Fractal Design Arc Mini Case Review

Fractal Design Arc Mini Case Review
One of my studio lights went, so this video is a little all over the place as I try to get things sorted.
I know I point out many negatives of this case, as it might be strange that I give it 5 stars but at the time of purchase it's one of, if not the only, MATX case that can offer you the ability to cool with a H100 or custom water cooling at it's amazingly low price. There really wasn't any other award to give it.
I'm also trying to learn how to remove the bird noises from my recordings.
Thanks for watching
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[@TastyPC]

This is just the first step toward the upcoming videos. If I hadn't of reviewed it people would of asked me too at a later date. I'm missing a small fan controller that most people don't use and the rear thumb screws. I wanted it to be a quick review. Unfortunately it turned out longer then planned. I stand by 5 gold stars, the case is amazing, but thanks for sharing your opinion and giving feedback :)

[@madness_rising]

It’s amazing how much airflow we have lost over the years. It seems like the trend of airflow over flash is coming back though. I wish we could go back to these simple days. I still rock my CM Master Case maker 5 from 2015 with the mesh front.

[@gabegarcia6425]

This was the video that got me interested in your channel years ago. Not only are you a great reviewer, but you have such a soothing voice.

[@TastyPC]

Influenced by, I've watched him for years. I love his vids :)

[@legrandvol]

2019 and still following you :D

[@TastyPC]

My C70 rig uses the individually sleeved cables, haven't got round to getting some for the Arc Mini yet, I'm water-cooling my Arc Mini over the next few weeks so look out for the vids :)

[@mrjohnallen]

I like how you can hear the birds on the background while she's talking. Sounds very relaxing. Liked and subscribed :D

[@Anon.Emouse]

I have this case and have used both the Corsair H90 and H100i coolers in it so far. As you say in the review, you cannot use a regular 25mm thick fan in the rear position with a radiator installed but you can either fit the Scythe 10mm thin fan. What i have done is use a fan adapter from 120mm to 92mm which steps down enough to clear the radiator if the hose outlets are towards the front of the case. It's not pretty, but it works :-). The Noctua DH-14 also fits but you lose the side panel fan.

[@benjaminlee496]

wow your voice sound so soothing to my ear. good review by the way. love to see more of your review video

[@SchlitzerEMS]

Lol, me too, I just dont have the materials for it atm. I just ordered the red cable box for the AX 650/750/850 series. Those are no extensions, but individually sleeved cables that come right out of the power supply (I LIKE!). Also I'd like to point out that u can fit the H100 the other way around, so u can still have a fan in the back. I got it like this, and I also got the AX750W. I just dont have those sexy RAM sticks.

[@HKEY_LOVECRAFT]

A thorough and informative review. This case was already in my short-list for my new build--it's moved up a couple of notches based on this video. I just have to force myself to buy a micro-ATX motherboard now. Thanks for the recommendation!

[@petermilsom1109]

nice to hear a bit of "Thames Estuary". anyway, thanks for the review. i am deciding on whether to stay m-atx or go atx for my rebuild. i'm running a re-used 2004 HP m-atx case at the moment (which i changed just about everything else in in 2010). my case has "modest" cooling, and no dust filters, so time for something newer, methinks. thanks for the review - the arc minni, and the v2 of the same are on my shortlist along with the fractal define r4, r5, and r6. all the best for your channel.

[@TastyPC]

Thanks, I'm a perfectionist when it comes to cable management.

[@TastyPC]

Same great build quality. I've got the R3/R4.

[@SchlitzerEMS]

Will do :). I planned to watercool it too, but I couldnt be bothered with modding and buying all the stuff, so I just put a H100 for the CPU in it and its alright.

[@LivelysReport]

does the corsair 860i power supply fit the bottom with that fan in there at the bottom as well? When you look at the hard drive cages, and I have noticed this in many different cases, they like to split the number of drives evenly in each section, like here 3 at the bottom and 3 more above it. what they should do it put 2 at the bottom and 4 above it. so if you pull out the top 4, it will allow for two longer graphics cards to fit properly! I would also allow for good air flow from front fans!

[@TastyPC]

Watch my other reviews :) Only things I really love get 5 stars

[@samueleddielang]

i think you have improved greatly. You seem more confident now.

[@SuperGamer87]

Very beautiful, comfortable to listen to, AND knowledgeable about computer components. God, I wish there were a lot more women like you out there.

[@snarlingrabiddog5150]

Get better soon Lauren! :) You really know your stuff and your videos are morse informative and professional than 90% of upploaded videos concerning PC's. :)

[@WhisperingReunion]

Great, could you do maybe a video on vibration dampening? I find in the R3 vibrations from the hard drives travels through the case easily and i'm looking for suggestions to make it quieter still.

[@mrcidbullit]

Its finally out !!! The arc midi window side panel its 20$ and it starts shipping out on September not sure the day but it does :D

[@NukeForBinLaden24356]

Can you fit a 3 slot graphics card in this case without it hitting the hard drive cages? I hear that cards that are less than 6cm can fit in the case but i just want someone to clarify.

