Big case options and performance for a low price! The Fractal Pop XL Air Ultimate Case Review

[@jamesfoster6036]

I’m actually getting this case for my build I love the airflow in it and how it includes 4 fans for $100 unlike some of Corsair cases for the same price

[@volcalstone]

I'm thinking of getting this case to for my build with 2 AIOs. I'm wanting to add 6 additional upgraded 2000rpm matching Fractal fans though for a full push and pull setup minus the back fan of course. I should be able to create a netual pressure case. It kinda sucks that I'm getting fresh cold air directly into the case though.

[@JesusRodriguez-pf1gq]

I just received this case in black for a new build. The reason I got it was for 5.25” optical drive support and also hiding it. It gives it a cleaner look. Plus it will be used occasionally. There’s not many cases new cases with that option. I have a 280mm AIO for my new build. I wish the case would have supported a 360mm radiator up top. The room is there. Ultimately I’m happy with the case. It’s inexpensive, roomy and it looks good. I wish the USB-C port would have been included. What’s an extra $8 or $10. The cable is currently out of stock. So I’ll get it when it’s available.

[@evileyeball]

This is the reason my wife and I both chose this case. I want to have my Optical drive installed in the machine and I do like to hide it as well.

[@peoplez129]

I got this case, the silent version. I was going to build a tiny ITX system, but realized I wanted to get the PC off my desk and wouldn't be able to cool a flagship CPU in the ITX case I wanted because it only supported low profile coolers, and there's other options for that, but this is tall enough that my standing desk won't have any issues with cord lengths when raised up. Also since it's more bulky, it's more like a piece of furniture rather than some small box sitting out beside a desk. This thing is big enough to use it as a side table to put small decor and other items on. But I'd say the best thing about it is it's like a monolith server case, so it's just this large minimalistic object that serves a function without needless flare.

[@GoalPlays]

great review of this case and really helped me make my decision for my new build...ordering my XL tonight in white, can't wait to get it and build in it. looks so nice and clean. love the simplicity of the case!

[@Pawcio2115]

Are you happy with it? I think it will be my next case

[@evileyeball]

My wifes Pop XL Air just came in the mail today. I am stoked on it.

[@Mike-nf6nf]

Mine arrives today. I'm looking forward to it. Two optical drive bays! Yay!

[@orelby_]

Hi, I know you commented like a year ago but I want to know how was your experience with the case, am thinking on buying one

[@1SaG]

Since my original case was a bit too restrictive WRT airflow, I went and migrated my system to a Pop XL Air. My impressions were: 1. Easy to build in (lots of space) and cable management is pretty good too. Also there's a ton of clearance between roof and top of motherboard, something my old case didn't have. In the old one, top mounting a 240 AiO was theoretically possible, but thanks to modern boards and their heat-spreaders, it didn't work (AiO fans wouldn't clear my ATX-board's top heat-spreader). Not an issue on the Fractal as far as I can tell (but I have my AiO mounted in the front). 2. Not the quietest of cases, but noise levels while gaming with a 360 in the front, 2x140 bequiet Light Wings in the roof and a 120 Iceberg IceGale in the rear are totally acceptable, IMO. 3. Interior looks much cleaner and less messy compared to my old case - the PSU-shroud really helps with hiding the nastier bits (and/or my lazy moments during cable management). 4. Love the fact that Fractal give you the option to install an ODD on this one - which was one of the reasons why I went with this case. I also like the way the ODD is hidden away, both internally and externally. You're basically getting a pretty modern looking case and only you'll ever know the dirty little ODD-secret it's hiding.. ;) Temps also seem quite a bit better in the new case - although I should probably mention that my previous case wasn't *really* optimized for air-flow (bequiet Pure Base 600). Initially I went with my existing 240mm AiO as a front-mount. I left one of the front 120mm fans in (sitting below the AiO), which naturally worked a bit better WRT some temps (PCH, mostly), as that fan was sucking in fresh air without having to blow through a radiator. When I upgraded to a 360 AiO, PCH temps went up a little, but overall this case is still running much cooler than the bequiet. If there's one minor niggle I have it's that I don't quite understand why they didn't design the case in such a way that it would fit a 360 radiator under the roof. As far as I can see, the case would be large enough for that - all it would need is a slightly redesigned top panel. Also the fact that you'll need to pay extra for a USB-C front connector. They offer a kit for that for 20 bucks or so, but out of the box, that socket is blanked off with a plastic plug. Plus... yeah.. the fans that come with it are a bit "meh". They all went right back into the box when I upgraded to my 360 AiO.

