Fractal Design Define R6 Case Review & Build

[@mjc0961]

It's not wasted space, 5.25" drive bays are useful for more than just optical drives. And they need to come back on more cases.

[@ThrakazogZ]

The thumb screws on the panel are not captive because they are not needed (they are optional for extra side panel security). They can be installed for shipping, or if you plan to play catch with the case, but otherwise the side panels securely snap into place. I think it's one of the "pro's" of the case that the glass panel and back side panel can be removed and replaced without having to mess with thumb screws. Airflow became a "big deal" the past couple of years because case companies stopped making cases that actually had it, instead opting to focus on pretty lights and windows that showed off the pretty lights. Case colors are a personal choice. I'm glad they offer choices of color combos so that people may choose what they like. Thank you for the initial case review. I look forward to seeing your build in this case, as I plan to use it for my new build this year, as well.

[@MrDschaen]

Define R6 + Meshify C front cover + modular basement cover =

[@madsrisager705]

1:37 or just get the "Blackout" version instead of "Black". Friendly reminder.

[@GregSalazar]

White slot covers belong in the white case, which they have.

[@Eguarded]

This is like the third time he make review based in his wrong opinions!!!

[@Eguarded]

R6 Black out Edition!!!

[@youridv]

Science Studio But i mean they make a Black with white accents model (the one i like best and the one you have) and they make a black out model. So both opinions are satisfied

[@WolfsFriend42]

Other reviewers did say and show that the right side panel could be moved to the back. Other reviewers also both talked about and showed the optional front I/O with a USB C.

[@hunterlong1820]

Desmond Bradley and the non captive thing screws he mentioned are optional and for moving:shipping. They wouldn’t be very optional if they were captive haha

[@Kukotus]

There is a blackout version of the r6 that has black fans and pci covers

[@GregSalazar]

It's should be standard, not an option. White slot covers should only be in white cases.

[@nielsbaumann6485]

Science Studio I think it looks nice like that, especially in Black and White builds. It's nice to have both Options though. The bigger problem in my opinion is the Black front on the white r6.

[@bananenweizenD]

i don't think it should be. This has been Fractals Color scheme for years! I mean the blackout doesn't even cost more, so if one wants the black one go for it, if one wants the default fractal scheme take it. Also black and white IS a great color scheme as you already know! So if you are going for black and white this is really great as it already has the accents!

[@Mavitros]

No! I like the white slot covers. If you want black go buy the "Blackout" model

[@GregSalazar]

No. I like black slot covers. If you want white, they should be in the "white" model.

[@Mavitros]

Can you tell me what thickness of rad you're using in the top of the case? I might be looking at doing a 420mm rad in the ceiling of mine. It's already on pre-order right now. It's either that or I use this 60mm thick 360mm rad on the front.

[@officialreek]

Science Studio Getting enough sleep there, bud?

[@Mavitros]

cee128d Exactly. I have white accents on my Aorus Gaming 7 and I love it.

[@smartroadbiker]

The ask them for the blackout case ;)

[@Venom_Byte]

Bought this case for my new i5 8400/GTX 1060 6GB rig. One of the best cases you can buy right now for the price, i have to say.

[@GregSalazar]

- Made the mistake apparently a few others did regarding 3.5" drive mounts. You can throw two up vertically against the right side of the modular panel, meaning you can still stash full-sized rads and fans up front! Clever design if ya ask me. ADD: White slot covers belong in the white case, which they have. ;-)

[@basserfelt]

shit happens ;)

[@gabrielstein1779]

You also forgot about the other color options like the black out that has only black stuff no white accents

[@J3rr7-3.14]

Science Studio you know there is a “BLACKED OUT” version on this case.

[@sanderm8955]

You know the blackout and gunmetal have black fans and pcie covers?

[@MatrixJockey]

What is that cool lamp on your desk?

[@Ja_ck00]

The black and white colour scheme is the best. Never give it up fractal.

[@davidminor1254]

I have my Define R5 in an alcove beneath my desk and the temps are really good. The front side grills stick out to let airflow in and my fractal fans are placed as you said to let the air flow in. Cpu temp ranges around 27-34 degrees celsius. But I do have 2 of the 3 moduvents removed

[@DigitallyReArranged]

I just got this case and your review brought up few points I didn’t see in other vids and thanks for that! Gives me ideas and confidence to build my first PC!

