Corsair 550D or Fractal Design R4

[Big Roger]

Hi! Would anyone be willing to give me their thoughts and opinions on these two cases?

I'm looking to replace my Antec P180 I've had for years. I think it's about time. I'd like something that offers USB 3 front ports, dedicated SSD slots and mostly to be good at sound dampening...and also look quite good. I really don't like many of the cases that are dedicated towards gamers. They look like 1988 beefed up Ford Escorts.

I have seen mixed reports on both cases at times and so I'm unsure what to get, but what are the alternatives to these in this sort of style, purpose and price range?

I like the looks of these two cases but from a build quality point of view I wonder how they compare to the sturdy and well designed and old PC6070 Lian Li case I once had, and for that matter the P180, which is feeling tired now, of course.

Case prices seem to have gone way up where the £100 mark doesn't seem to get you much for your money compared to back then, too. Does that ring true with anyone or is that my lack of experience with what's out there showing through?

This is coming from someone who hasn't bought a new case since the P180 in 2006 so, inform me, please!

Thank you!

My PC spec:
Corsair HX850W (which I now am aware of it being overkill...)
ASUS P8Z77-V Pro
i5 3570K
Samsung 128GB SSD (want to get another of these soon, maybe 256GB)
500GB WD and a 1TB Samsung HDDs. 1 Samsung DVD Write.
EVGA GTX670
RME Multiface 2 HDSPe
4 120mm fans (Looking to replace all these with NoiseBlockers but they're fairly quiet, 2 Nexus, 1 Scythe and a NoiseBlocker I got off eBay just arrived)

That's it.

EDIT< just noticed the BitFenix Ghost thread. That's interesting... lol getting confusing now...Also the P280 looks nice but I like the removable drive trays in the R4.

 

[kleinkinstein]

It's a case not a surgeon. Just chose the box that speaks to you. A case is very personal and individually appealing thing. Of course reviews are going to a bit all over the map because everyone has varying tastes. What do you want to hear that the reviews aren't telling you? Just pull the trigger on one. If you find yourself with buyers remorse later on just rip the innards out, get the other case and ebay the one you bought first. In the end, we are talking about a measly $110. Also, I'm not followiing your scale of value. You get more for hundred US dollars today than we ever did. The cases in this range are fantastic values.

For the record, the R4 w/window speaks to me and I couldn't be more thrilled with all that it offers and its scrumptious good looks. Upgraded from the R3 and lovin it and I'm not the only one...
http://www.overclock.net/t/1288874/obsidian-550d-vs-define-r4

 

[lehtv]

My vote goes to R4. Why?

- integrated fan controller for three fans
- 140mm fans for all locations
- windowed version
- looks better, in my opinion

I can't think of anything that 550D is better at but I might be missing something.

 

[n0x1ous]

R4

 

[MoInSTL]

I posted this the end of August:

The 550D has about half the amount of foam thickness of the R4 on the door. The R4 uses a sound dampening material and not foam except on the door. Which unlike the 550D has a place behind the door for your fingers and not stiff to open. Before I decided on a case I went to Micro Center so I could check out the R3 and 550D side-by-side. MC does not have the R4 in stock yet. The R4 has made some improvements like the ability to remove one or both drive cages more back panel room. If you can see the 550D in person I think it may be a good thing to do before paying $30 more for it. I am really liking the the built in three-setting fan controller, PSU dust filter, ease to get to front panel fans and filter, and the top panel power button and connectors on the top. I keep it below my desk so the USB ports are placed in a more convenient spot. Like the R3, one can choose Arctic White, Black Pearl or Titanium Grey. I chose the latter. I like choices.

Edit: I posted the info about the BitFenix Ghost. It's not available yet.