[@digitalballistics]

I just built a machine in a pop mini, and I found the case design to be well-thought-out and constructed. And the inclusion of 5.25in bays is a great addition. Now I am thinking about building another machine in the XL case.

[@LETSROCKTA]

The 12900 is hoooot! I have this case and my 13600kf doesnt go over 40 degrees C with a 240mm be quiet pure aio... even after hours of playing Darktide and Cyberpunk all cranked up to the max. This case is a very good surprise:)

[@B-ROYalty]

Do you use the 4 stock fans it comes with? Are they actually bad or they do fine? I'm getting a CPU that runs hot (7700x) And not sure if this will suffice or I need to buy better fans

[@eren8632]

Answer please

[@basilez]

Thank you for this video. This case is the cheapest decent midtower I could find in my country, and by a lot. So I will use this one with my next 4090 build !

[@Gunni4091]

The $8 USB C port doesn't bug me that much. My biggest concern when getting any case is **airflow.** And this thing looks beautiful.

[@stevenfair8970]

Subscribed, you had me at "air cool for life!".

[@BitZapple]

I want a case like this (good looking, white option, side glass, 2 drive bays for BluRay and a decent DVD drive) with option for 420mm top mounted AiO. With the new generation hothead CPUs I feel that these actually make sense. It will definitely help getting the most juice out of parts that overclock well such as an i5 13600k or a 13700k.

[@LongoBongoSchmongo]

that was also exactly what i was looking for, think i found my future case. It has become so hard to find optional 5'25 bays, and in this case theyre even neetly integrated

[@plmkoo6772]

you, gamer nexus & hardware canucks have the best reviews....thanks!

[@Eleven.9]

Great review. You convinced me to buy this case for my new build.

[@avjaMASH]

Thank you so much for your review, the details and coverage was sufficient to make a decision and buy this case for the new kit I am ordering tomorrow.

[@Kenji1685]

I wish the XL versions come with different colours too.

[@lultharion]

Just bought this case due to your informative and fun review thanks, it's really going to suit my build cheers Robeytech :)

[@CALiiGeddonTwo]

Honestly, I am considering this case because of the amount of space between the front of the case and the GPU. I don't see why this would not fit the Arctic Freezer II 360mm cooler in the front with the Phanteks T30 fans in a push pull configuration while supporting a full hybrid GPU that has a 240mm radiator exhausting up the top.

[@volcalstone]

This is what I'm planning to do too but I believe you could do a push pull setup on the top too. I believe there is enough clearance.

[@user-dj5od5wd9q]

I'm so happy you said the MSI fits perfectly because that's the exact same motherboard I have and I'm getting this case

[@Kababalax]

Superb review with 99.999% of all the things I wanna know about a case, with top class entertainment along the way, but if I may, to cover the remaining 0.001% would you perhaps kindly consider being the first to include upon your case review list, a "top of the motherboard to underside of case roof" measurement?

[@redonk1740]

This shit is driving me crazy. Everything claims to support whatever but they assume your rad and fans are paper thin. Do people that design PC cases even fucking build? Sometimes I wonder.

[@literate-aside]

Incredibly important measurement that no one seems to cover. Especially if you want you a front and top rad, and have a vrm / monoblock.

[@GregM]

I feel the type-c jack should be included. You may not need it today but down the road, it could come in handy. Having to order a part later could be a pain if the part is not readily available. Is the POP XL AIR the same as the POP AIR in that removing the drive cage allows using a 3.5 drive or DVD behind the hidden door?

[@ZackQuackTV]

You think I could fit a top 240mm radiator with 120x30mm fans?

[@fgreen411]

There should be skus where you can get the usb-c port pre-installed and included in the price. The damn cable is perpetually sold out.

