The Define 7 Compact Is ALMOST Perfect…

[@GregSalazar]

Curious what you guys think about the issue we ran into - especially when compared to the Meshify C's layout (which I think is ideal). What are your thoughts? EDIT: Also, yes, I said "Thermaltake" instead of "Fractal" at one point. GG.

[@chosensupra9978]

Do you think that the H510 is one of the best PC Cases under $100? Also, would you do like a top 10 PC cases under $100 video?

[@GregSalazar]

@@chosensupra9978 The H510 is near $60 (when it's in stock). The Meshify C is in the same price category by your definition (often found for $89.99) and I'd choose _it_ over the H510 any day for the best "under $100 case."

[@ivanstefancic3151]

That's makes you a thermaltake shill doesn't it?? Lol

[@jose7tech572]

Well if that hd cage can be removed make sense take it out since u can just use m.2 or regular ssd (don't like the closed front though)

[@ZRay507]

For me it's a deal breaker bcs I want to use a 2TB HDD as games are more and more needy of space... And well, a 2TB SSD is way too expensive

[@DougCube]

The hard drive cage was also designed to be removed thru the PSU opening. :) There's a clear diagram of this in the users manual.

[@bman2827]

I've just received my Define 7 Compact and it looks like Fractal may have addressed the hard drive cage design and position. It appears to be seated further back giving me about 1.5" space for cables. The design of the trays looks different too, they have an indent so the thumbscrews are flush with the end of the cage and don't stick out blocking the cable route.

[@radiumuppet]

I want the real greg I said the real greg 2:10 perfection

[@Amin_CA]

3:48 THERMALTAKE ?

[@GregSalazar]

Lawl. You know what I meant.

[@romayojr]

@@GregSalazar surprised this wasn't caught in post lol

[@TKIvanov]

@@romayojr Nate slackin

[@computerman9971]

Ikr lol

[@DarkWEB76]

Hahahha got that too

[@BrytaPlanka]

Why didn't you remove the top when building? It's one of the advantages of the case.

[@alextrotta796]

I have a Define C TG, and I could absolutely see my build in that case. It addresses some of the few small issues I have with this case, mainly the side panels taking a day and a half to remove (\s). I also really appreciate the tint/no tint option, as I am vehemently anti-RGB, and I want to see the components as-is.

[@EliSantana]

Built my PC in 2013 in a Fractal case and it runs 24/7 in as a headless remote access PC/server. Thing is completely silent and does not let in any dust. I've opened the case three times in 7 years and seriously not one speck of dust in there. Fractal cases 👌

[@CptnAwsmBalls]

What i like about this case is, you can buy the tinted panel as a separate piece, so you buy the non tinted case and the tinted panel and swap n change as you feel

[@MidnightBanshi]

Glad to hear Fractal listened to your concerns. That drive bay needs to sliiiiide just a bit forward there for some groovy cable management options.

[@derbigpr500]

Just a tip for people looking at this or any Define case coming from someone who used to have a full sized R4 and then switched to Meshify 2, and then back to Define 7C. Ignore all the reviewers who tell you the case has bad thermals. That's simply not true. They're all ignoring the fact that you can PUT MORE FANS into it and just test it in stock config which is meant for silence, not best airflow. In stock Meshify 2 has better thermals, yes, but it's much louder and you can hear all the fans in your PC much louder and it's a higher pitched sound. In the Define cases, if you put 2 fans in front, 2 on top, 1 on the back, and 1 on the bottom, that means you have 3 intake and 3 exhaust 140 mm fans. On the full size Define 7 even more fans fit. That's so much airflow no system in the world would need more. Thermals come to within a few degrees of Meshify 2, and you STILL get a more silent case than mesh type cases simply due to the fact how solid Define cases are and how thick the metal used to make them is.

[@ivanstefancic3151]

I'm more of a cube case kind of guy... keep up the great work mate!!!!

[@indopak_]

could you build or show how you would pick used parts for a build? A lot of the times on your vids you say stuff like I could build a similar spec PC for like 1/2 of the cost. I always wondered how you would be able to do it cuz I wouldn't.

