Fractal Design Releases the new Define 7!

[@JohnTheMutt]

This is indeed the most thorough review of this case I've seen so far! Very complete and I love how you covered both the ODD and the hard drive storage options which is something I really needed to know about. I wish all case reviews were this good! :D

[@JazzJackRabbit4Life]

Hands down best and most thorough review for Fractal 7. Thanks for taking time to make it!

[@overclockersclub]

Thanks! I try to make sure I cover all the details!

[@chrlmlln9018]

Dear, sir, a very big and warm THANK to you, for this more than excellent and absolutely outstanding review of the new Fractal Design Define 7, that I have just ordered from my computer retail shop in Stockholm! I am very impressed by your almost teacher-like way to instruct and show the essentials of this remarkable case! You truly made me happy by being most helpful to me to have this thorough in detail review for us here on your channel! Now you got me also as a new subscriber and thumbs us for you, sir! Wishing you every blessing and may you have a wonderful time coming! All the best wishes from Sweden!

[@overclockersclub]

You are certainly welcome! I try to show a deeper side technically for those who are building for the first time. I try to answer the questions I had when I built my first system.

[@Kenneth86666]

Best review i have seen of the Fractal Define 7 - Here i actually learned something. THANK YOU.

[@phillipaden3617]

I dont mean to be so off topic but does someone know of a trick to log back into an Instagram account?? I somehow forgot the password. I would appreciate any tricks you can give me.

[@caseyreid3287]

@Phillip Aden Instablaster ;)

[@phillipaden3617]

@Casey Reid I really appreciate your reply. I found the site thru google and I'm in the hacking process atm. Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@phillipaden3617]

@Casey Reid It worked and I actually got access to my account again. Im so happy! Thanks so much, you saved my account!

[@caseyreid3287]

@Phillip Aden no problem xD

[@area51xi]

This might be the most comprehensive define walkthrough on the internet.

[@gxdjoeybaby07]

thanks for the most informative review of this case i've found on YT...in 2023, this case looks even better, imho

[@mopnem]

Now, this is what I call a review. Well done here

[@quickelephant]

I'm about to assemble a system for my grandson and just by chance bought this case. My initial impression, when it arrived, was how heavy the box was. This thing is a tank. Your explaination of the case's features went a huge way in helping me understand where to put stuff. Super presentation. Thank you.

[@Imadrummin]

Just finished building my computer with the Fractal Define 7 Mid-Tower case. You were spot on. Very helpful showing the disassembly and what to look for. Thank you!!

[@austin31bennett]

Thank you for making this video! I too love cases with an optical drive bay as I collect old rap CD's. I was so happy you chose to show off a triple fan cpu cooler in this case as I was worried it wouldn't be able to fit if I ordered one.

[@UnknownPerson-pp6yv]

Nah the XL version is the one to get for 360 Rad and Blu-ray drive

[@dondolarson5134]

A very detailed review. Enjoyed it a lot. Thank you.

[@markthompson8397]

Excellent review, very thorough. I like how you used the thermal camera, very impressive work all round! Will definitely be be keeping an eye out for future reviews :)

[@eddieconroy2837]

Chris...thank you for the brilliant review video of this case. Your video was the reason for using the case in my build....and it proved invaluable during the installation of the components. Many thanks and keep up the great work.

[@overclockersclub]

Thanks! And it is certainly a great case!

[@Kr0n0sHQ]

Thank you, one of the best review of Define 7. I found everything I need to know watching your video, expecially the storage part as I'm interested in

[@TomislavIvanFlis]

Thank you for a great review! I like the style of presentation!

[@overclockersclub]

Our pleasure!

[@Davethreshold]

THANK YOU for the best demo of this case that I have seen. I'm doing a Raptor 900K in mine but I'm probably the only one in the U.S. that has that along with an optical drive. Coupled with the USB Gen-3 20MBS on top, that narrowed all of the cases to about three. LOL! ❤

[@lawrenceng2271]

Very nice. You are very detail and methodical.