[@shanetempe90]

I think Fractal are certainly one of the best manufacturers for not only build quality but also for a genuinely well thought out case that offers a good build experience. Other manufactures such as Zalman, EVGA and even Corsair on a few cases have added some very silly features just to bump up cost or to appeal to the extreme gamer feel but Fractal do the stuff that we need...and then improve upon those features giving us better cases every year. My current case is the Fractal Design Define Mini C and I'm super happy with my choice. To the point where the next mATX case that Fractal releases I will likely buy (Aslong as they stick to their current pattern on improving the necessities every year and do not add silly features all over the place).

[@alexr.5659]

shanetemple90 Why don’t you get the Phanteks Enthoo Evolv mATX Tempered Glass Edition? It’s a pretty nice case and accommodates custom watercooling fine, I think you’ll like it :^)

[@juicyjayce4352]

It has the worst airflow though

[@shanetempe90]

I have no reason to change cases. Although the Phanteks case is beautiful there are just things about the Define Mini C that impressed me from reviews and provoked me to pull the trigger on purchase. Still happy with it right now and I have no reason to change just yet. One major problem I can see from just images about the Phanteks case is that the front airflow is definitely choked due to that front panel :( Its a shame to ruin a great case with such poor intake ability.

[@Dracossaint]

I like you touched upon the back wall pannel, thank you someone mentioned it, also imagine some 3d printed figures and make a sheet of plexiglass to mount their. Add some double sided foam tape on the back, some paint and ya got a banging customization on your hand that won't impede on it's silence.

[@Enju23]

Once they release the Define R6 to the public, I'm definitely buying one, by then I should have my RMA'd graphics card back, and I'd be making a soft tubed water cooling loop inside it as well, I was planning on putting the 360mm rad on front, so I'm glad to hear it's possible, and for my loop it was going to have the ports up top anyways, so I'm happy to hear it works, I would've put it up top, but I want to utilize that optical drive bay as well, and finally make use of my dvd drive I've had sitting around beecause my cases couldn't use it without taking a side off and making it look odd just sitting there

[@KamalAikal]

That thumbnail deserves a like on its own

[@cl4ster17]

Use the top radiator as intake as well. Gives much better temperatures since both rads get cool fresh air to work with. Maybe remove all the IO-covers to make the back less restrictive.

[@entropydynamic4624]

I love videos like this, won’t be getting anything like it soon, but it’s nice to watch a pro Build it. Thanks for the video!

[@theundeadone]

I completed a build in the meshify-c about a month ago. It was a lot smaller than I had expected (coming from the Rosewill R5) and a little more difficult to work in, but it's a nice case and I'm happy with the build. The R6 looks nice and seems like a great option for liquid cooling. Awesome video, brotha! Always great information here.

[@LuisC7]

The define r6 has many color options like the blackout edition wich you would like more since its all black no white

[@ms687098]

I am not sure if you have found this out but you can fully remove all the hardware for the 5.25 drive area. I did this and have had no problems fitting a 360 rad in both the front and top of the R6

[@haggsy6420]

while having a 360 rad on the top or the front, can an optical drive still be placed in the 5.25inch bay?

[@DerJoshbert]

Thanks for pointing out, that this front cage is modular. Other KZbinr really didn't mention that and I thought this is fix.

[@A-I-R-W-A-L-K]

Good review man. You took your time. A lot of reviewers kind of race through and forget to mention small helpful things.

[@Etheoma]

The complains with other cases was that they could not breath at all and considering the Fractal Design R series is a silence series, you expect to take some trades, also it was tested by someone else and the difference in temp was only 3C between having the door open and closed.

[@Hurlamania]

Do you have a video where you replace the front panel with the USB type-c panel? What would be the pros to doing that my motherboard has the connector for it but it also has a type c on the back as well

[@Garth2011]

Very nice all a round case. Few cases can claim that status.

[@ArtifactSkyline]

Where have you heard people complain about the front intake of the R6. I have seen a few reviews that test the front panel open vs closed, and well there is a couple of degree difference it isn't starved for airflow. Also, I don't know if you have seen it or not but Fractal does offer a front panel I/O upgrade that includes usb type-c.

