Fractal Design Define XL Computer Case Review

Manufacturer: Fractal Design
Product Name: Define XL
Model Number: FD-CA-DEF-XL-USB3-BL
Price As Tested: $149.99 at NewEgg

Full Disclosure: The product sample used in this article has been provided by Fractal Design.

“Long Live the Extra Large Full Tower PC Case?” My last review at Benchmark Reviews left off praising the shrink factor of technology and the maturation of micro cases (Silverstone PS07b micro case ). At the same time, Benchmark Reviews has been busy reviewing monster sized cases. One conclusion that can be derived from the size and options of PC cases is that the PC case is not nearly as dead as some surmise, be they large or small. Otherwise, we'd be getting less variety and more generic offerings, along with fewer manufacturers.

Diametrically opposed to the idea of PC and PC case obsolescence, the venerable PC computer enclosure doesn't seem to be in any danger of extinction. Rather, the PC case seems to be moving forward at a quickening pace. In fact, new offerings seem limitless and one might argue that the PC case is just now hitting its stride.

Although small is the way of technology, huge and imposing cases have their market share and their followers too (me being one of them). Thus, to the zeal of full tower aficionados, the Fractal Design Define XL Full Tower Silent Case should fit right into the current market of PC case enclosures. It's a solidly built and heavy case, weighing in at 39.5 lbs. dry, which outweighs the Rosewill Blackhawk-Ultra HPTX Case by 3.0 lbs (and the Define XL is not an HPTX case)! I don't know what the “XL” stands for, but it should stand for “extra solid, extra heavy, and extra large” and I intend to show you just why that is.

Define XL Features

-Stylish design
-Pre-fitted with noise absorbing material
-Configurable thermal chamber design
-Great cooling possibilities, 3x fans included (2x 140mm, 1x 180mm)
-10x HDD slots Unique ModuVent™ design in side panel

Define XL Specifications

*2x 140mm fans (one 140mm included, one optional) with removable and washable filters, in the front. Recommended for intake of air.
*x 120mm fan optional with removable and washable filter, in the front. Recommended for intake of air.
*1x 180mm fan included in the top of the case. Recommended for exhaust of air.
*1x 140mm fan included in the rear of the case. Recommended for exhaust of air.
*1x 120/140mm fan optional in the side of the case. Recommended for intake of air.
*4x 5,25" bays, 1x 5,25" to 3,5" converter included
*Mini-itx, micro ATX, ATX and E-ATX motherboards
*10x HDD trays. 4x HDD trays in the HDD cage in the main chamber. This HDD cage is removable and rotatable.(Space ~330mm with HDD Cage and without ~480mm)
*6x HDD trays in the lower HDD chamber. These HDD cages are fixed.
*A total of two 140mm fans and one 180mm fan included.
*Front 140mm fans are mounted with removable, washable filter.
*A fan controller is included, for mounting in one of the rear expansion slots.
*Pre-fitted with dense noise absorbing material in both side panels.
*ModuVent^TM feature, allowing the user to choose between an optimal low noise level, having the cover mounted or optimal airflow by removing the cover and mounting a fan for intake.
*Maximum PSU length: Supports PSU's with a depth of maximum circa 180mm
*Maximum Graphic Card length: Supports graphic card lengths up to 330mm when removable HDD-Bay is in place
*Maximum CPU cooler height: Supports CPU coolers with height of 180mm
*Expansion slots: 7+1
*On top of front panel: 2x USB 2.0, 2x USB 3.0 and Audio I/O
*Case size (WxHxD): 232x560x561.3mm
*Net weight: 17.95kg

Previous Page - Next Page >>