[@gregv.3194]

What vertical bracket did you use for the graphic card?

[@thestinkywombat3672]

congrats on 500K subs greg!!

[@CharcharoExplorer]

I would not have gone for this platform but the case looks really cool. I will go for a Meshify for my next build though.

[@TerraWare]

Meshify is a much better option imo. I know a solid front may look cool but it's terrible for airflow.

[@TheSjuris]

Terra Nigma 86c in stock configuration on Dmitrys review is bad.

[@Hygiene-diagnosticsSe]

What vertical GPU mounting bracket was used for this build?

[@Infamouscoma885]

Would minting the hard drive cage facing out the front of the case make more sense? Not like you’ll be taking the front panel off a lot.

[@jackdaniels1460]

Does the orientation of the pump block itself matter? I would prefer to keep it as far away as possible from the GPU.

[@monkeyplayer1]

Still not used to the new comment section on phones...love the baby pics on Instagram Greg :)

[@kalebthomas3598]

@3:50 you say something about using thermaltake products in this build but I don't see any thermaltake products

[@Cilghal001]

Proud owner of Meshify C here. What I like more about the Define 7C is that the front IO is part of the core of the case unlike as you said it being a part of the front removable piece. That being said, you know what would be a great upgrade option to the Meshify C? Since it's removable, FD could be selling different front IO pieces and there would be a variety of those. Many Motherboards have more that one internal USB 3 connectors. Now I am not sure how many USB 3.xxx does that connector support but 2 internal connectors support twice as much so they could indeed make let's say option A: 6 front USB3, option B: 2 USB C 3.xxx and some USB and so on. That would be so lovely. Now I am stuck with the stock option which is just 2 sad USB 3.1 and they feel alone and have nobody to talk to :'(. I have populated permanently one of those with the Logitech Unifying connector for Mouse and Keyboard because if I place that directly to mobo in the rear the mouse has issues being stable, it simply lags. Maybe because having that Logitech connector so close to WIfi antennas aint that great. I don't know, simply there is an interference. The other one is usually populated with my external HDD or a flash disk. However, that USB connector is somewhat faulty and I have to wiggle that tech before it works fine, otherwise in the case of connecting an external hdd it would engage and disengage which in windows results in opening and closing the folder. PS: Is there a case manufacturer that offers cases with modular pieces apart from the tempered glass being tinted or not?

[@DeirdreYoung1]

I'd love to see a full-size case you like, sometime. I have a nice old Antec P280 but I'm slowly planning my next build.

[@jasonmusic9938]

did they discontinue this case? im reviving my previous build and i cant find any online, theyre all in UK, Germany, or 1 available in the US from a seller that has as many 1 star reviews as 5 star reviews.

[@Andytlp]

fractal design cases are soooo good. Heavy, good sound dampening and they practically clean themselves as dust barely gets in. Only have to clean it once every year lol.

[@tnantuko2776]

I think he needed a cup of coffee or something. Greg looked like he was just going through the motions in this video.

[@kry10]

Quick question: what kit did you use to vertically mount the graphics card?

[@mattglass]

Mark Linford I think he’s using the Coolermaster vertical GPU kit, you can just make out their logo www.coolermaster.com/catalog/cases/accessories/vertical-graphics-card-holder-kit/

[@Garth2011]

I have this same case and find that Fractal does not include the HDD activity light nor the wiring for one. Only the power light. On an R4 case, its the same, no HDD activity light on the front of the case. What they suggested in the R4 literature was to decide what you wanted most, a power light or the HDD activity light and simply connect the front LED wires to the proper header on the motherboard. Years ago when we purchased the R4 at a much higher price, I sent feedback to Fractal about this and I guess they haven't changed their style about using the supplied headers on motherboards. We prefer a power light as well as the activity light for obvious reasons, we are used to them from the 1990's and use them both to see if a rig is powered on from a distance one and second the activity light is used for diagnosis or simple monitoring of the cpu/storage drive if there might be a "frozen system" or just lots of activity still processing. Otherwise, this case is very useful as it has the USB C up front. It's a Gen 1 port which really should be a Gen 2 for those motherboards that have Gen 2. Just one other complaint is the USB 3.0 ports up front are black vs. blue like everyone is used to. This case is quiet, built well and has great cable management options and its nice that they offered both top panels, solid and vented. As with all case manufactures today, it's time they dump the 3 pin included fans and supply new cases with 4 pin PWM fans that have been the standard with motherboards for almost a decade now.

