Fractal Design Define 7 Case Review

Cooling your PC is one of the great mysteries of the known universe.  Enthusiasts that enjoy open air cooling know that without a case you simply need a fan blowing over the heatsinks to keep things cool.  Inside a case you also need a fan but since cooler air can sometimes be restricted you need a few more to move things along.

The Fractal Design Define 7 supports a total of nine 120mm/140mm fans and comes with three 140mm fans from the factory.  Two located in the front and a single out back.

You can install a total of three fans in the front of the Define 7 with the option to position them anywhere using the slotted mounting holes in the case.  If you choose to install an external 5.25” drive you’ll lose one cooling fan up front.

Speaking of the front panel the Define 7 features an Aluminum door to complete the minimalist clean look and hide the large cooling vents.  While doors are famous for blocking airflow it does feature some rather large venting holes along the side that are large enough to flow air from any fans you wish to install.

The front bezel features a removable fan filter that pops out with some effort.  In fact it was almost easier to remove the entire front panel than just the filter so expect some resistance.

One of the most common places to install additional fans is across the top.  This is a natural collection spot for heated air and made famous by the “blow hole” mods casemodders would install.  The Define 7 supports a total of three 140mm fans across the top or a 420 radiator if you are using 120mm fans and are not using the 5.25” drive bay.

Much like the front panel installing an external drive will limit you to two fans.

Of course installing fans here is pointless unless you can get the air outside (or inside) the case which leads me to one of the coolest features of the Define 7. A fully replaceable top panel.

From the factory the top panel is solid and comes with a thick rubber acoustic mat similar to the front and side panels.  In the accessory box you’ll find a replacement top that when snapped in place offers full venting of the chassis while retaining the minimalist design aesthetic.

Fractal Design has included the Nexus+ 2 PWM fan Hub with the Define 7 and is located at the top of the case in the cable channel.  Input voltage is the standard 12v with a maximum current of 2.6A @ 30W.

This controller can manage up to three PWM fans and a total of six additional 3-pin fans.  There are protections against short circuits and offers power regulation to ensure that your fans are protected and spin when they are supposed to. 

Power and PWM signals come from a SATA power connection and a motherboard fan header respectively.