Fractal Design Define 7 Case Review

In my case reviews I like to look at a particular chassis from the view of a casemodder as it gives me a different perspective to the case beyond if stuff will fit.  Of course, this was easier to do when cases actually required modification and these days just about any case you buy will come with a variety of things that every enthusiast requires.

Good Cooling
Expandability
Personalization Options
Great Outward Style

Cooling was always a major factor to consider and while that is not a primary focus of the Define 7 there are plenty of allowances for cooling in the case.  The front door features extremely large intake vents that are positioned 90 degrees from the fans.  This helps reduce fan noise and the acoustic mat on the aluminum door helps there too.  For those of you wanting to install a top mounted radiator the Define 7 comes with a completely different top panel to accommodate the additional cooling on demand at the expense of some sound absorption.

This is an important thing to call attention to as most cases designed for noise control do not offer a way to increase cooling.  The idea is if you want a better cooling case you buy a better cooling case.  The Define 7 offers the best of both.

When it comes to personalization options the Define 7 is a little light.  You get the option to pick a color combo along with a clear or tinted tempered glass side panel.  However, like the Ford Model-T you can pick any color provided they are Black or White.  Of course that nothing a can of paint cannot solve. 

When it comes to RGB options you are completely out of luck with the Define 7, or are you?  RGB is a highly personal design decision and one that is difficult to avoid.  For instance even though the Define 7 has no RGB a quick fan swap and a couple light strips later and you’re blazing with the rest of reddit on your RGB train to fame.

Of course RGB is only good when you have ways to view the pretty lights and the lack of a mesh or glass font panel robs you of a third of your potential lighting availability.  Simply put, RGB moderation should be practiced to remain civilized.

When it comes to expandability the Define 7 from Fractal Design is one of the best.  The case supports nine 120mm/140mm case fans, up to 15x 3.5” hard drives along with the option for a single 5.25” external drive.  While this is impressive only 9 hard drives are supported from the factory that is 6 more than any self respecting enthusiast needs.

Watercooling support is well beyond normal with options for radiators on four sides of the case ranging from 120mm (back) to 420mm (top) and 360mm (front) along with any 140mm variant smaller than the sizes listed.

There is even an option to support a vertical GPU however, the hardware required needs to be purchased separately.     

In terms of style and modifications I’m always pushing to have cases custom painted and the Define 7 offers a really good canvas for a custom design.  Every panel I would consider painting is made from steel making paint prep extremely easy.  Personally I’m not a fan of doors on a computer case, they serve no purpose and do nothing but get in the way.  I would much rather have an inlaid glass panel or a metal mesh with openings for the external 5.25” drive bay.

Overall I really like the Define 7 and is a case that really offers it all.  Clean design with great cooling, options for upgrades and a fine canvas for any custom build or mild mod.  I would ditch the bottom fan filter as that is an accident waiting to happen and enjoy the possibilities.

Wide Chassis Design
Options for Improved Cooling
Acoustic Panels
Many Radiator Options
Tempered Glass Side Panel
Seamless Panel Fitment
Color Combos Available
PWM Fan Controller
Clean Design

Bottom filter wants you to drop the box
Front door
Vertical GPU brackets not included
The case is a square