[@merlingt1]

Thank you, great review. Just got this case.

[@seastnanseastnan7765]

My DEFINE 7xl arrived today so watching your video in order to get some practical tips prior to starting the actual build this evening. Doing an ASUS Z790 HERO with I9 CPU and 128Gb of RAM.

[@bubbly754]

That's a comprehensive excellent review. Thanks!

[@Angelo_Paduraru]

Very nice video! I’m waiting for exactly same case and this video is gold!!!

[@vaboman]

Excellent review. I'm subscribing to your channel with pleasure. And yes, you convinced me to buy this case. Thanks!

[@randydoyle6914]

Extremely detailed review. Thank you!

[@jose45615]

I absolutely scored this month and got the grey one with the lightly tinted panel for $100.

[@johnpatterson3978]

Yep, me too.

[@maxheadroom6833]

Brilliant video, very informative, and useful. Learned a lot from it, thank you!

[@halistinejenkins5289]

will the 360mm aio fit in the top with the HD expansion panel on the left side of the case? if so, does it have to be mounted to the center track or the far left track on the top?

[@IM2FAST4UGUYS]

Excellent review! - I have the same case but I'm putting a new system in and going to include water cooling, so this review was particularly of interest. Thank you!

[@NYCamper62]

Good review Chris. I'm probably going with either the tuxedo version you show in this video or the all white. One thing I'd like to mention is if you don't use the optional gpu adaptor you can remove the ssd mounts from the back and mount them inside the define 7, I mean if you wanted to show them off. Cheers!

[@Golf05]

I apologize in advance if you stated this already but I believe the door hinges can be moved onto the opposite side to allow easier access depending on case location. I didn't have that with a similar previous case and it was annoying to deal with.

[@overclockersclub]

@44:50 I mention that the hinges can be swapped. I forgot about that when I was shooting the video and then remembered later and included it at the last minute. But still a good eye you have there!

[@MrSteveESQ]

Very thorough & great detail.

[@voodooutt]

very comprehensive review, thank you very much!

[@voodooutt]

I have to ask @ 21:55 you're sliding the drive cage around on the bottom of the case. If you were to purchase 2 extra accessory "Hard Drive Cage Kit - Type B" from Fractal's website, would all three fit down there, for a maximum compliment of six (6) 3.5" hard drives on the bottom?

[@bosskake702]

I know this is a bit late, but I wouldn't recommend more than 1 drive cage at the bottom. There is very limited space after the PSU and the drive cage are installed. The limited space will generally be used from loose cables.

[@donwest1869]

Ordered this case for new i7 build; I am not a gamer; going to build for photo editing. Case looks great; Fractal confirmed that power LED can be wired to mobo hdd activity pins, so it will show that, a feature I like. I will install an optical drive, and fans galore.

[@paulomartel9618]

What a fantastic review - clear, detailed and full of information. Thank you!! (I'm definitely getting this case)

[@thelespauldude3283]

I got the onder Version, the Define R6. Its the best case i ever had, well made and very solid, very modular and easy to build in. Got two 140mm Fans in the Front, 1 in the back and a 360mm rad on top for a custom watercooling. I even made use of the fillport so its very easy to fill it up

[@johnwalsh2724]

This was really helpful!!!! Thanks a lot. Great job!!!!

[@sealancer8117]

Good presentation, a very good 360 view of case. View of the of case with radiator at top & side is very helpful. Please list the components used in build as well in description.

[@Dadaph]

Found this video now because I just got this case for my build. I'm pretty new to building and got this because it's one of the very few I could find that still has an optical drive, and it looks very roomy and simple to build in. A little worried about the front cooling, and still debating with myself if I want radiator on front or top, but also got a few noctua fans to put in, so hopefully I'll be able to make it nice and cool. Worst case I'll remove the door, but I hope it won't have to come to that because I love the rest of this.

