example, is a viable setup (six 120 mm fan positions in total, or four for 140 mm fans). Users opting for tower-style air coolers can install models up to 170 mm in height, according to the official specs.

Notably, the included fans are from the Momentum series—the same new generation introduced with the Meshify 3 (XL) cases, which we’ve previously reviewed in depth. Whether it’s the non-RGB Momentum 12 or the RGB variant, our results confirm these fans offer outstanding cooling performance with excellent efficiency. Whether that still holds true within the context of the Epoch cases remains to be seen in our upcoming tests. We already have a sample unit in our test lab and will be conducting a detailed analysis soon.

Between the motherboard tray and the right panel, there’s room for cable bundles up to 30 mm thick. This area also includes two dedicated 2.5″ drive bays. Two additional bays in the form of removable trays at the bottom of the case next to the PSU compartment (which supports power supplies up to 155 mm in length, incidentally). Each of these trays can hold either a 2.5″ SSD or a 3.5″ HDD.

The MSRP for the TG Light Tint variant (Epoch TG Light Tint) is expected to be around 100 EUR, which is quite reasonable given the inclusion of three fans—each of which sells separately for about 24 EUR. This means the case itself, excluding the fans, is extremely competitively priced. Naturally, the final verdict will depend on our detailed testing.

While these cases might seem “lightweight” on paper, their overall weight (7.69–7.86 kg) suggests otherwise. In terms of I/O, the case includes two external USB Type-A ports and one USB Type-C port (20 Gb/s), so Fractal Design hasn’t cut corners on connectivity either.

English translation and edit by Jozef Dudáš


Contents

The end, or just the beginning? 100 fans in HWCooling tests

Our database now includes one hundred fans—75 in the 120 mm format and 25 models with a physical size of 140 mm. In this article, we have compiled all data into unified charts. What was once separated for clarity is now brought together again, and the commentary will also include a… look ahead regarding fan testing. But we can already reveal that there is still a lot more to come. Read more “The end, or just the beginning? 100 fans in HWCooling tests” »

Fractal Design North cases receive Momentum fans

It did not take long for Fractal Design to modernize the system fans in its North cases. Instead of Aspect fans (used in the original models), versions equipped with Momentum fans are now available. Yes—the same fans that we praised so highly in our tests. The internal layout of the North cases remains the proven, well-functioning design. How individual elements suit you can also be assessed based on our analysis. Read more “Fractal Design North cases receive Momentum fans” »

New Fractal Design Pop 2 Air cases come with… new fans as well

PC cases from Fractal Design’s Pop Air lineup are now arriving with the number “2” (Pop 2 Air). In addition to maintaining attractive pricing, this brings a modernized interior, new features, and new Aspect fans. Yes, this series is not ending and will continue, including Pop 2 Air cases with an “X” suffix. Fractal Design bases these fans on the proven aerodynamic impeller design of the Momentum (RGB) fans. Read more “New Fractal Design Pop 2 Air cases come with… new fans as well” »

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