Review on Fractal Design FD CA DEF XL R2 BL: Ultimate Computer Case for Power and Performance by Jnis Zels ᠌

Name: Fractal Design FD CA DEF XL R2 BL: Ultimate Computer Case for Power and Performance
Item: Fractal Design FD CA DEF XL R2 BL: Ultimate Computer Case for Power and Performance
Rating: 5

May 03, 2023

Just super, it's beautifully made, I'm very happy with it.

I believe that the R3 version will get rid of the following shortcomings:
1. I consider it necessary to provide for the possibility of installing a vertical expansion slot - as on a regular Define R4. In this section, it is possible to provide for the installation of a bar with holes for the SVO.
I understand that the case already provides for the possibility of installing radiators and CBO fans inside the case, but I see no reason why the manufacturer should drill 2-3 extra holes in the case and put rubber plugs - there is plenty of room for such holes.
2. Revise the holes for mounting fans on the top cover.

In general, I am satisfied with the purchase, I bought it after reading the reviews, I got what I expected - from unpleasant surprises, only the reaming of the top cover, as described above, of course, you can take 8 black washers and screw such 14cm fans from a 12 cm mount just through the grid cells, but the has no desire to fence.

All of the above disadvantages are rather nit-picking to the case and the result of my possession of these non-standard case fans.

Pros

1. Classic design, it will successfully fit into the interior as a free-standing element of the audio-video system next to the Hi-Fi equipment rack. 2. Proper arrangement of holes for the removal and output of cables outside the wall. 3. A large distance from the top edge of the motherboard to the top wall of the case (when using huge tower coolers, there are no problems connecting additional processor power and fan connectors). 4. Eight regular places for hard drives (4 in each basket). Huge variability in the installation of these same baskets for hard drives. 5. Dust filters. 6. Dimensions allow you to simply and naturally assemble absolutely any configuration in this case without any problems or inconvenience.

Cons

1. Illiterate arrangement of holes for mounting 12cm fans on the top wall, i.е. the manufacturer assumes mounting exactly 12 cm fans shifted close to each other. In this case, there is a whole range of fans with a 14 cm form factor, but the mounts are 12 cm - the width of their case will not allow you to install two such fans side by side on the top cover. Provide the manufacturer with holes for 12 cm right in the middle of the gratings and there would be no problems. Also, this form factor of fans cannot be installed on the front panel - they do not fit into the tray (one fits, but two do not). 2. Mediocre plastic and its manufacture of the front panel of the case (not the doors - the quality is at its best there, namely the panel and the plastic that is hidden under the door, including the plastic of the door that closes the front fans. 3. Inability to completely clean the front dust filter without removing the installed fans. 4. The absence of any guiding side walls, the wall simply leans against and is screwed - hence the relatively poor clamping along the upper and lower edges of the walls.

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