Fractal Pop Air Review & Build - LFC

[@TheGameBench]

Just bought a 16TB drive for $160 bucks. If you need a lot of storage for not a lot of money... they're still king.

[@MartinFransson]

Same. Loads of 4K video takes up some room 😅

[@tiagofr5]

Where bro?

[@sd1rager]

I could watch you explain and build rigs all day. Really underrated content creator. Not really underrated but maybe under the radar is a better term.

[@tanex2792]

🧢

[@geeklukeg]

This case is a great upgrade option for your friends that want a modern look and, good cooling but don't want to give up that big old blueray drive. I got every bay filled and man is it heavy for the size. I love this case.

[@liaminwales]

Yep wish they made that case 3 years ago, kind of cool to see a drive bay today.

[@stan_senior]

I just did a build in this case. So far I’m very happy with it, especially since I have a blu-ray drive.

[@xpforevergaming8609]

I have a Pop Air RGB, just the plain black. It's a nice case indeed, so much better and more premium than my previous Sharkoon Vaya that I used for the last 10 years. Something that wasn't mentioned in the video but I had issues with is how routing the front panel USB-A connector can be a bit of a challenge, though I suppose it depends on your motherboard and where the pins are exactly located (for me it's a Gigabyte Aorus Elite AX V2). Another thing worth mentioning is that the HDD mounting frame also has holes for mounting a 2.5" drive beneath the hard drive simultaneously. It may not be the best idea in terms of thermals, but is indeed a good use of space. One more thing, while the motherboard standoffs are screwed in by default, it's for ATX boards. Since I initially had a mATX mobo installed, it was a bit annoying to have to unscrew and relocate some of the standoff screws. All in all a nice case, easy and fun for building, but if you're willing to spend more on a case, there are better ones available. Not saying the Pop Air wouldn't be sufficient for like 90+% of PC builders out there. And that little storage box underneath the magnet cover is sooo cute, I love it. Put an unopened CR2032 battery and some cables/adapters in there for easy access.

[@ImranOO7]

Excellent build, a lovely throwback to the old days. I built in a cougar case and been looking at the Fractual pop case for sometime now and I also love the blue colour, I think it stands out especially when you have blue rgb fans on.

[@stuart1101]

Great video review Graham 👍👌I have a white Fractal Design Pop case, the same range as your review model, have fitted some Arctic ARGB fans and love the way it looks. I ponied up for the USC C port ( not that expensive on Amazon). Im into watching blu-rays, so finding a case with such a discreet location for the drive is genius on Fractals part, its hidden until I need it! Building my sister a new PC soon and trying to talk her into getting the pop case! Really enjoy your review videos and build ones too, keep up the excellent work.

[@CthRage8946]

I've bought this case and I have to say it's better than moshify. That is one of the best cases I ever bought for a PC, and the cable management system was the tipping point for me.

[@ms2668]

I have two of these cases and really like them. One has a DVD burner and extra I/O ports hidden behind the bottom cover. Only thing I don't like is having to purchase a separate cable to use Type-C on the top panel...and it isn't a cheap accessory.

[@erickvond6825]

I have the same niggle about USB-C on newer cases. It costs less than a pound to add that feature in bulk like the build those so there's really no good reason not to install one stock. I think you're bang on calling them out on that.

[@AC_Milan1899]

Love Fractal's cases. So much thought goes into them Great customer support too. All the way from Göteborg.

[@DaboInk84]

I come to these videos for “That’s…fine” and I was not disappointed 😂 22:47 . Missed this type of video as it’s how I found the channel in the first place.

[@Adamant_IT]

You have made me aware of how often I say "that's fine." and I dislike this 😂

[@blakecasimir]

How about "that's... Acceptable"? Must have the requisite pause for dramatic effect. 😁

[@JohnDavidSullivan]

"That's fine" is tolerable. My boss says "if that makes sense?" a lot, and he also ends Team chat messages with "Thx", I can't stress how absolutely bloody annoying it is after a while.

[@modelcitizen9279]

Such a good case, I bought 2! Can be a smart office style PC or all RGB gaming rig depending on the model chosen. Meets Gamers Nexus's airflow focus tick box. I even don't mind the lack of USB C, I bought the DLC for my newer gaming rig, but my old B450 mobo doesn't have a USB C header so am glad I didn't have to pay more. Such a flexible case, well done Fractal 👏👏👏

[@gogee8510]

I love Fractal cases of which I have three, but not the Pop. Just bought my latest Fractal which is the Torrent Compact. Still need to do my build in it but it is a lovely case design.

