Two current housing trends score points in 2017: Tempered Glass housings and RGB lighting. Both trends are enjoying high demand and more and more producers are joining them. Even Fractal Design, known for its minimalist design, follows this trend with two cases from its Define series. Beside the Define Mini C TG there is now also the Define C Tempered Glass* case available.
With the update for the already released Define C-Series, Fractal Design is now able to address interested customers. Whether this update is sufficient, we have tested extensively for you.
Scope of Delivery
The Fractal Design Define C Tempered Glass case comes with a wide range of accessories. The scope of delivery therefore includes the housing:
- one instruction
- Cable ties
- Drive screws
- Mainboard screws
- Mainboard Standoffs
- Microfiber cloth
- Power supply screws
- Dust filter
must be included.
We were particularly pleased with the microfibre cloth supplied, which we hadn’t seen before.
Technical Data
| Product name: | Fractal Design Define C Tempered Glass |
|---|---|
| Material | Plastic, metal, glass |
| No. of PCI slots | 7 |
| Front connections | Audio, Microphone, 2x USB 3.0 |
| Memory components | 2x 3.5″, 3x 2.5″ |
| Fan options |
|
| Dimensions | 413 mm x 212 mm x 453 mm (length x width x height) |
| Mainboard sizes | ATX, mATX, Mini-ITX |
| Maximum component sizes |
|
| Accessories | manual, cable ties, mainboard standoffs, mainboard screws, drive screws, power supply screws, microfiber cloth, dust filter |
| Price | € 39.99 * |
Design and Workmanship
The Fractal Design Define C Tempered Glass case belongs to the Midi Towers. Thus it can accommodate Mini-ITX, mATX and ATX mainboards in terms of its dimensions. It accommodates CPU coolers up to 17.2 cm in size and graphics cards up to 31.5 cm.
There has been no optical change compared to its predecessor models. The typical Define black, brushed plastic front has been preserved. The minimalist design is characterised by a continuous front. Practical is the floor dust filter which can be pulled out to the front. The front part is removable. Behind it are the fan slots and a removable dust filter.
No changes can be detected on the front panel either. Here again you will find one headphone and one microphone port as well as two USB 3.0 ports. At the rear of the front panel is the upper side of the case closed with the Moduvent. The Moduvent module can be detached from the inside and is removable. Below are the two fan slots.
In the upper part of the Fractal Design Define C Tempered Glass* case we find a cutout for the mainboard bezel. Furthermore one for the pre-installed 120 mm fan. Among them are seven white PCI slot apertures and another space for the power supply unit including cover.
The underside of the case is equipped with four rubber feet for a secure stand. The large dust filter, which can be pulled out via the front, is also located here.
New on the Define C Tempered Glass case from Fractal Design is the glass side panel. This is on the left side. The corners and edges of the glass side panel are black.
The housing frame and the glass side panel are equipped with two foam strips to provide good protection against damage. At the same time they prove to be a good seal between housing and glass and are practical, as no gloves are required for assembly.
Four rubber buffers are used to fasten the side part. These can be found in the corners of the housing. Even the screws are rubber-coated and thus function simultaneously as protection against damage and insulation.
Inside Structure of the Fractal Design Define C Tempered Glass
The interior of the Define C Tempered Glass case is completely black and divided into three areas. The open, freely designed right area is located directly at the front of the housing. Two 140 mm fans or even three 120 mm fans can be conveniently mounted here. A fan is already pre-installed here. To make room for the third fan, you can open a recess in the power supply cover.
The rear section contains an included 120 mm Dynamic X2 GP-12 fan. This can be connected via a 3-pin connector. Alternatively, radiators can also be installed instead of fans at all assembly locations. Below the rear fan are the PCI slot bezels.
The power supply cover is located in the lower part of the interior and requires the entire length of the housing. You can interrupt them at the front if you want to install a third 120 mm fan.
In the middle of the interior, directly at the height of the rear fan, there is a large recess in the mainboard tray. This allows easy mounting of mounting kits for the CPU cooler. There are also four rubber-protected feedthroughs around the mainboard tray. Cables can be ideally laid there. For positive cable management, the housing has an arc in the front area. All cables can be stored here. Behind the CPU cooler you will find a mounting rail. Three 2.5″ hard disks can be mounted on this.
If you prefer to use 3.5″ hard disks, you will find two frames below the power supply cover, which are located in a small cage. This can be moved from the underside. This means there is room for a larger power supply unit, a radiator or a front fan. In addition, you will also find four mounting points for a water cooling pump. In order to use these, however, an extension of the hard disk cage is necessary.
Conclusion on Fractal Design Define C Tempered Glass Review
With its Define C Tempered Glass case Fractal Design we were completely convinced. The workmanship is on a very high level. The microfibre cloth for the Tempered Glass side panel, the dust filters and the insulation were particularly well received.
The interior of the housing has a structured structure. An easy orientation is guaranteed. The mounting brackets in the interior do not prove to be disturbing during installation of the hardware. The cable management proves to be particularly simple due to the 35 mm enlarged space behind the mainboard tray.
If you are looking for an easy to handle case with minimalistic external dimensions and a large interior, the Fractal Design Define C Tempered Glass* case is a good choice. The gaming hardware of an average gambler will definitely fit in here. It is especially predestined for an AiO compact water cooling system, as you can see in our photo. The only thing missing are RGB strips.
Fractal Design Define C Tempered Glass
Workmanship
Design
Features
Damping
Cooling
Value for Money
Excellent!
With the Define C Tempered Glass, Fractal Design has developed a very well finished case with a generous interior at a low price.