[@ackman3981]

Are there places on the optical drive bracket on both sides to secure the drive? Or just the one side? If there are on both sides, are you able to put the drive on the bracket, then slide it in. Then screw the bracket to the case. Then put on the front? I know that it might take some fiddling to get it just right/flush with the case. I can see that being more secure than just one screw holding in the drive.

[@fredhamilton1701]

You probably don't need an answer anymore, but for anyone interested, yes there is one screw on each side, and yes I think you could mount the bracket to the optical drive then slide it in as a single assembly (but as you point out, alignment would be an issue). It's not hard to get the screws in on each side after the drive is aligned with the case, so that's probably the better way to install it.

[@ackman3981]

@@fredhamilton1701 - I found out that you can screw it in on both sides. But you have to take the frame apart some to do it.

[@animry]

Excellent review thank you.

[@ackman3981]

How close together are the bottom feet? Debating where to put mine if I get this case for my new pc.

[@JesusRodriguez-pf1gq]

Can you still fit a radiator with optical drive installed? Either top or front mounted. If so what’s maximum size?

[@overclockersclub]

Page 9 of the user manual shows a Top Radiator: 240 x 120 mm and Front Radiator: 280 x 140 mm when an optical drive is in use.

[@bottomtext5872]

There's magnets on both sides because the door is designed to be able to swap sides

[@cachorroloco4143]

what a review, thank you so much, sir.

[@ackman3981]

This case does not have a hard drive activity light. But just how often do people actually look at one?

[@williamdavidwallace3904]

I have a Define 7 for my new gaming build. Good case from what I have seen so far. Case availability in a timely manner is restricted in Canada by what gets imported by dealers. Importing privately adds up to 80% to the cost. I would have liked to have seen images of the case in different configurations and not just artist renditions. I ended up having to look at reviews to figure out how to set up some of the configurations. A small SSD cage ahead of the cage for 3.5" hard drives (down at the power supply level) would have been nice. I plan to cut a hole for a 200 mm fan in the side panel to increase airflow. Fan noise is not a big issue for me as I game with headphones. Also, some way to mount a top handle would really help.

[@CreativeRamy]

i think the radiator installed at the top is better because you may have better airflow with two extra fans bringing air from the front and exhausted from the rear.I wonder if it would make much difference with another fan at bottom exhausting out if you leave the first plastic cover open.

[@Mckorzi]

Nicely done. My question regarding the option to mount a optical HD is: What happens to the Fan? Are you able to slide both fans in at a lower position or do you have to give up one fan in order to place the HD on top?

[@redviper5.56]

yes you can slide both fans in at a lower position

[@acengland82]

in your opinion, would the Arctic Freezer III 420 AIO be a bit too big for this on the top? It's a very thick radiator and i think it may cover too much of the mother board? what do you think? and would you still get 3x 140mm fans in the front with a 420 AIO?

[@cobragt4001]

Quick question, that side panel that can be used for multiple drives, can it be removed from the right or back side of the case or can it only be removed to the left (the direction of the glass panel)?

[@13massfreeman42]

Great review, could you tell me is it possible to install 420mm radiator on the top, 360 on front and 240 on bottom in the same time?

[@유건희-p8v]

Gordon Freeman 420 on the top --> up to 280mm front available

[@BogusChip]

Amazing video! I really really appreciate it.

[@Casomyro1983]

Is it possible to put a CPU AIO and a GPU AIO at the same time in this Case? and if yes how do I align them?

[@spacecy]

Is the front area of the case restrictive to airflow? I've seen the review of Gamers Nexus and they weren't satisfied with the thermals in stock configuration. What do you think?