[@Dejan357]

14:51 Seems to me like you could mount a 2.5" drive/RGB controller in the 3.5" caddy, judging by the holes on the caddy in the backgroud. So you could theoretically mount the controller where you say you would want it Graham.

[@downwiththesneaker9933]

I literally just bought this case for my Girlfriend in Magenta still waiting for it to arrive lol so glad I got to see this vid!

[@lectricfence1]

I like this build. Fairly simple and clean. Not a lot of B.S. Thanks Graham. Great review.

[@j.p.h.8126]

Yeah would be nice to have more cases with 5.25'' drive option. I have to use an external Blu-ray drive with my HTPC to view my extensive DVD/Blu-ray collection. I had a Blu-ray player but it dont work with a 4K TV so i had to trow it away. And im not spending money on a new player that would work cause they are too expensive now days.

[@person.X.]

I really like these cases too but agree that the lack of a USB C is a bizarre and irritating oversight by Fractal. What wee they thinking? Out of interest does it matter which way round the radiator is when it is at the front? ie can the coolant pipes be top or bottom?

[@Adamant_IT]

In some instances, hoses up top may allow air bubbles to circulate, resulting in some gurgling noises. I've not encountered this myself - every AIO I've ever fitted has gurgled on initial use and then settled down (like any watercooling system will). In terms of cooling performance, it makes no difference. The only important thing is that the highest point of the radiator is above the pump head itself, otherwise air will gather in the pump, which is bad. I usually mount whichever way is more aesthetic these days.

[@person.X.]

@@Adamant_ITThat makes sense. Thank you for the reply. I suspect I might be overthinking my build 😆 but it is difficult not to with the expense involved.

[@shoffmann70]

I used to take cheap generic brand cases and spray paint different colors inside and out to customize them. Nice to know that PC case manufacturers are starting to catch on.

[@mikeybakaOwO]

Also the XL version does fit 360mm rads, not sure about 420's tho. And each of the case comes with offset brackets for the top of the case, apparently.

[@familhagaudir8561]

Check Gamer Nexus' recent review of Lian Li Lancool 207 Airflow PC case : the Fractal Pop Air is still in the comparaison charts. ( The Lancool 207 performed *much* better GPU 38°C above ambiant, but with much more noise. ) The chart at full stock fan speed has the Fractal Pop Air with quite higher than average GPU temps, but still ''okay'' at 49°C above ambiant ( that would be 70°C in a 21°C room. ). But it also showed 31dBA noise, which is very low. Changing the fans for their ''standart Noctua 3 fans test'' put the Fractal Pop Air GPU temps back with all the other cases, extremely close together 43°C above ambiant. So it's the fans, plus something about your specific setup seems to keep the GPU even warmer and I don't understand why. The stock fans aren't so bad at this price point considering the noise recorded by GN was very quiet if you value that, but definetly keep this in mind if you plan to use a powerful GPU at full load in demanding games, you'll need either better case fans, or pick a different case.

[@weedthepeople2795]

I feel your soapbox moment on USB-C......I know theyre gonna take over all USB ports but its taking forever.....USB has been a standard since the late 90s, no more playing the right side up/right side down game

[@neilbeaumont2820]

just rebuilt my 2 systems into a mini (mATX build) and XL, big build, were great to build in but white made the build easier with my old eyes

[@jsking306]

Very cool build. Great video. Thanks.

[@QuentinStephens]

Great review, Graham.

[@DavidWilliams-ic1nn]

I recently built in a Fractal North and i LOVE it!

[@andy816896]

Haven't even watched it yet but.... YAY PC BUILD

[@vladimirnovakovic3495]

Thanks, man! A strange mix of ancient HDD bays and no front USB C.

[@luckyman1324]

about time you were back bud

[@facelessvaper]

like the blue + upside PSU to show off RGB, does the PSU enclosure holes line up with standard ATX PSU fan though🤔👍Edit: asked & answered; I have the black CX550F RGB😂

[@jorgeruiz7541]

Greetings from CHIAPAS MEXICO Graham, I think this is a good case but in my opinion Montech is going to kill these price range cases. They have more fans, some are pwm as I understand and they come with cheaper prices. I hope you can make a review just like this with some of those cases. I hate when companies that are premium just give you 2 USB A in stead of 4 and no type C, 'cause it uses the same header on the motherboard and if you plug the front I/O then you can't use that USB header for something else. There are plenty of cheap cases (50 dollar range or so) that have even more USB A than the 150 dollar ones. More reviews like this, so in depth, not nonsense or gimmick like the big media or tech channels.

