Final Thoughts
It seems like every time we have a new Fractal Design case release we are impressed and that is the case here with the Define 7. It is very impressive that Fractal Design can continue to improve on a case that was already quite good, and in the case the Define 7 a lot has changed from the previous version.
One of the big selling points of the Define series is that it has a modular internal layout where you can switch between the standard (open) layout and storage layout. This gives the Define cases quite a lot of versatility and with the Define 7 it is even easier to switch between layouts. It takes about 5 minutes and 5 screws to switch the layouts. Talking about storage in the standard layout you have room for 5 hard drives, but if you open things up to the storage layout and use the 4 included trays you bring that up to 9. You can purchase more trays and SSD mounts to bring the total number of hard drives you can install in this case to 14! It is great that Fractal Design includes the 4 trays for the storage layout too.
The Define series is also known for being a silent series of cases and we see that here with the Define 7. There is sound dampening material on the front, top, and back side panel of the case. That combined with the three included Dynamic X2 GP-14 cooling fans gives you a very quiet system during operation. Now say you wanted a more high-airflow build? Fractal Design has you covered as they include a ventilated top panel, which is a breeze to swap out with the plain one.
Fractal Design has tweaked the side panels on this case. They simply release by pressing a button on the back of the case. This makes them quite easily to remove and reinstall and you don’t have any screws on the glass panel. The included fan hub has also been redesigned to sit towards the top center of the case. This placement is much better for connecting fans as well as cable management. We’ve seen Fractal Design use Velcro cable straps before, but now we have pre-installed cable guides which make organizing and routing your cables much easier. The new universal multi-bracket is a nice addition if you plan to use it. It is basically a HDD, SSD, pump, or reservoir mount, which again is included at no extra charge. This makes it easy to mount your pump or reservoir in the Define 7 no problem.
WE ARE GIVING AWAY A DEFINE 7! – ENTER HERE
If there is anything to complain about this case it is something we’ve seen all too often on cases these days. If you are connecting cables to the bottom of your motherboard (especially a USB 3.0 header cable) it is just a mess. Fractal Design does include a cable routing hole there, but they really should have included two as well as given just a little more space between the bottom of the motherboard and the power supply shroud. With everything else on this case basically perfect it was a little disappointing to see this oversight.
At the end of the day this is another amazing Fractal Design case, with the Fractal Design DNA we all know and love. Sleek design, all metal components, lots a features, versatility, value, and more! Right now you can pick this case up at our favorite online retailer for $169.99, which we think is a great value. Overall ThinkComputers gives the Fractal Design Define 7 a 9 out of 10 score and our Recommended Award!
Pros:
– Sleek design
– Everything is metal!
– So many extras included (top panel, HDD trays, multi-bracket)
– Easy installation
– Very quiet during operation
– Modular internal layout
Cons:
– Connecting headers to the bottom of your motherboard can be a pain
