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Product test

Fractal Define 7: A new edition of the tried and tested

Kevin Hofer
20.2.2020
Translation: machine translated

Fractal's Define case enters its seventh round. The case with its timeless look - evil tongues would call it boring - has been improved in key areas and now looks even sleeker.

A black box. That's what the Define 7 looks like at first glance. I like it without frills and when it comes to PC cases, it's the inner values that count anyway.

The most important things at a glance:

Modular to the max

The Define 7 offers seven front ports: Two USB 3.0 type A, two USB 2.0 type A, one USB 3.1 type C and one audio and microphone port each. The power and reset button are located between these ports.

Like its predecessor, the Define R6, the Define 7 is modular. The case is suitable as a server as well as a gaming machine. The Define 7 has an open layout as standard. To convert it to the storage layout for servers, the rear panel next to the mainboard is moved to the front and mutates into a case bay. Additional drives can be mounted behind it.

The scope of delivery includes six brackets for 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch drives, two brackets for 2.5-inch drives and a multibracket. If you need more, you will need to buy them separately.

The available form factors are ATX, mATX, Mini ITX and E-ATX. E-ATX mainboards can be a maximum of 285 millimetres wide. The case measures 546.8×240×474.2 millimetres. This makes it slightly larger all round than its predecessor.

Everything where it belongs

Fractal has made access to the components easier with the new case: instead of using screws, the side panels are clipped in. This works great and the panels also hold when I shake the case properly.

The front flap, which can be opened for better airflow, is also only clicked into place. This ensures access from the front.

A fan controller is included in the scope of delivery. This offers space for six 3-pin fans and three 4-pin PWM fans. Fractal has revised the positioning. The controller is now located below the top panel. This means it takes up very little space and there is enough room for cable management at the rear. In the predecessor, the controller was placed more or less in the centre of the rear of the case.

All in all, it's fun to build in the Define 7. Everything fits and the workmanship is Fractal-typical top.

Test methodology

The most important thing about a case is the airflow. In other words: How efficiently is fresh, cool air transported into the case and out again? To test this, I subject the following components installed in the case to the HeavyLoad (for the CPU) and FurMark (for the GPU) stress tests:

I use the AMD Wraith Prism as the CPU cooler.

I run the tests eight times. Four times each with the supplied Dynamic X2 GP-14 fans from Fractal Design and four times with Noctua NF-A14 PWM Chromax. I use the Noctua fans so that I can compare the results with other cases. I carry out the first test with a sound-insulated top panel and the second with a ventilation slot top panel. I then carry out both tests again with the front flap open.

After five, ten, 15 and 20 minutes, I note the temperature of the thermometers, CPU, GPU, RAM and VRAM. After each test, I switch off the system and let it cool down.

Prima Airflow

How the Define 7 performs in the tests:

Here are all the results in tabular form:

The differences are also enormous for the CPU. 13° Celsius for the CPU temperature is worlds apart. The Noctua fans consistently perform better than the stock fans. The configuration does not have such a big influence on the GPU. The difference is only 3° Celsius between the best and worst configuration. For RAM and VRAM, the difference is 6° Celsius.

How the Define 7 compares to the Fractal Vector RS. You'll be reading this review in the next few days. For a better comparison, I will use the results of the most closed configuration and the most open configuration in the case with Nocuta fans.

Tried and tested reissued

Fractal Design has improved its predecessor in key areas with the Define 7. The cable guides are top-notch, as is the workmanship in general. Those who like simple cases will love the Define 7

In addition, the case is modular. Within seconds, you can convert it from a completely closed, low-noise case to an airflow specialist. When all the hatches are open, a relatively cool wind blows through the housing.

With all praise: Fractal hasn't changed much with the Define 7. The problem of a little less space on the back of the case remains. I like Fractal cases, but sometimes a little more courage in the design would be desirable.

If I were to build a new PC now, I would definitely put the Define 7 on my shortlist.

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