[@willjohnsonjohnson]

I really like the front 5.25" slots, but it is missing some options while including unneeded stuff. No 360mm top radiator support is a big one. No removable front filter, although that would hurt air flow even more. They could have made the case slightly taller and included 3x 5.25" slots, which would allow room for another 120mm fan and a 480mm radiator if desired. It also opens up more options for various IO adapters like HDD bays, fan controllers, displays, water reservoir, pumps, etc. The USB C cutout is an extra processing step that could have been skipped. If I need USB C, I'll get a 5.25" adapter. The fans and 5.25" try will be tossed in the garbage, so extra cost for useless plastic. The 3rd 3.5" HDD bracket is kinda pointless since you can only use two if the 5.25" bays are occupied. None of the HDD mount locations have airflow. The tempered glass adds to much weight for shipping, with a higher chance of it breaking.

[@Junkyardette]

The ones I'm finding on shops have top support for water cooling

[@mjc0961]

USB C not being included, being a separate purchase, is annoying. Now I have to find a separate listing for it and hope it's in stock. It should just be included, even if it raises the price of the case slightly.

[@D4RKD4YZ]

I was wondering about the fans, just as I thought ty!

[@user-pv1sj2lz5d]

This case is perfect for the MSi SUPRIM Liquid X RTX 4090 because of the top fan mount.

[@AlucardSparda]

The type c connector cable should have been included honestly. The ability to customize the case with multiple accessories (for fees) is not bad, at points, but I do wish more could be included to install for different users. I am looking at it and thinking it would be a nice case for a possible NAS or a video editing PC with the large amount of room for 3.5" HDDs and 2.5" SSDs. Would be nice if they added more colors like Fractal did for the smaller POP cases to really....you know,...POP. Otherwise, it is a good case, but needs some improvement

[@bronowskijan2]

this cable is also over price

[@techy350]

This is a great case & has a great price. Haven't been able to find the case on any other websites besides Fractal Design.

[@mawkcc]

this is a bit late and not sure if you'll even see this but Micro Center sells these cases as well.

[@Aaron86v]

Very surprised you can't have 3 x 140mm fans in the front. Maybe the bottom fan isn't as useful as it might seem?

[@orfeous]

This is a good candidate for me. I want the 5.25" for my bluray. Not going for the external route with all hassle. Good airflow and quiet. I use Noctua smaller air cooler for CPU. It will be good enough. Thia case I can upgrade my system in also 👌 I5-4670K and GTX760 so I have expandability. Don't know about the RGB though. Is it possible to turn off? Might be annoying when watching videos/movies and such. I was first thinking of the Pop Air RGB with colors. But. I always liked bigger cases for more room to build in. I'm coming from Big/Full tower era a la late 90s early 00.. In my current Zalman HD160 there is not so great cooling. No intake fans in my setup. There are holes cut for them on the bottom but I'm not utilizing them. I only use two exhaust fans instead and dual fan configuration on cpu cooler push/pull. This XL costs about 150 euro here and up. Think I saw about 200.. Maybe prices gone up? I have no use for the USB-C so the extra connector is OK to leave.

[@literate-aside]

A lack of top 360mm radiator support in a case of this size is, imo, ridiculous. It removes it from the custom loop conversation for 90% of builders.

[@LauRoman]

Wish it also came in a non-tempered glass airflow version

[@animhaxx]

I got this case. It's amazing

[@ShinigamiDa]

Great video. We can also fit noctua NH-D15 in this, right?

[@BillyLugnuts4500]

So any 280 mm cooler will work

[@tayo8207]

How i can set fan colors and fan speed?

[@Puffo__]

the best review ive ever seen

[@josephjohnson6626]

Did the upper rad have to use adapters like the mid size one does?

[@Blobby192]

i have this case it may not be much to look at but it has a lot of room for everything forever, which is very intimidating to an rtx 4090

[@2shabbs]

I got the white Pop XL Air for my first build about a month ago. I would love to get the vertical GPU mount but they still don't sell a white one and is only PCIe 3.0. I even stuffed an NH-D15 CPU cooler blowing up to make use of the top mesh but it would look nicer if the fans weren't brown. Would painting those mess with performance?

[@volcalstone]

Seriously the riser is only PCIe 3.0? Thanks for letting me know as this will be a deal breaker for me as I just got a 4090 card and case shopping at this time. I wonder if they will be releasing a new version of the riser soon. Edit: I just did an Amazon search and saw that Anker makes a riser PCIe 4.0 kit for around $60. It should fit in this case so I guess it won't be a deal breaker after all. They also make it in white! I'm thinking about getting this case in black though.

