• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Going to MC tomorrow to pick up a Define Mini....

D

dmoney1980

Platinum Member
I have a mATX asrock z68, 2500k @ 4.2 ghz cooled by a Antec H20 620 (2 scythe fans), Radeon 7950, 1ssd, 1hdd, Corsair 750w psu....

I currently have an Antec p180 that I purchased years ago. The fron USB is broken, one of the front fan clips broke, and honestly it's a big case with a lot of wasted space. I'm looking for something compact that offers 2 front intakes and a quiet profile.

How are the stock fans on the define mini? Do they push a decent amount of air without being too loud? I'd rather buy some fans while I'm there if need be...

any other case suggestions?

thanks!
 
Last edited:
dmoney1980 said:
I'm looking for something compact that offers 2 front intakes and a quiet profile.

How are the stock fans on the define mini?

any other case suggestions?

thanks!
Click to expand...



If you're looking for a case with two front 120mm fans, why are you looking at the Fractal Design Define Mini? It has just one 120mm front intake fan, as most mini-tower cases do.

To get two 120mm intake ports on the front of the case, you're going to have to move up to mid-tower sized cases at a minimum, something like the NZXT Source 210.

 
their site states it comes with one and you can install 2nd. The pic below shows two front fan mounts

UWHS-Review-the-Fractal-Design-Define-XL-Case-013.jpg
 
I stand corrected. The Define Mini does have dual front 120mm fan mounts. Tight fit, though.

For fans on a radiator, probably the best for static pressure/cfm:noise ratio is still the Scythe Gentle Typhoon series. That Corsair fan looks rather weak, comparatively. After you actually hold a GT in your hands, you'll understand....probably the heaviest, most solidly built 120mm fan I've ever had.
 
I have the define mini and really like it.
I'm using 2 Noctua 120mm fans in the front, connected to my motherboard.
And the two fans that come with the case are used for exhaust at the back and top.

With the included fan controller (up to 3 fans) it's very easy to slow the default fans down making them silent enough.
On full, you hear a low humming and air flowing, but in my opinion it's not too annoying.
 
I too have a P180. I was hoping MC would have the Fractal Design R4 in stock, but they don't have it in yet. Amazon is out of stock. I *just* placed my order at New Egg moments ago with free shipping. It will arrive midweek.

My P180 sounds like it is in better shape than yours, but it's ancient and too big. I bought mine is 2005.

FWIW, I research a lot before I decide. So go ahead and read some reviews, just make sure it's for the R4 and not the R3. I went to MC last weekend to look at the R3.

Edit: I am really excited. First enclosure purchase in 7 years! I ended up choosing the Titanium Grey but almost got the white one.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811352022

Many, many thanks to lehtv for his suggestions and advice (and patience).
 
Last edited:
dmoney1980 said:
nothing wrong with the scythe fans. I'm always looking for quieter fans lol....
Click to expand...
Right. The main determinant of fan noise is RPM. The Corsair fans come with voltage adapters to make them quiet. I'd recommend just downvolting your Scythe fans instead, assuming they're 3-pin instead of 4-pin PWM. Get a 5.25" fan controller panel like NZXT Sentry Mesh, you can connect your three case fans and the two Scythe fans on it and independently control all of them.
 
I just got back from MC. picked up the define mini, plan on putting it all together tomorrow. Will post updates and feedback, maybe some pics too!
 
So I finally assembled everything into the Define mini. I like the case a lot and I think it's a good enclosure for the price. I took the rear fan and placed it into the 2nd front intake. I left the top and side vent closed. I took out the top HDD cage, and I have 1 SSD and 1 HDD in the bottom cage. I have an Antec h20 620 cooler with 2 fans in push/pull blowing air out thru the back of the case. My PSU is a Corsair 750w unit. My GPU is a Sapphire 7950 OC'd to 1ghz, CPU is an i5 2500k OC'd to 4.3ghz

Pros:
*Good quality -Doors are heavy, nice job with the paint on the inside, nice finish on the door.
*Top drive cage is removable / can be rotated
*Only two 5.25' bays - this is a pro in my book. If I had the choice it would be zero and I'd put another 120mm intake fan there.
*This case dropped my load GPU temps by 5*
*CPU temps are the same, but the case is quieter than the Antec p180 (due to having the top vent closed)
*Case feels sturdy / door is solid

Cons
*The fan controller that came with the case was DOA.
*The CPU cutout on the back is not big enough. Not a problem for me since I kept the same cooler.
*It's still kind of "big" for a mini case, but still smaller than a mid tower ATX case.

Overall, I'd give this case a 9 out of10. The fan controller not working was a bummer. I ended up using a 3 pin fan splitter and connecting both front fans into the case fan 1 connection on my motherboard (which I can controller in BIOS/ AXTU software) so it's not a biggie, but I expect it to work!

What is impressive is that my GPU load temps dropped, CPU temps stayed the same, but noise output dropped! I recommend this case to anyone that owns a mATX mobo that never plans on having dual GPU's and is looking for a clean, cool & quiet running gaming rig.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top