[@mypeeps1965]

The lack of proper rad support above is a deal breaker. I hate mounting rads vertically in the front or on the side of the motherboard. I think the new entry level phanteks cases are more versatile and come with 3 rgb fans in the front for $70. Rad support is excellent.

[@millzee60]

Simple elegance. Love it.

[@user-yz1dl3eu8l]

Got it, waiting for an AMD Desktop APU with RDNA graphic. Bought the €10 USB-c cable...

[@hollowfallapart]

I really like Fractal cases (and use one), but £90 for no front USB-C is a bit of a piss take.

[@johnnybanana8004]

3:47 i would fill it up with pre-build joints😂 i can just grab one and light it up😁

[@sokoloft3]

Type C would be fine with me to be an add on. I got it with my h700 case, but I didn't know it uses a specific header. So its never been plugged up. I could buy an adapter, but it'd look ugly.

[@rootcao1360]

Can I cover the top mesh panel? I don't like to see the top mesh when I walk pass it.

[@imma3knee]

Pause, the Fractal Torrent's prisma rgb fans can daisy chain rgb to each other, meaning you don't in fact need 6 or 7 rgb headers.

[@Adamant_IT]

Yea, but you definitely need 2 headers (running 6+ devices in a single chain is asking for trouble) and the case doesn't have any built-in solution. I suppose you could argue that people don't buy a $150-$200 Torrent to put a low-mid range mobo with only a single ARGB header in it... but yea, most cases still provide some kind of token-gesture built-in solution.

[@SuperNapolitanka]

Missed these videos.

[@NotThatGuyJD]

Turk-wise Graham? You sure about that being a colour😅😂

[@lyricalnatty]

That made me laugh so much..😂

[@CXensation]

Rumours has it that we now can get laptop cases with modular components.

[@Adamant_IT]

Framework is certainly the first brand making a 'modular' laptop that's actually following through. I've seen it many times before, removable parts, but no new parts to slot in there when the next generation rolls around. However, I still think a desktop PC is the best solution unless you _really_ need a portable workhorse.

[@ickeberlin1140]

Hi, the radiator does not always have to be the highest point?

[@Adamant_IT]

As long as the top of the radiator is higher than the pump, you're good.

[@mikeybakaOwO]

They actually do have those Aspect 12/14 fans in pwm but they're sold separately :/

[@64diddydavid]

Is it ok to have inlet and outlet for radiator below the cpu pump?

[@Adamant_IT]

Yes. I did actually swap it over on this build after the video, it looked way better having the hoses at the top. I do either or depending on what works best on each build. As long as the pump is not the highest point of the whole loop, it won't make a difference.

[@PaulLemars01]

Very nice review Graham, but I think you missed a benefit from that basic ARGB controller. If you use it, you don't really have to load the buggy/unsecure/intrusive and generally god awful motherboard software. I have Armory Crate running on my Z690 Prime motherboard and for the privilege of some basic RGB controller my PC is running eleven processes and a buttload of phone-home internet connections. I built my son his machine earlier this year and I used an MSI Pro Z790 and the BIOS was so borked the RGB controller wouldn't load. And of course, they want you to set up an account and log in, ect, ect. Fortunately, I had a box of 'cheap as chips' Up-Here case fans and the accompanying cheapo RGB controller. So, I dumped the stupid motherboard software and just fitted the remote switch to the back of the case. The fans show a nice blue to green wave and he hasn't bothered to change the scheme since I gave it to him. I hate manufacturer software. As to the fan curves I was able to set them in both the respective Asus and the MSI bios. Armory Crate is not long for this world when I do my upcoming update.

[@MrBarrytommy]

Good review 👍

[@markiz8777]

Is there a reason not to mount fans behind the radiator?

[@WillFuI]

I really like this case

[@HuntersMoon78]

Hard drives aren't that noisy, they may be audible if you slap your ear right on the case.

[@Roman00744]

Nice looking case but way too small for me, Corsair 4000D is the smallest I'm willing to go but prefer big cases like the 5000D and the Torrent.

[@zebo-the-fat]

my PC case lives under my desk, I never look at it, RGB seems to be pointless as far as I'm concerned. (I know some people love it, but my PC is a tool not a piece of art, it doesn't need any bling!)

[@MrGorpm]

I'd probably buy the non RGB version and add some proper fans.

[@matthewbryant3531]

The only thing in my life that uses usb type c is my phone andbi never plug it into my pc. I might be rare but I'd rather have type A

[@MartinFransson]

Fans not being PWM, does that mean thar they are always on full speed? What is the noise level like?