[@XX99XXL]

Should have more subs!

[@TheAlexagius]

I made the mistake of buying one of the silent cases a while ago, by removing the top I got 20 degrees C back, yeah so I think I'll be going for an air for the next one

[@anderslarsen1321]

Silent cases are not good for beefed out, overclocked gaming pcs, they are better suited for home office/creative

[@TheAlexagius]

@@anderslarsen1321 Hence buying the air for my most recent build. Still amazes me that they have facilities for optical drives in 2023 (when I bought mine).

[@indy1515]

Will a 6800xt phantom gaming model fit in this case

[@rustyfox6425]

For an E-ATX case I think this design falls short. The lack of 360mm radiator support on top just kills it for me. I like the aesthetics, but also don't understand why they don't offer the color options on the XL and Mini. I also don't agree with the USB type C decision. If you want to cut costs, just don't include the fans. Every fan that I've ever gotten included with a case is packed away in the boxes that my aftermarket fans came in...likely never to be used. On that note, I'd like to see an industry trend towards always offering fan-less options for cases, and the options with fans included should always contain fans that the company sells individually as well. I think Fractal missed with the XL. Anyone building an E-ATX system would be better served jumping up to a Lian LI Lancool III...better features, more premium fans (yet fan-less would be better), excellent build quality, and great watercooling support.

[@avoiceofpeace]

Problem is the fans it comes with... the 4th pin is filled and not empty, so it will not mount to your motherboard. So plan on buying 4 pin fans.

[@Deviantsoundz]

Seems i made the right choice when i went with the higher speed aspect 12 fans for my custom loop.

[@twitchcoolbob66]

Yes a small storage thing where the 5.25inch bay is

[@user-dj5od5wd9q]

We have the same specs :) I know you love it

[@boogeyman79-cod46]

I just got one but i order 360mm liquid cooler for the front , will that work with it or will my 3080 TI GPU run hot?

[@zita104]

did the 360mm cooler fit?

[@rikka0_059]

Can I install a corsair h150i radiator or a similar 360mm liquid cooler to the front?

[@sesanjr]

Cost savings being the only positive, subtracting the physical USB-C port for an $8 savings is something I think everyone would be willing to spend were it already incorporated. It's a bit money grabbish by keeping it as a separate piece. Plus the point of the silent case is what? You still need some form of air flow for AIO support. TBH, these just remind me of premium versions of Montech X2 Mesh cases without the crappy materials.

[@eplugplay8409]

Can this fit a mini itx and sfx power supply?

[@Nick_R_]

Wondering if the Pop Air XL (£105) plus a pack of 5 Arctic P12 fans (£22) is still a good deal, or by then should you be looking up to more premium cases?

[@Zanithos]

Can't go wrong with that. Arctic makes great fans.

[@iancurrie8844]

Holy hell that cooling is terrible. I would start by replacing with 140mm fans but I fear even that's not enough. I guess I would get the phanteks G300A and put my own 140s in it instead. This case seems to have major airflow problems. I suspect there's some problem with the front mesh.

[@RhineLabCrow]

Part 2 of this joke is not sponsored by PETA, i really love the humor here on this channel XD.

[@bebe-gc9vn]

should i keep my 4000d or replace it with this case?

[@tevo46]

Why do you hate AIO’s? Just curious.

[@dark4o90]

how is $159.99 $150

[@SanjeevKumar-ik7xs]

It should have had the type c built in.

[@VincentDangerWater]

I deserved to have won!

[@djtechno95]

Even with the limited fan speed, the case does seem pretty performant for its price… …I never expected to see the 26 degree load difference between the open and closed cases. But the GPU idle temps are swapped again; and why the unnecessary exit animations for the charts?

[@MWcrazyhorse]

All you people laughing at us optical drive users: AFTER the EMP storm WE will be ones laughing!!! muahahahaahahaaha!!!

[@Blazer_2165]

i thought the fans will be beter

[@Red.exe7]

Stupid that you have to buy a cable to get front USB c working.

[@amitkumar-my8gn]

Wow u &.case

[@Kevrix]

🤣 funny video !

[@JustJesseOfficial]

So much for it being $110. Already it's up to $150+ which at that price, there are better options. Greed is a bitch man...

[@user-sv6dy8pk2q]

Stupid case. Where cooling HDD?)))