[@TeslaRifle]

Nice thorough review. I'm kind of leaning towards the Thermaltake Water 2.0 Pro instead of the H100, do you think it would be better to place it in the rear fan slot as opposed to one of the top slots?

[@WhisperingReunion]

How does it compare to the other Fractal Design's cases? I've got the R3.

[@doglad12]

can you review the sharkoon tauron case ?? also what fan were u using on the side panel ?

[@LivelysReport]

There are some likable things about this case and as you say some things could be better. I do like that the H100 will fit and that they allowed it to be positioned more to the front of the case allowing for parts behind the radiator or fans for the H100. I was looking at these cases the other day when I seen one like it on NCIX. But I do like a side window with a fan option. I picked up a Cooler master 912 Advanced. Love their window! Cases need more room at the top for radiators and fans!

[@gulllars]

I see. The reason i thought it deserved the 4 gold and 5 green according to your own criteria is the negatives you mentioned with the grommets, and that it's not a close to perfect case if the budget is not an issue (in it's default configuration), but amazing on a budget (or for modders). I really liked the video, but I consider it to be an evaluation more than a review. I look forward to more reviews of cases and other components. Maybe also builds or guides to get more out of cases?

[@backtoearth1983]

BTW, what parts of this case did you not loose lol "thumb screws which i have lost" comes up a lot

[@hibrian9]

Does this case come in different colors like white or does the case only come in black?

[@sedgleyathome]

Great video review and keep up the great work. Your cable management is pretty good, Well done. And all guys please respect this lady.

[@Andytlp]

half the people come here to listen to your pleasant voice, and how you handle those pc parts, oh yeah... slide that ssd. XD Great job more reviews.

[@TastyPC]

All of my specs are in the description of the "1000 subs -rigs/systems" video.

[@PhatboyHD88]

Nothing wrong with your cable management !! I thought it looked rather tidy !! Very nice , good job !!

[@dylwing23]

you did a fractal design case....automatic sub right there keep up the great videos!

[@knosiemtrzy4294]

heh, it's nice to see how shy and unsure you were back in the day compared to your more recent videos :) great stuff though, keep it up, ignore the idiots ;D

[@heyohworld4067]

Yeap she's definitely improved a bit over the years. That said, if this were the first video I've seen of hers I'd probably not have subscribed haha there were wayyyyyyy too many negatives things pointed out about this case to give it a 5 star rating.

[@theparanormalchroniclesnet5746]

So knowledgeable, so well presented and such a lovely woman. Thank you for the excellent show!! Amazing!!

[@chriswray5010]

hi lauren, just subscribed to your video feeds very informative and good quality, i'd like to ask a few questions if you can remember building the arc mini. was wondering I bought a stealth 240 radiator 20mm thick to fit in the case up top but, when I try to align and centre the radiator the holes that have been pre drilled in the case at the edge of the case towards the side panel fouls the side of the radiator and even the second set of pre dilled holes do not line up. thanks in advance.

[@Papapiishu]

"... awful cable management" where?! Looks like gorgeous cable management to me, very stylish. I'm considering this case for a small formfactor server/homelab build, Fractal Designs build quality has always been good to me. If there was a MiniITX board that had 4 memory slots and supported more than 16Gb RAM I would have easily picked the NODE 304 instead but this seems like a good option for a microATX build

[@Drunknmunky501]

I got the arc midi case thanks Lauren for the review fab case

[@TastyPC]

Thanks for the sub, I'd like a side window too. I plan to mod one soon.

[@Christosan88]

Holy crap amazing! Cable management. I want to build a micro atx too. What MB was that?

[@captain_diabetes999]

Awesome review, however I could not focus on the case for first two and last two minutes. Very clean looking build. I think I'll subscribe cause it's really really tasty.

[@Ko0kieMon5ter]

glad to see your still alive!

[@Guy9998]

Not a bad review. You're a little camera shy but I guess everyone is when they're new at it. It's funny to see how different Tiny Tom was back when he started, same with Linus.

[@TheBroken8Ball]

Have you ever considered a video on how to build a rig?

[@sweetdreams1DIAM0ND]

tired of that linus tech tips videos, I always wanted a review with a decent good voice + you explain more in depth in some parts than linustechtips which almost no one could ever do :D

[@chriswray5010]

ok sorted it the side of the rad 240 stealth is too wide unlike most rads that have a nice square edge.

[@TastyPC]

I prefer top as heat rises. But honestly it make very little difference.

[@meekoman25]

The perfect LAN rig. Although, I probably would add a side panel window if I was going to bring it to a LAN.

[@interista7878]

Have you tried the Define Mini as well? What would be your pick between the two?

[@TastyPC]

Lol that's kind of funny to be honest. I can say will pretty much absolute certainty that I reply to more people then any other reviewer. I'm off ill at the moment and that's why I've been distant recently. But I still read each and every comment. Unfortunately there isn't enough minutes in the day to reply to everyone.