[@olternaut]

It's the case's fault you didn't think of removing the hard drive cage to start off with???

[@TheGauges420]

3:49 "figured we're building in a Thermaltake case, might as well use Thermaltake products" I thought this case was made by Fractal Design 😂.

[@zelin_dc]

What vertical bracket is that for the GPU?

[@UnknownUser-fg3fs]

How are temps with the closed off front ?

[@UnknownUser-fg3fs]

Why didn't they launch a revamped Meshify C as well.... That case needs 1 more inch of GPU clearance with a front rad.

[@HUNtastic1]

Would the AIO tubes reach to the bottom, if the radiator was flipped?

[@antarnis]

what about the heat?

[@curtis9701]

I just bought my first custom pc this was the case I picked. I love the look of it, I’m not a fan of all the flashy rpg cases. This one is classy and sleek. I know nothing about the science of airflow as I’ve only owned laptops before. But from what I’m reading ideally you want two intakes and 1 exhaust for gaming pc. Should I add an additional intake fan? Would it be overkill to have 3 in the front and 2 exhausts? I spent quite a bit on my rig and I just want to optimize and take really good care of it. There isn’t much for personal reviews on this case, I didn’t realize this is a brand new release when I picked it. Looks great.

[@Eonymia]

I imagine it would increase airflow. I know this is late, but I'm running a 140mm and a 120 in the front as intake, + one 140mm in the top back as exhaust, along with the 120mm in the back as exhaust and seems to work pretty well. If I could, I'd add another 120mm in the front or move the 140mm down a little so the gpu would have better airflow, but I repurposed the bottom fan slot as a hdd mount (did the same to one at the top) :D

[@thrillscience]

I use Fractal cases. They're great, but they just don't "look" flashy. Part of me wants a giant RGB glowing cube thing.

[@Cilghal001]

Thank you for this honest video. Most would just build the system and upon reaching the same problem you did would get rid of that hdd and call it a day. Not all that shines is gold. Just like buy the product not the brand. And you are absolutely correct to point that error out. Not being able to plug in a HDD in a designated area is just bad. Not everyone can afford a 2TB ssd and another 2TB nvme... I certainly can't.

[@alangregory5580]

So is this worth getting for a mid tower? Have a 3080 on the way, but I its too big for my Define C. Didn't have any other 3080 options so I figured I'd just get a bigger case. I love the Define C, but the Define R7 looks so big

[@Garth2011]

This case has lots of quality an features. The only negative is, there is no HDD LED cable or LED on the front panel. Love the front USB Type C also.

[@thedungeondelver]

Good video, Greg. I would like to hear your take on the Rosewill C100. I've got one and for the price its quite good, and it's the same size as the D7.

[@BrilliantBenGaming]

I'm still rocking my old school phanteks case, but I keep looking at these Fractal Design cases for my next build. Whats the best value Fractal case to get right now?

[@lamjac88]

Awesome build. I was hoping to see someone install an AIO that way.

[@hackrice5080]

I personally really like the Meshify C. In fact that is my favorite case. The only thing I don't like about these cases is that you have to put the cables right in front of the hard drive cage and covering the cage...but if you think about it there aren't much more space to put the cable anywhere else... Anyway I am glad that you put it next to the Meshify C for comparison, I was actually wondering how much different in terms of size it is compare to the Meshify C

[@Cilghal001]

Not neccesarily. You can run those cables along side the walls leaving the hdd cage alone. I did that :P But then again I have one hdd and an ssd in there with two cables running to them but that's just those 2 that are supposed to be there so it's possible to build around it. However, you have to persuade some cables to stay in place.

[@hackrice5080]

@@Cilghal001 Yeah you are right. I did have to do some work around with the cable management. It is also because I am using pretty long extension cables so it took up a lot of spaces.