[@overclockersclub]

Yeah, when you try to keep the sound down and use filter panels to keep dust out, you can introduce restrictions to air flow through the case. So the trade-off for a quiet case can be less air flow. However, I didn't think it was too bad. I say that because I have many hours of testing on my 4770K, so I (generally) know what to expect with load temps - and I didn't see anything that caught my attention. Keep in mind that my testing involved the Celsius S36 which uses fans with a max speed of 2000 RPMs which is double that of the stock case fans. Temps with the radiator in front (only using the stock rear exhaust fan - the two stock front fans were removed) were about the same as with the radiator in the top and using all 3 stock case fans. There are other factors such as room temp. and how your system is built and used that also play into it. You can always upgrade the stock case fans (higher RPM), or add to the fan count to get more air flow.

[@spacecy]

@@overclockersclub Thanks for your answer.

[@spacecy]

@@overclockersclub If i get this case i will also use an optical drive but i was wondering how will it stay in place since there is nowhere (at least from what i've seen) to screw the back side of the optical drive on the case chasis (where the the cables plug). Won't it "bend" on that side downwards?

[@overclockersclub]

@@spacecy The mounting bracket at the top (for the optical drive) has provisions for mounting screws to secure the drive on the sides. You'll be fine.

[@overclockersclub]

@@spacecy I go over the optical drive installation @19:53

[@H0r4c3]

Great review! Thanks!

[@andrese564]

do you know if a kraken x63 can fit on top with corsair vengance Z ram?

[@HarvinderSingh-yy8th]

Very detailed to the point review.

[@kornelius9628]

Great review. Many details.

[@Nomadx83]

Best review I saw for this one ! How big the radiateur can be on the top or front to allow an optical reader ?

[@lee__1707]

Would a 320mm graphics card fit with the hard drives mounted in the front??

[@kobaltstaub287]

How about ram clearance with the rad on top, some ram sticks with RGB lights stick pretty far out which leaves very little space from the top down for the radiator with fan

[@area51xi]

As shipped, how many 3.5 and 2.5 drives can I put in here. I just got this for a home NAS/server build. I got 6 3.5 SATAs and 1 2.5 SSD. Hoping it will all fit without needing to buy any extra trays.

[@diego-lima]

What a great review. I have mine with 9 fans. Thinking of adding one of the plastic plates at the bottom but that would cover one fan. Not sure would impact airflow much.

[@PauZakArtist]

missing control panel cables.... ugh! confusing to figure out

[@72Yonatan]

Chris: Well done, but is the front door made of brushed aluminium or plastic that looks like metal? I want to buy this case after hearing your review but would like to know what material is it made from.

[@overclockersclub]

I just happen to be sitting in front of the case. It is an aluminum overlay. So the frame of the door is plastic but the outer skin is aluminum.

[@72Yonatan]

@@overclockersclub - Thanks for the explanation, Chris. I have ordered the black case for my build.

[@isalfaisal_5b148]

Hi, nice review. This is the most detailed Define 7 review I've seen in KZbin as I'm thinking to buy one. One question sir, can you mount 360 rad with push/pull configuration on top? thank you so much!!!

[@overclockersclub]

A 360 MM radiator will fit however you will only be able to use one set of fans. It has been my experience that the benefits of an extra set of fans in a push poll configuration is minimal. Don’t let that stop you.

[@isalfaisal_5b148]

@@overclockersclub i see. thanks again for your explanation

[@samkurd6482]

If they had a made a case size between this and the compact, it would be perfect

[@UnknownEAFCPlayer]

What a detailed review, thanks! Define series is the best of the best for me. I currently have a Define R5. I tried to ditch it for an aRGB mATX case last week. My GPU temps went up by 12 degrees and it was so loud that my desk was slightly vibrating. I had budget only for an €80 RGB(!) case, but this one from Fractal Design completely changed my mind. I'm getting Define 7! I wish they kept the chrome look feet though.