Another Edit: Here's 415 pages of Fractal info from the Fractal Design Case Club: http://www.overclock.net/t/838683/fractal-design-case-club/4060

This is from the Corsair forum:
- Front door hinges/locks are ridiculously weak. A plastic pin.
- Front placeholders for 5 25 bays: cheap plastic that would fit a cheap chinese case from 5 years ago, not a Corsair product from 2012
- The case itself doesn't feel that strong in the metal parts, like the side panels
- Plastic side panels that pop-off with a light touch and really feel light and weak
- PSU mount holes doesn't fit a Seasonic SS-760KM, only 3 mount holes fit the PSU at any orientation
- cheap plastic piece covering the case, feels really light and weak, like that type of plastic that cracks after some time under direct light

 

[crazymonkeyzero]

I vote for the Fractal R4 for the aforementioned reasons (aesthetics, silencing,value and cooling and ease of use). Also since I personally own it, I can honestly say it is one of the best cases you can buy in it's price range. Cable management is a breeze on this case and there is plenty of space on the back side to tuck away cables. Filters are also easy to pop off and clean periodically.

 

[TheAdvocate]

I do not think you can go wrong with either. Just looks like the 550D is getting slammed here.

I have had one for a year now. I love mine. I have had no issues with weak parts or the pins in the front panel, etc.

The only feature I think sounds more intriguing on the R4 is the integrated fan controller. I have never used one of those before, so I do not know how useful/practical it is.

The 550D isn't dogmeat. I love the aesthetics, and I love the versatility. It can either be a high performance case or a nearly silent one, depending on how you configure. That's my favorite feature, along with being able to fit the 240mm radiator for the H100 in the top fan port.

 

[Big Roger]

First of all, thank you so far for all the detailed responses.
I'm still not sure what to do. The Corsair looks to be a nicer design. The R4 is starting to look a bt boring, lacks a certain refinement. The 550D on the other hand sounds like it looks better than it feels. Reports that it has a plasticy and flimsy feel doesn't sound good enough for the money. This is the main thing putting me off.

I'm starting to think that there isn't much out there that offers good quality materials with a clean and pleasing design along with customisable aspects, like removable HDD trays in a P280 or the look of the R4 and the build quality of the 550D

If I had my way it would be to make the Corsair have many of the features of the R4, but with an all black aluminium front and a higher quality/thicker acoustic foam, really dedicating it's self to being quiet and also the general build quality. Or, to put it simpler, make the R4 look a bit more like the 550D...dear me, I do often go around in circles..

So, the BitFenix, well, it looks nice-ish. I'll look forward to having some reviews of it.
From the looks of things it has a feature I like the 650D for, the top hot swap bay.

It looks as though they use a nice design on the inside and the noise dampening material seems to be touted as good quality. I'm also not too bothered I think about fitting an H100 or anything like that. Seems like a lot of hype for something that cools the same as an air cooler but does it louder when pushed? I do like the space it creates inside the case, though compared to a normal cooler.
Hmm..

Looking at this I'm thinking it may just be the BitFenix that may pip the others at the post.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nE-7EkexalU

 

[nataku00]

I just built my computer with a 550D last week and I'm mostly happy with it. Build went smoothly, looks understated without a window, and is very light but sturdy feeling when I've picked it up. The front panel attachment to allow for opening both ways does give me worries that it may not last if you open it often, but I don't plan on using my optical drive that often.

To be honest, I did want the R4, but Amazon was out of stock and I was purchasing most of my parts through them prior to their starting to charge CA sales tax.

 

[Subyman]

Go to microcenter and check them out in person. Some of the cases that are highly reviewed look ugly in person when I go there. Cases are very subjective. From what I have seen in person, the corsair cases are built stouter than the fractal cases. Some of the corsair cases looked chunkier though.

 

[MoInSTL]

Go to microcenter and check them out in person. Some of the cases that are highly reviewed look ugly in person when I go there. Cases are very subjective. From what I have seen in person, the corsair cases are built stouter than the fractal cases. Some of the corsair cases looked chunkier though.

That's exactly what I did and posted as a suggestion:
Before I decided on a case I went to Micro Center so I could check out the R3 and 550D side-by-side. MC does not have the R4 in stock yet.

I agree with the OP. The Ghost un-boxing video looks promising but if the cages aren't removable, then I personally would not get it. Regardless, I love my Titanium Grey R4. And I don't find a simple, elegant design to be boring. But as mentioned, it's about personal preferences.

 

[paul878]

I just upgrade from an Antec P182 to Fractal Arc Midi.

Fractal steel can't compare to Antec steel, you can't sit on a Fractal case without deforming it. Thumb screw on the Fractal are horrible, I had to use a screw driver to loosen them. Screw holes on the Fractal are imprecise due to the thin steel.