[@Cilghal001]

@@hackrice5080 Some custom sleeved extension cables? :) In that case, the front side is all that matters! :D

[@jose7tech572]

Well if that hd cage can be removed make sense take it out since u can just use m.2 or regular ssd (don't like the closed front though)

[@horchatakevin]

Cables from where?

[@tomriddle2257]

If it's really not possible to install 3x 140mm front-fans, then would 2x 140mm + 1x 120mm work?

[@Eonymia]

I was able to make 2x120mms and one 140 work. It's a snug fit, but looking at some other pictures, you might be able to just about fit them.

[@phantomflame0658]

It's barely possible to screw in 3x 140mm but the bottom fan doesn't sit flat it's angled. 2x140 and 1x120 works fine though no problem

[@Valfaun]

why didn't they do the thing with the removable top plate in the front as well

[@pocpc1788]

If the meshify c have those side panel, it will be perfect!

[@Woot-Zee]

Why everybody is removing the foil before the build? :D

[@93ksj]

PC Case Company: Makes new mid tower case Greg: This is probably my favorite mid tower

[@angelosnofla]

No thumbscrew on the side panel is nice but it should still lock and not pop off easily.

[@samven582]

Where did you buy the sleeve cables

[@samdeur]

Good review Thanks

[@Kizzster]

I feel as if every case is almost perfect except for the O11 XL, That case has nothing bad I can think of. Yeah it's 20 inches in height but that's not bad for something that looks stunning with insane airflow but I can't wait for the O11 Mini ;)

[@qrc314]

what desk chair do you use?

[@spchia]

Curious to know what riser you used for this case.

[@ShaunSommer]

What is the difference between this and the Define C

[@w.9138]

Ya know Greg, I messaged Fractal before about their large model Define case. They only have it available in black and I asked if they would ever add a white option like they had for the Define Meshify cases and Define S2. I don't think they will though :(

[@SantosH-ne5yw]

Looking For a New Case. Was between Meshify C Vs Define 7. but now after looking at this . I'm set on getting the "Meshify C"

[@thrillseeker7]

Hey Greg, I fell in love with this case. I want to upgrade this case. I was wondering is there anyway i can install my Asus Rampage III Exteme motherboard in this case. Asus website says its ATX form factor but the size is listed 12.0 by 10.6 which is Eatx. Please help me out since you have this case. Even if its little big can you route the cable. will it have space. Thank you in advance.

[@ee1yd]

they all come so close to being prefect, but mess something up each time

[@rossharper1983]

I love my Define R5 I bought for my 8700K build. Will last me 10 years like my Antec 300 did before that.

[@cereal1757]

How old is that scdkeys ad you recorded? Don't you think it's time for at least re-record the audio? It sounds much more muffled out than your current audio setup.

[@djvidual8288]

One word to the intro, NICE!

[@datapro007]

Great video, thanks. I guess I don't see the point of the "compact" mid-tower. I built two systems with Fractal cases 1) Define R5 2) Nano S. I like the former because I can put all the 3.5" and 2.5" drives that my heart desires. Yes, 16TB capacity HDDs mitigate the need. I love the Nano S because It is 50% the volume and half the weight of the R5, and I do lug it with me on occasion. So where does the 7 "Compact" fit in? Seems like you are giving up flexibility without gaining much portability. Just my take.

[@Kurtonebay]

what about a 5.25 optical drive bay?

[@camotech1314]

It has one of those.

[@asterisk4424]

It sucks because you can't find a Define C TG anymore since I guess they're not making them anymore? That or they're just low on stock but I haven't seen one for a while and I genuinely don't want this new upgrade just because those back panel and hard drive cage issues. It's the same problem hardware canucks ran into which just makes this case flawed. Guess I'll wait.

[@writingpanda]

I had to rewind the video after 3:52 to hear exactly what he said, and then I was going to comment that he said another brand other than Fractal Design, but then I read the comments down below and realized... WE'RE ALL SMART PEOPLE HERE! :D

[@GregSalazar]

It's in my pinned comment Lol.