[@persoderlund309]

Hi ! Nice to see you back!

[@Ardonn]

You don't have terrible cable management, its pretty good.. Don't be so harsh on yourself your doing well

[@jublywubly]

Thanks for another interesting review. :-) This mini case has a surprising amount of space inside. They’ve really planned the layout well. Your cable management looks like the way I’ve done mine. I found it imposible to do it much better. It doesn’t matter anyway, because the idea’s just to shove them all around the back to allow better air-flow and aesthetics to the rest of the case. ;-)

[@jerwal83]

Hey, Is there a raid config on your server? Thanks

[@TastyPC]

I have never been to university, but I did car mechanics at college.

[@coolgamer77]

That's a really good all around build.

[@davidomonera107]

can i mount the kraken x60 on top?

[@eviltube1111]

her voice is so soothing... my headache went away and i almost fell asleep z,z

[@backtoearth1983]

tiny tom logan, your style is very similar almost mentored or at the least influenced by

[@TastyPC]

Maybe one day. Enermax Apollish Vegas 140mm.

[@inferneerim]

wow you sure know how to make a good build, everything matches so good

[@TastyPC]

I'm watercooling the Arc Mini very soon :)

[@Pauloveskim]

Are you from Essex??

[@SchlitzerEMS]

What kinda RAM are you using btw?

[@MrProberts77]

Great review. Bought this case because of it. Thanks.

[@NobrainzTwoStar]

that's a lovely dress you're wearing Lauren!

[@MrTwisted003]

lol...cute Glad to see more vids out. Hope all's well, and gratz on your 1K subs!

[@jimlayhey1965]

you do nice builds very clean

[@thepro08]

can somebody tell me , she changed her eye color? meaning in the newer videos she uses blue eye lenses ? or is just poor lighting, it does seems she have dark eyes in this video.

[@ExalyThor]

thepro08 its just dark, can you handle a beacon in front of your eyes?

[@goodDrummerman]

Asmr

[@leeskieferrell2003]

yep, weirdly enough, huge impact with voice lol

[@Lesy88]

Yes!😁 She was my 1st

[@warrax111]

@@Lesy88 deviants... smh

[@teatimee]

I miss you Lauren

[@Verithiell]

Yes, this case is very elegant, it could use a side panel window.

[@airtonmaximo]

I realy love that old videos

[@TastyPC]

Thank you. More viewers/subscribers like you please :)

[@TastyPC]

I'd buy another. I have 2 already. :)

[@TastyPC]

No it's Arc Mini. The Arc Midi is a different case.

[@doglad12]

1 more thing what fans where on the h100

[@MosBaked]

You still all good, don't worry about it.

[@roynorw]

i love old vids

[@letsnoobplay]

Can you maby review some Graphic cards some time?

[@maj51aua]

Thanx fractal princess - fractals r so beautiful and so ru !

[@Tomorer]

I just got a Define Mini & it is perfect all except for the reset button that some Scandinavian who got lost on the fjord back in their childhood and left their senses out on the water (oh yes funny shit), went and put inside the hatch, next to the front fans even when there is plenty of room still on the top. Possibly a thing to turn the other cheek at, although when U find the cable to the mobo is then shorter than all the rest - for the reset button - one gets a bit red in the face :[]

[@ayayyay]

I'd love to review her case.

[@MrRayLeroy]

That's a lovely accent you have....New Jersey?

[@SchlitzerEMS]

I got the case too, and its perfect! I only want a sidewindow :(

[@Pianoguy32]

'I'm also trying to learn how to remove the bird noises from my recordings.' i like them :P

[@viking93ify]

i love your personality :3

[@benj4878]

Il y a du monde au balcon ! ^^

[@dnsean03]

😍 in love!

[@intronaut8582]

You're STILL sick? Oh dear. Get well soon :(

[@LPaciencia]

i like the way you talk. :) sweet accent

[@Tristandacunha69]

Sorry about my comment 3 months ago next to u this looked ATX not mATX and i didnt read the description.

[@lipmanss]

1:12 lol muscle flexing good review anyway :)

[@OnVentUK]

lip lipper ^ internet champion of the day.

[@iakinthos8]

+lip lipper hahahaa that's her pressing the remote control (which is hidden under her armpit) to stop the camera

[@SchlitzerEMS]

And to answer myself because I cant post that long texts: I find it hard to listen to you sometimes, because your voice is so soft (sounds weird, but its true lol).

[@TastyPC]

Silverstone AP121

[@majnu100]

Love the wonder woman costume :D

[@backtoearth1983]

look on the bright side, you only loose bits. Lynus (Lynus tech tips) breaks bits off

[@jamesdean5418]

im struggling to focus on pc h/w ....... cpus.... hdddddddss...... gpuuuus....... im looking at the case i promise lol 🤩👍