Fractal Design Define 7 Case Review

One feature I really like on the Define 7 is how seamless the tempered glass side panel is with the rest of the case.  You will be hard pressed to locate the edges of the glass and if you look at case from the side the panel is perfectly inlaid into the chassis making the panel disappear.

The same is true with the solid metal back panel.  It easily slides away exposing the area in the Define 7 where you hide those nasty cables and anything else you are too embarrassed to show. 

Behind the motherboard tray you’ll find two surface mounted SSD drive trays along with five Fractal branded Velcro cable wraps.  I am very impressed with how neatly the cables can be routed though these straps with a plastic base serving to keep the cables from bunching up.

Speaking of cable management there are a total of 16 tie-down points on the Fractal Define 7 and a little over an inch of routing space.

 At the bottom of the case is a removable plastic panel that appears to be 100% cosmetic.  It pulls away from the motherboard to expose the PSU basement and two additional 3.5” drive trays.  The drive rack can be moved or removed depending on your build and if you are still rocking the rotational one can also be mounted vertically to the left of the motherboard tray.

One of the design principles was silent operation and the Define 7 features quite a few.  The metal side, top and front door all feature a thick rubber acoustic mat that acts as sound insulation for both transmission and vibration. 

From this photos you can also see the ball joints used to secure the panels to the main chassis.