[@writingpanda]

@@GregSalazar lol yeah, I know. That was the first comment I read, too. I am pretty sure that is something most people are going to be pointing out in your comment section for this video. By the way! I enjoyed this video! Thanks for the walkthrough of this case. It was pretty cool to see the new Thermaltake (lol jk) case and what challenges exist with the cable management in the back. Stay safe and healthy!

[@curtis9701]

If anyone would be willing to answer my question that would be great. I have this case for a build I just finished CPU: Ryzen 7 3700x + Stock Cooler GPU: 2070s No plans to overclock. But plans to game at 1440p high fps. Would the stock 140mm fan in the front and 120mm fan exhaust be enough? Or should I consider adding more fans to my case and where? Thank you in advance.

[@bigchew3149]

I Thought That Was A Fractal Case & Not A ThermalTake Case? Or Did I Mis Understand Him Here @ 3:48 !! Cool Video Any Ways...lol.!

[@willleong30]

The appearance is great but doesn't have a large filter fully cover the front intake fans.... Which is pretty disappointing😫

[@GregSalazar]

Yes, it does...

[@w.9138]

About a product code for Windows 20, if you already have an existing Windows 10 device you can snatch the code from that and use it. That is how you get Windows 10 for free.

[@soxxks]

I love this. Only because I own a Meshify C and this is like its cousin

[@TheVerrm]

Greg you got too long cables which isn't your fault, but the issue wouldn't be there if you use free space you have to the right of the grommets - you got cable tie points there for a reason - lay your cables there, tie them down in orderly fashion and BAM problem gone!

[@TOPDRIVERMIHAI]

Nice build is did you recomend to upgrade my gtx 1070 too 2070 super y have i7 7700k stock speed 16 gb ram 500gb m. 2 ssd 750w psu Corsair gold monitor lg ultrawide 2560*1080 p 75 hz thx keep the good work

[@7gtz]

no, for that resolution easily 1070 can handle

[@TOPDRIVERMIHAI]

@@7gtz nope in some games

[@7gtz]

@@TOPDRIVERMIHAI the 1070 is perfect for your monitor, a 2070 super is overkill, upgrade your monitor before your PC, would recommend a 3440x1440 100hz monitor and a 3070

[@sirvemon]

This reminds me a lot of the silent base 601, just smaller, obviously

[@tarfeef_4268]

Solid front AND top panels? GN is gonna have a field day

[@GregSalazar]

It ships with a changeable mesh top panel. The front also has side grilles running the entire height of the case.

[@tarfeef_4268]

@@GregSalazar good to hear about the top :) Side grilles haven't proven to be the most effective in the world, but if you're willing to throw a 360 rad at the problem it's basically fine unless you're on HEDT or something

[@Justin_80]

IMO the only place a mechanical HDD should be is in a data center or a home NAS.

[@pembertonrobert]

Mesh Version?

[@xs3tsunax]

wow just looking at the back comparing it to meshify c/define c, the meshify c is way better. it might be a bit longer but i feel there is no space being wasted, especially having ssd on top of the motherboard cutout was genius since there usually no cable there. the new one seems like a step back and having a lot of space being wasted contradictory of it being smaller

[@sudd3660]

i am really disappointed in fractal over the least years, i think the fractal define s was their best case. that is if you judge a case for price to performance and performance is how much cooling can you get for least amount of noise and have filtered intake for less maintenance/cleaning. let me explain point by point: 1: you have to have exhaust for cpu and gpu unless you want them to share the airflow. that can only be done by rear exhaust and side panel exhaust. 2: top panel have to be closed, for airflow reasons and dust to keep out. anything cover that can be removed there adds cost and no benefits. 3: case must not have psu shroud, you could have had three 140mm intake fans in front instead, that is a huge benefit. 4: all fan slots 140mm minimum is a great benefit. 5: clearly having solid sidepanel with 140mm fan optin is a must.(read point 1) and best possible fan configuration is then five fans total, 3 intake front and rear and side panel exhaust, keeping positive airpreasure and great airflow on all parts. the define 7 fails in most of these and tower air cooling instead of aoi is of course the way to go for most silent cooling at high perfomance you can get for the money.