[@gtpc5802]

Wow fractal design is like killing it

[@andrewterry8661]

I just built a PC into this case. I removed the front though to just have a super clean glass side to look at.

[@spencercarruth9706]

USB 3.1 Gen2 Type C is an addon that Fractal Design sells as well for the people that want it. Can't wait for your custom loop in this case!

[@ryansherman3743]

there are no captive thumb screws on the front and back panel because they are not needed. the panels are held in place by clips

[@darksidesinners702]

I live in Vegas and I was trying to get passes for cars this year but I have to work my day job to pay bills. Hope to see any of the you tubers walking around the strip

[@GameOverAus]

Got a TG/Black-White one on order, just arrived in store today. Waiting like a kid on xmas morning :)

[@zunrize]

I want to buy this case so bad in white, but theyre not available anywhere, only black or black-out... had planned to mod it with brushed silver-aluminium foil over the black door (with a chrome fractal snowflake on it), the on-spooken logo on the shroud with a huge fractal snowflake, a cover for that front hole (maybe a stand for some figure, rgb stuff or so), and some more stuff like painting the slots white or silver and do smt with that front cover....

[@cagin5]

Got an Antec P180B, thinking if getting a new case, this R6 seems a good candidate. Sound dampening/silence/smooth hum is a must.

[@HealthyCriticism]

im digging that 5.25 tray for my fan controller. this is my next case

[@EvanDickersonM81]

Just an FYI about the white PCI slot covers and fan blades, there's a blackout version where the whole case is black.

[@damonroger3184]

Define C TG is my favorite case as well, using it right now for my i5 8600k build and it's soooo nice.

[@gregcampbell1729]

Where did you get the purple, white, and carbon cables?

[@gecko2000405]

What case do you recommend for someone that wants to install many mechanical hard drives? It seems most new cases are more focused on water cooling.

[@nicholasreif3443]

Thank you so much! I was trying to find more watercool builds in this case You could probably do a 280mm front.. Also I like white PCIE brackets.

[@allisterw9]

will a tube res fit ... most likly the singularity computers one ?

[@Reivbv]

Build looks awesome

[@omfgihopethisworks]

I'm planning to get one, what do you guys reckon....blackout or gunmetal?

[@rcradiator]

They sell a blackout define r5 that comes with black fans and pcie slot covers.

[@ryanvandoren1519]

Good review greg! I think a few tech tubers mentioned the movable panel, but they didnt give an example. Great video as always.

[@ryanvandoren1519]

Nathaniel Clements shit. My memory evades me..

[@teethusdabeezzusiii]

Hey Greg, is it possible to run a pc using 2 500w 80 plus bronze power supplies? I know cases don’t support 2 power supplies, but I was just curious.

[@dmann3042000]

So Greg, why are alot of cases, the last few years disigned for water cooling with the Rad design in front where 5.12 bays used to be? It seems designers think everyone is gonna put a radiator in their case, but for those using CD or Blu Ray, their is no options.

[@GregSalazar]

Well that's exactly what the R6 seeks to change, offering a modular design to please both parties.

[@stevenkingston6977]

You can move the panel and still keep your Blu ray bay and fit a 240 Rad and push, pull fans underneath, this case is super flexible.

[@lefler9048]

I’m not really sure where the comment about the airflow from the front panel being insufficient comes from. Fractal actually did a good job in that they’ve placed the vents forward of the filter and fans and it allows very good airflow compared to other cases.

[@Yaavie]

There is a blackout version if you do not want any white parts with the black case.

[@Hurlamania]

A couple things I'd like to add I've purchased the white R6 have not done anything with it yet still getting components things are very expensive from the last time I built a computer. First I'd like to say it would be really awesome to buy a black R6 not the blackout but the black one and mix and match black and white Parts between them I think that would be really cool. Also have you found any solution to cover the basement slot I really want to move mine to the other side which I'm sure I will regardless but I would like to cover that basement hole I'm going with air cooled currently in the future I'm a water cool but that is afar probability at this point but that would be nice to have something there to cover it and also in the Future to put your pump on or some type of lighting fixture to put in there would be nice if fractal would release the official cover since apparently there's a lip and slots for a non existent cover. One of the things I was thinking about the basement cover side panel that doesn't have any fractal design logo or name on it it would be very cool to get some type of sticker to put on there with say like the name of your computer or something if you could get it made to that specific with and font so you could fill that space. I basically have most items for mine I need my memory video card and possibly some more storage

[@Labolas2Glasya]

do you think it would fit 2 EKWB PE 360 rads? i want to rebuild my system in this case but i want those two to fit in...

