Fractal Design Define R3 Discontinued at Newegg?

[DSF]

I'm keeping a wish list on Newegg of prospective parts for my December 2012 build, partly to keep myself motivated to save up for it. (Yes, I know picking parts this early is meaningless, but it's a fun way of twiddling my fingers until the build day actually comes.)

Newegg is showing the Fractal Design Define R3 that I had picked out as "Deactivated". They're still carrying some Fractal Design cases, but not a single version of the Define.

Is it no longer being manufactured, or has Newegg simply decided not to carry them for the time being? If it's the former, does Fractal Design have a successor in the works?

 

[Agenesis]

They're probably just clearing out the old USB 2.0 stock and waiting for the new 3.0 versions to arrive.

 

[lehtv]

The USB3.0 versions aren't new anymore, they've been in stock for ages. Perhaps Fractal Design will soon release Define R4?

 

[DSF]

Did a little more googling and was pointed to this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPqdTGysgTc

A Fractal Design rep is talking about their cases at a trade show. Most of it is probably old news for anyone who knows about the company, but if you skip to 5:00, he mentions that the Define R4 is in the works.

He doesn't say much, but alludes to slightly more room and a removable upper HDD cage in the R4.

 

[neilsabo]

sounds good to me... I REALLY want a removable HD cage (which I think will become pretty standard for mid-range cases in a couple years), and was hoping there'd be a cheaper option than the 550D

 

[DSF]

Yeah I'd be happy to see a removable cage even if only for aesthetic purposes. I simply don't need the 6 or 8 drive bays that are in there, and would rather have open room than empty cages.

Although I have to say, I love the two-tone look, so if they're going to be there it's at least cool that they're white.

 

[lehtv]

The HDD cage can impede airflow quite a bit, I'd be happy if I could remove the upper cage to allow air move more freely to the CPU cooler.

 

[E N A D]

I too was concerned about newegg's deactivation of the define R3 black pearl and subsequent availability of the define R3 in silver. So I searched the web and found an alternate supplier (that if you have patience) can get any 4 of the define R3 cases for $85.98 delivered.

 

[Smoblikat]

I think i heard that th eR4 is coming out soon.

 

[Lonyo]

The HDD cage can impede airflow quite a bit, I'd be happy if I could remove the upper cage to allow air move more freely to the CPU cooler.

Since there are side, top and rear fan mounts, the HDD cage isn't really an issue when it comes to CPU cooler airflow.

 

[lehtv]

Top and rear mounts are for exhaust and the side slot is IMO better to leave blocked for noise cancellation, unless SLI/CF. What does matter though is the bottom fan mount, i've got a 140mm fan there helping with provid cool air. But even better would be to remove the part of the hdd cage in front of the upper 120mm intake

 

[E N A D]

In my application the overall height of the case was important. If it were 1/2" to 3/4" higher it would not be a good fit for me. I only need the front/rear fans which should allow for plenty of airflow to take away the heat. My understanding is that the define R4 when released will have more height at the top of the case and I did not want to take a chance of the cases (2 in my case) not fitting into my application. These replace a pair of In-Win Q500 tower cases. Hopefully there is still a market for the older In-Win cases.

 

[BuckNaked]

Are you referring to this case?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811352013

 

[lehtv]

Seems like it was temporary :thumbsup:

 

[E N A D]

Here's the details on where you can find and order the Fractal Design Define R3 in your choice of: Black Pearl, Silver Arrow, Titanium Grey, Arctic White

1) Go to http://www.costcaptain.com
2) In the search window enter (don't enter the manufacturers name): define R3
3) Select one of the 4 choices
4) To save $20 at checkout, use the coupon code: CPE2012
5) You can use a credit card or PayPal to pay for it
6) Select standard shipping: $4.99
7) Final cost is $109.99 - $20.00 + $4.99 = $85.98
8) Normally this case would get shipped out fairly quickly, but because it's available in limited quantities now, it takes a little while. In my case I placed two orders to take advantage of the $20 coupon savings. The first case arrived 3 weeks after I placed the order and the 2nd one today. Newegg had it on a special for $80 + free shipping but that offer expired on 04/05/12 (and I missed it). You can order the "Black Pearl" case from Newegg today for $109.99 + $14.99 shipping = $124.88, but using CostCaptain.com saved me $39 on each one (i.e., I could have picked up 3 cases at CostCaptain for the price of two at NewEgg).

Here's the direct link that takes you to the "Fractal Design Define R3 in Black Pearl":

http://www.costcaptain.com/mm5/merc...arch_Begin_Only=&sort=&range_low=&range_high=

CostCaptain.com sells mostly software but if you are patient and don't mind waiting 7-10 days or up to 3-4 weeks for backordered items, it's worth the savings.

 

[T_Yamamoto]

Here's the details on where you can find and order the Fractal Design Define R3 in your choice of: Black Pearl, Silver Arrow, Titanium Grey, Arctic White

1) Go to http://www.costcaptain.com
2) In the search window enter (don't enter the manufacturers name): define R3
3) Select one of the 4 choices
4) To save $20 at checkout, use the coupon code: CPE2012
5) You can use a credit card or PayPal to pay for it
6) Select standard shipping: $4.99
7) Final cost is $109.99 - $20.00 + $4.99 = $85.98
8) Normally this case would get shipped out fairly quickly, but because it's available in limited quantities now, it takes a little while. In my case I placed two orders to take advantage of the $20 coupon savings. The first case arrived 3 weeks after I placed the order and the 2nd one today. Newegg had it on a special for $80 + free shipping but that offer expired on 04/05/12 (and I missed it). You can order the "Black Pearl" case from Newegg today for $109.99 + $14.99 shipping = $124.88, but using CostCaptain.com saved me $39 on each one (i.e., I could have picked up 3 cases at CostCaptain for the price of two at NewEgg).

Here's the direct link that takes you to the "Fractal Design Define R3 in Black Pearl":

http://www.costcaptain.com/mm5/merc...arch_Begin_Only=&sort=&range_low=&range_high=

CostCaptain.com sells mostly software but if you are patient and don't mind waiting 7-10 days or up to 3-4 weeks for backordered items, it's worth the savings.

Free iPod?
Edit: seems legit