[@taylorstarcevic1015]

C'mon Fractal, Nano S refresh, you're this close ->|-|

[@HalfNuked]

the nano s is already damn near perfect, the only thing i would want them to do is add a mesh front panel

[@taylorstarcevic1015]

@@HalfNuked just got some mesh in today. Will be modding my front panel very soon. After cutting open the front panel my temps dropped by 10 degrees

[@excalibruh6751]

Why not just shove the extra cable length into the HDD cage?

[@GregSalazar]

You can't... Look closely at the vid. The cage is pressed against the bottom lip of the chassis. You couldn't wrap all of the cables around and into it even if you tried.

[@excalibruh6751]

@@GregSalazar ah damn. For my personal case I don't have any 3.5" drives so I guess I'll just remove the cage and slap a fan in there

[@Dan-oy7pr]

3:50 wait, building in a thermaltake case, might as well use a thermaltake psu? you trollin greg?

[@Stephenm64]

never heard of scdkey, seems sketchy, anyone else actually use them?

[@GregSalazar]

Why the hell would I advertise something unreliable? I use them all the time, as do many of my viewers with no problems.

[@Stephenm64]

@@GregSalazar No offence implied but many a thirsty youtubers take sponsorship of companies they don't know anything about or actually use themselves. just look at all the past shilling on youtube of the crap insecure VPN services as example. I have worked in IT for a damn long time and never heard of that company, i even did a quick google search before posting the message to see what kind of page rankings they have and reviews and got very little to nothing. and considering i found so little on them and they don't rank highly in any of the google searches i made its a perfectly valid question.

[@ValkenDnB]

Stephen Micheals I’ve bought multiple windows keys from there so I trust it.

[@ValkenDnB]

Greg Salazar lol chill it was just a question my guy

[@UnknownUser-fg3fs]

@@ValkenDnB just because your key worked without issue doesn't mean everyone else's did... A lot of KZbinrs take on sponsors like this for the $ just like PIA, Tunnel Bear, etc...

[@uh_niece]

Anyone know what watch he’s wearing?

[@elefterios78]

a comparison video between meshify c and Define 7 Compact would be perfect i think!

[@wkwk2o384ur]

Man I came with that intro

[@thomasl.3663]

Nice build. Meshify version would be nice; more airflow!

[@rubenTR309]

Is the HDD cage removable?

[@ValkenDnB]

Yes

[@gstylez0107]

Wish I had friends like this guy. Greg is just too fuckin cool man. PC's, cars, science.. I mean c'mon! All my friends like is fancy beer and football teams.. They think a mac is a PC

[@fdsaasdf2279]

Will a noctua d15 and 2080ti fit in this?

[@fliptwister]

That would be tight. While technically it should work there is very little margin. The Noctua d15 is 165 mm high with fan. The maximum for case is 169 mm. That is a 4 mm difference. With the graphics card you should be good. What 2080ti do you have? The case can handle a card 341 mm long (with front fan). The ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 2080 Ti has a length of 305 mm and a EVGA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti XC ULTRA GAMING has a length of 270 mm.

[@GSXone]

At around the 11:43 mark, those case legs look strange AF. 🤔

[@homefry4102]

Fractal huh, did you disappoint Josh again Greg? Hahahaha

[@sarahharrison7852]

So confused. A great deal of this video was the fact that cable managing in the case left it difficult to close the side. You had to contact Fractal about the issue. You then end the video stating "It's very easy to cable manage"? Memory of a gold fish or is that the shill thing to say?

[@GregSalazar]

Ummm no? Not sure what ya think you heard, but I clearly said " _apart_ from the hard drive cage area." There's plenty of room elsewhere for cable management. If you can't follow the video and suggest only negative conclusions about myself you should probably leave.

[@rush3381]

Always black boxes, always place the AIO on the front "ERROR", always excessively sober settings.

[@leesiyin]

it's disappointing to see Fractal Cases are pushing backwards, they were Kings during R4 - R5 - Meshify C period. As much as I love Fractal but recently with these cases, they are going backward by going forward if that make sense.

[@MarcoGPUtuber]

The Greg Salazar Show is more than almost perfect.

[@_feather189]

Well said.

[@nc4125]

Very tasteful, great case and internal layout!