[@warpcore8406]

"White slot covers belong in the white case, which they have." They do a `Blackout` version with no white accents. If that's what you want, that's what you should buy. It's not an optional add-on, you don't have to pay more for it, at least not where I am. I also don't know what reviews you watched where they didn't mention the fact that the `drive wall` can move but that was included in every other one I've seen.

[@TheStigE36]

I like this channel but it feels like you didn’t review the case materials that well for some of the features. There is room to mount two 3.5” drives on the back of the movable tray in a vertical orientation and the side panels don’t have captive hardware, so that it makes case access simple since the panels clip into place on their own. The screws for the side panel would be for shipping or moving the system.

[@johnleonard3951]

I will have that case for my first water cooled build

[@odredgie2647]

Another good video! Thinking about buying this, just going to do a simple build in it with a 240 aio, do you think this case is worth the price tag?

[@xOWSLA]

Does it support 420mm aio?

[@alexhoupt4823]

How realistic would it be to put a dual radiator setup in this case?

[@MrOsmodeus]

a bit late but it'll fit a 140 in back 280 in basement, 420 in roof and 360 in front..so duals would be underachieving

[@NomadicDuck]

Just bought the Meshify C case to build my first PC too.....

[@micahpowers2614]

When does the case even come out? Or is it out already and I can’t just find it anywhere? Lol

[@Cereal87Killer]

Blackout version is on sale today on NewEgg for $109 with free shipping. great deal

[@Piquliar]

That build is sweet AF! I have no patience for that level or organization lol. BTW I have a question, I got an old AMD FirePro W8000 from a friend of mine and I can't test it at the moment. I was wondering if it's any good at 1080P gaming.

[@Hurlamania]

Remove the case panel from the front to the back and it's a nightmare it doesn't fit a hundred percent correctly I can see on yours that it's a little bit similar I don't know if you had any better luck perhaps you could make a video where are you move that on the R6

[@officialreek]

Built a PC in a define R5 couple months ago. I don't even care. I had to buy this yesterday. It's too good looking

[@Jedex96]

The front I/O panel should be modular, there are 3 variants and one of those has USB 3.1 Type C.

[@hxhgonkill]

I wish they would have had this in a mini itx form factor.

[@jackMJ26]

You can buy it in blackout, which has black everything

[@jimmyrogers918]

Your video showed me a disappointment I would have with this case. I have the Define r5 and love the power button.

[@peterjansen4826]

Cool, Fractal is the big competitor of BeQuiet. ;)

[@sceancrottynesi1638]

The rest of the bottom shroud cover is reserved to the R8 model. PS did u catch it? Lol

[@frimanboi]

Pretty much all other reviewers mentions the vanityplate being able to move back for an open air design.

[@Knives7777]

one the note of a lack of airflow... this case is more for people who care about noise and/or audiophiles having good airflow in a silent case is defeating the purpose of having a silent case

[@Phunky1366]

I do need an optical drive bay the design define C doesn't have one bt Im not mad at my purchase of the define C

[@CalaisRider]

Damned, I was impressed with this case and your presentation, until I saw the front panel USB setup. It is archaic!!! These new development cases should have 3 x USB 3.1 gen 2 type A and also a Type C on the front panel... Data transfer and storage is critical. This is just another potential case I thought was good and might buy, but the 2.0 USB front pane and 3.0 - you've got to be kidding me...

[@allieboy181]

Those fan hub wires are gonna melt just laying on the back of the motherboard. They should have placed the fan hub somewhere else because that's a pretty bad spot

[@sammiesy]

Very nice case ... but here in my place the price around 8k to expensive for my pocket :(

[@MauroTamm]

HDD 3.5" bays in 2018. This is not a budget case so i doubt you can't afford 2-3 500gb+ SSD-s and have more than enough storage. Why do you need a large number of HDD-s anymore? For video/data storage build a quiet small media server.

