Fractal Design Terra: 10 litres for high-end GPUs as well

Exterior

Well, here we have something from Fractal Design to test again, something that goes beyond the usual formulas. The Terra case falls into the SFF (small form factor) category, but unlike many similarly sized solutions, there is room for a large graphics card. This makes the Terra an attractive small case for a gaming PC or a workstation reliant on the power of the GPU. But all this is traditionally discussed in more detail.

Basic parameters

Exterior

The Terra came packaged in a cardboard box with a cloth sleeve inside. There is also cardboard padding inside for safe transport. The cardboard version does not make a mess, as is often the case with polystyrene. In addition to the actual hardware installation accessories, an envelope with a sketch of the case is included. Not forgotten is the comprehensive manual, in which everything about the case and its options is detailed.

The whole case has a simple yet elegant look in the shape of a cuboid. The anodised aluminium with a three-colour finish (black, white and jade green) in combination with the wooden element also makes the case a piece of furniture for the modern home. The majority of the case is perforated, which makes it easy to draw air from its surroundings. This is also helpful when already heated air escapes outside.

Both the right and left side panels are held in hinges directed horizontally. The advantage is that they can be easily swung upwards by pulling them from the bottom. They will go through more than 180 degrees, so they can hold open. A plastic stop at the back of the side panels serves to support them and also prevents unwanted collision with the top of the case when opening. The closing method is the now well-known ratchet mechanism from Fractal Design. By overcoming the resistance, the ball tabs fit into the holes on the structure. In this way, they are held firmly in place until you open them again.

The side panels can be removed from the hinges for better access during installation. Simply pull the lever at the back of the hinge from the inside and the side panels can be removed. Hitting the rod back into the hole was rather a matter of luck on the first attempts, but later it goes pretty easily.

There are the same milled holes in the top panel as in the side panels. Of course, this part can also be easily removed so that components can be fitted inside. Pulling the panel backwards removes it and, conversely, sliding it forwards makes it snap in with the rest of the case. As it holds firmly in position, there is a faux leather handle at the back for easy removal.

The full front panel catches the eye at first glance. While much of the case is just machined aluminium, you can feast your eyes on the walnut wood incorporated into the case at the bottom. The case’s I/O panel is also precision-fitted into it. If you were expecting extensive connectivity from a case priced at over 200 euros, you will be disappointed. Aesthetics takes precedence with Terra. The panel offers only two USB connectors, one type A and the other the faster type C. The power button is also made of aluminium with a polished company logo. It is activated by a short track accompanied by a weaker tactile but instead strong acoustic response.

On the back of the case, you will find slots for the motherboard I/O panel and the graphics card. They are complemented by a power input and the handle.

The front and back are complemented by non-slip pads on the underside to hold the case firmly in place. There are also grille holes all along the bottom of the case. In addition to bringing in ambient air, the grilles will serve you well for cable management.

• Contents
• Exterior
• Interior layout
• Mounting
• Test methodology
• CPU and GPU cooling tests
• Motherboard cooling tests
• SSD cooling tests
• Conclusion