[@Adamant_IT]

Non-PWM fans are typically voltage controlled. They can be just as quiet as PWM fans, but the control range is a lot more vague, with a higher minimum speed, instead of the nice linear ramp of PWM.

[@trlababalan1586]

Good looking?!Wow!

[@mqcapps]

Blue ray drive on the bottom? To get stepped on.

[@GregM]

Personally when I build systems its to a budget and RGB has no point in those builds and owners have no desire. Keeps the cost down and less cabling to manage

[@christaylorakaskunk]

Nice case

[@francescoferrante1822]

What’s the motherboard?

[@LKattest]

You DO want some swimmimg fish in there

[@saintuk70]

I need to be careful, a case review from a few years ago, the XPG, lead me to buying it. Will hold onto my wallet.

[@JimKJ3N]

My AM5 build is in the orange flavor of this case, along with the ASRock B650 LiveMixer. Video on my channel.

[@michaelcalverley7432]

how long did it take the pro gamer

[@markiz8777]

Is there a Hard Drive Activity Light

[@Adamant_IT]

No. And since the power LED is RGB, you can't use that either. Not sure if the non-RGB edition has a 'normal' power LED that could be used for HDD activity though...

[@LBenn302]

I’m building my first custom PC in this case. I can’t for the life of me figure out why my case fans aren’t spinning on first post. It’s driving me nuts. I can get the rgb to light up in the case but the fans don’t spit

[@Adamant_IT]

Assuming they're plugged into the motherboard, the fan curve in the BIOS may be set too low at cold temperatures, so the fans don't get enough power to spin up until the fan-curve gets to a certain point. Increase the bottom of the fan curve to a higher value to make sure they start from cold.

[@LBenn302]

@@Adamant_IT I ended up figuring it out. They weren’t plugged in properly. Have been having a problem with my CPU though it runs at 60 degrees on a cold start. Gonna apply a different thermal paste and reseat the cooler tonight. It gets up to 80 degrees while gaming so it’s not crazy high but I’m just worried.

[@MorbidCrow666]

The solution to what you said at the start of the video would of been to build the pc wrongly and then you'd have to fix it.... sorted😀

[@samjones1954]

I have found a free cardboard box works well. Easy to add items and of course, with no CD or Floppy's, external slots. Why do you need to see the box. Reminds me of my Prof, who build Amps for Harmon Cardin. He had the top of the line Amp and installed it in a wooden Coke case. As a vintage computer tech, I find it hilarious that people care about how the tower looks. Massive overkill with no practical gain. Maybe they can ad full colour LED's to my vice grips.

[@nortyone1526]

How do you Daisy chain

[@chrisverhulst5476]

I like to see more off this. A lets build computers, lets fix computers is also a plus to my watch list. Like to here you waffeling, I dont anderstand everything, because i speak duch.

[@JUSTTHISWAY-vg7xc]

Nice bro

[@juliisonxd1577]

Good built but the AIO is wrong, the pump has to be the lowest point

[@Adamant_IT]

As long as it's not the highest point, it's fine. Top of the rad is higher in vast majority of cases.

[@FlavioCasimiro.dancer1983]

I want a new computer. Someone in Portugal wants to give me one? 😂

[@shephusted2714]

the before times - at least storage prices have dropped through the basement now, prices on am5 are dropping and they are so fast it is tempting to migrate to that platform vs refurb builds, gpu are in ai price inflation hell and pc biz is in a depression - things will change - pls do some open source ai content - you know you want to!

[@Innovation78]

I want to learn with you

[@brianbrora]

I'll stick with my Define 7...

[@sbrewski27]

Nice

[@ravneiv]

USB-C being an addon is a deal breaker for me. Fractal is becoming like ASUS believing they're more premium than they really are and can charge extra for basic shit that should be included anyway. I'll be steering clear of Fractal for a while until they calm down.

[@micflynn1]

They saved $0.05 by not putting type C on top....

[@kazi1]

Hi

[@the_holy_forestfairy]

The AIO is installed incorrectly!! Always hose over the Pump! Otherwise it draws too much air and will break!!! JayzTwoCents -> kzbin.info/www/bejne/enzacmqvnLl9pJI GamersNexus -> kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJOqoKCsZp5oqc0

[@andrewtwinam8528]

How can you not configure a case that won't allow a 360mm rad... its 2023, the new CPU's needs to have the cooling that big rads provide. The mind boggles why Fractal went with this config.

[@DumahBrazorf]

Angry Graham is scaaaary.