[@samirajantie5070]

I like optical drive space. That is one reason To my buy this case. I use air coolers by Noctua.

[@ExalyThor]

Titan V SLI?

[@ironzingotz]

*CES 2018 HYPE*

[@squatch545]

I see an ODD opening, but is there no ODD cage?

[@jrrambo2097]

There is a blackout version of R6

[@GregSalazar]

Black slot covers should be standard. They have a white model. Put the white covers in there.

[@techfan2647]

On the black out model they are black

[@paradox4691]

your voice sounds different, did you use a different mic?

[@schhwarzenegger]

wait guys.... is there a blacked out version of this case??

[@thedappergapple1616]

Fractal design define s 2.0 would be awesome

[@supernick2072]

You can remove the 3.5 bay

[@ags911]

Mistake. The fan controller is behind the door not on the front IO at least on the R5 it is.

[@animalyze7120]

Lol the 5 /14 does not prevent a properly installed 360 rad. It was designed to allow the ports to be at the top not the bottom not that you'd ever really want your Rad to be in the Front of the case anyways. Front is best used for intake fans and intake fans plus a rad really makes the rad a secondary filter thus causing the water to heat faster and stay hotter longer. Rads should always be exhaust fans and on the top of the case...heat rises and exhausting thru the rad prevents dust from being crammed into the fins. However if you insist on a front rad with bottom ports then just use a 280.....not like your installing a Threadripper anyways...360 is overkill for Krappylake or Coffee can anyways. Front door can be removed on this case and realistically it should be. The front filter will be more than sufficient and you'll have better airflow, why they put doors and covers over the front I'll never understand it's the best place to grab that cooler air and should never be restricted by doors and Radiators. This case however totally rocks and fractal does offer the updated front IO with a type c 3.1 port but at a 30 dollar extra charge. Why they make 2 is beyond me and in my opinioon should come with 3.1 standard for the 150$ price tag.

[@Cooe.]

It's a great case, don't get me wrong, but I'll just say what everyone is probably thinking... (or at least I most definitely am) That the Define R5 >>>>> R6. Ditching the ModuVent system seriously limits build flexibility (even if it does solve it's inherent "one-size-fits-all" dust filter being impossible problem, but I'd argue so does ordering a ModuVent specific filter from DEMCiflex for ≈$20 in whatever size you happen need [aka 1x, 2x, or 3x sections; I'm using the 2x and it looks & works great]. Though ya, that does add an additional outlay to the total cost), and switching from a totally open inside with no PSU shroud/compartment and all but the PCIe covers on the rear wall covered in FD's famous universal, totally modular mounting system; to a segmented inside that does use one, also restricts it's modularity for an all together a potentially better/cleaner looking (depending on opinion ofc) & slightly simpler case, but one that's IMO, a whole bunch less modular/flexible. Personally Fractal Design's best in class universal mounting system & unchallenged flexibility & modularity are the primary reasons they've become my #1 go-to. And it's for those reasons I can't help look at the R6 and think that overall it's "one step forward, two steps back", when each Define R revision before this had imo, been a game changer.

[@DIYTech21]

My plant in thumbnail

[@DIYTech21]

again

[@J3rr7-3.14]

You know There is a Blacked out version with black fan and black pci covers.

[@ranj6258]

u forgot to mention tha you can buy a front IO with a USB type c port too

[@yasuh4550]

Good video I watched it

[@BarabbasTube]

"Sweet gold chain pulled out of our hoodie" - no one

[@Denois95]

They already have a blackout model with black fan blades and PCI covers dickweed.

[@DeltaDesigns]

9:53 .....Im disappointed you didnt put T H I C C

[@kira_15_R3D]

50 views, 50 likes, that's pretty sweet

[@GregSalazar]

YT's view counter stalls.

[@xeagleandhawkx]

thanks for the super comprehensive review! also, you ok? you seem a bit sad in the intro

[@gokureturns67gokureturns67]

What's with the mic, man?

[@TheHighborn]

on the white stuff... dude there's a blackout edition.....