The Fractal case is much quieter than the Antec even without any sound dampen materiel. Thing run 10c cooler in the Fractal. Over all I am very happy with the Fractal, it is a lot easier to take the computer out into the yard for a good blow off.

 

[TheStu]

I picked up an Arc Midi about 2-3 months ago. It is very quiet, and quite roomy inside as well. Plus, the fan filters really work wonders, there is almost 0 dust inside my case after all that time. And for 3 weeks there I was staying with a friend with 2 cats. There were 2 circles of hair on the front of the case at the end of the every week, not a speck inside.

 

[paul878]

That case would have been perfect if they have put a filter for the side fan, and that the fan controller in integrated into the front panel like the T4.

 

[TheStu]

That case would have been perfect if they have put a filter for the side fan, and that the fan controller in integrated into the front panel like the T4.

There are a couple of other points that I have. The drive cages can only fit 3 3.5" drives each, the top drive can't go in because of screws sticking though. I just stuck my SSD up in the top slot so it wasn't a huge issue. The thumbscrews as you point out were really stuck in there, I actually ended up using my power screwdriver to get them out. Other than that, I have very few complaints about the case.

 

[gpse]

I have a 550D, and I find it quite good. For me Personally I think it looks really nice, not to plain, just a refined design. The side panels are a bit "flimsy" when they're off, but when you put them on there is no movement at all! I don't care for a fan controller because my mobo takes care of the fans.

 

[Big Roger]

I'm gonna wait for the BitFenix to come out and check the reviews before going for it. I'm fairly certain it will be that or the R4 I go for.

 

[UNhooked]

Bitfenix, I am waiting as well.

 

[kleinkinstein]

There is nothing flimsy about Fractal
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_SNhi7-UWQ

 

[kleinkinstein]

The Black Pearl windowed R4 is $80, today only at newEgg

 

[Grim281]

The Black Pearl windowed R4 is $80, today only at newEgg

I saw this deal earlier and finally pulled the trigger.

 

[MoInSTL]

You both got a great case, at a great price. I wonder how thick the acrylic is and how much noise is compromised. Let us know.

Btw, I picked up a $4 SATA to molex. adapter for the molex fan controller. I have plenty of the molex to SATA. Those are different. The adapter eliminated a separate molex chain cable from my PSU. Something like this would be handy before you start your build. http://www.microcenter.com/product/346566/SATA_15-Pin_Power_to_Female_Molex_4-Pin_Adapter

Also, don't rely on the plastic film on the case door to protect it from scratches. I used a bath towel on the table during the build and kept the film on until I was up and running.

Last thing is that one or both drive cages can be removed. Bottom cage has a support arm that is secured by two tiny screws under the front top of the bezel. Bottom cage unscrews from the bottom. The front bezel comes off smoothly so no brute force. May want to pick up a third fan for exhaust and run two included stock fans as intakes.

Hope these little tips help others in the market for an R4.

 

[Grim281]

You both got a great case, at a great price. I wonder how thick the acrylic is and how much noise is compromised. Let us know.

Btw, I picked up a $4 SATA to molex. adapter for the molex fan controller. I have plenty of the molex to SATA. Those are different. The adapter eliminated a separate molex chain cable from my PSU. Something like this would be handy before you start your build. http://www.microcenter.com/product/346566/SATA_15-Pin_Power_to_Female_Molex_4-Pin_Adapter

Also, don't rely on the plastic film on the case door to protect it from scratches. I used a bath towel on the table during the build and kept the film on until I was up and running.

Last thing is that one or both drive cages can be removed. Bottom cage has a support arm that is secured by two tiny screws under the front top of the bezel. Bottom cage unscrews from the bottom. The front bezel comes off smoothly so no brute force. May want to pick up a third fan for exhaust and run two included stock fans as intakes.

Hope these little tips help others in the market for an R4.

Thanks for the info. I picked up 2 more gentle typhoons to put in. Hopefully along with the stock fans, it should be nice and cool.

 

[paul878]

There is nothing flimsy about Fractal
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_SNhi7-UWQ

That's just the side panels, I have both Antec and Fractal.
Comparing the two, the Fractal is filmsy.

 

[UNhooked]

wait for Ghost by Bitfenix