[@1972CB350]

Wouldn't it have been more efficient with the front radiator placement to have the fans "push" cold air from outside the case through the radiator? Or, was there any reason with the case design you had this initially set with the fans on the back of the radiator to "pull" the air through radiator? Excellent review, btw!!

[@kentwood2914]

Quick question...but first...AWESOME video! Terrific coverage of many commonly asked, but seldom covered questions. I'm curious to know your opinion on the three fan radiator in the front blowing, bottom fan blowing hot air into the PSU shroud area increasing PSU and graphics card temps. Thanks

[@cryptoandgaming]

WoW Pro you helped me alot... this guide is rly FA :)

[@EJSmith-dk3yg]

Why the hell would anyone pull the protective film off the case BEFORE it is built? When work is being done on my house there are tarps and protective covers for a reason, and they are removed when and only when the work is done!

[@WilliamTang]

Best video i saw so far , at least show up the detail of can it install dvd rom etc...

[@glenneroo3193]

Nice review! But it's too bad you completely skipped over the longest and hardest part - installing the PSU, I hate the shroud part and I wish you had mentioned another negative (IMHO more important than looks) - you can't easily add peripherals to your PC without having to rip the PSU out and plug power cables in! Been that way for a few versions of the Fractal Design cases now and the one reason why I'm sticking to older versions without the shroud. I guess it's not an issue if you never plan to upgrade/expand your PC. Also maybe I skipped over but did you mention the longest graphics card that will fit when the optional 3.5" drive bay section is installed?

[@martinmdl6879]

Despite great build quality this case does have thermal issues. The CPU temps drop 10 Deg C if you take out the front filter and leave the door open. Other cases are now using a fine mesh front (see Fractal Meshify) that eliminates this problem. The noise is mitigated by fans that run much slower. If Fractal can offer us a new top in the Define 7, why can't they offer us a new mesh front?

[@zachsigno]

I wish they made this with a white exterior, but a black interior. I would definitely replace my NZXT H510 with it.

[@overclockersclub]

Ah, yes I hear you, that would be a nice combination. But there is nothing stopping you from a custom approach - all you need is some masking tape and a can of paint!

[@キーノマサカリ]

お～ッ、カッコいいなぁ～～！！ 5インチベイは二つ欲しいけど、改造が出来るかな？？

[@overclockersclub]

ケースは1つの光学ドライブのみをサポートします

[@Tonyholmsify]

I have top Mounted radiator fans are actually Pulling cool Air inside, that felt More practical is that false

[@mysunnybear]

yea, about that optical drive bay. what you haven't shown is that you can't gain access to the right hand screw without removing the plastic drive bay cover...and you won't be able to put that cover back once the optical drive is on...annoying...

[@fredhamilton1701]

That's what I was thinking too, but once you tighten both screws attaching the bracket to the optical drive, you can remove the two screws holding the bracket to the case, then pull out the drive and put the plastic drive bay cover back on, then slide the optical drive back in.

[@kosys5338]

Wow the cable management will be a nightmare with those ribbon cables that come with that power supply. Thanx but no thanx.

[@overclockersclub]

Yeah cable management is always a pain...

[@baconpancake1]

OOF! my R6 is actually better designed for my use. the cut outs arent as ugly either. I have the entire inside open with a 240 rad in front with a total of 11 fans inside. whisper quiet.

[@CaneSugarHD]

Optical drive in 2020...

[@michaelhollingshead972]

Because that is how you get Blurays onto your network without resorting to piracy...

[@DrPacman]

Having a blu ray player is pretty great

[@davidwood7170]

I have an ASUS Blu-Ray Writable OD . I am not getting rid of it. Plus its good to have...

[@Tr4ncemaster458]

If you really want to own a game having it on disc is the only way.

[@JazzJackRabbit4Life]

I actually find 5.25 slot very handy. I don't use it for optical drive, but I do use it for hot-swap HDD cage. It's very handy if you use this case as a NAS server and you need to upgrade one of your 3.5 HDDs.