@@HardwareCanucks I hope I love the shape of the case and the cooling. I would also like one without fans for less so I can pick my own but it is really nice. I was just thinking about how much I would like a case that had rounded edges like this one.
I wonder if they put out a full tower case first so they can include all the bells and whistles and take feedback on what customers appreciate first so they know what they need to retain for smaller models. I imagine the smaller sizes generally require some compromises on features. I would really love to see a mid tower version of this, though.
The design is bad in my opinion. Now you're forced to have your PSU suck in hot air from inside the case. And now there's much less exhaust inside the chassis compared to intake. I'm not rockin with this design at all.
I had very similar layout with coolermaster case 13 years ago... Made openings for 2x120 fans at the bottom and a wooden stand. Had also 2x120 in the front and 1x120 in the back, all case fans @500-700rpm, pretty cool&quiet.
The design is bad in my opinion. Now you're forced to have your PSU suck in hot air from inside the case. And now there's much less exhaust inside the chassis compared to intake. But I guess it looks cool..
@@PabzRoz i will be interesting to see what the temperatures were on the cpu. Clearly it is an improvement and a good design for keeping your GPU cool, but that’s only one part of it, albeit a big part. Overall, the design I believe is pretty good, would be nice to have some more exhaust options tho
@@PabzRoz Check STeve @ Gamers Nexus. Temps are best in class or so close to best as difference is not meaningful. I like the apparent ease of changing modular cable on the PSU in this configuration
I built my PC this year (first time building), and I went with the Phanteks P360A after watching lots of case reviews. So even though I’m not in the market for a case right now, keep up the case reviews! Even if people aren’t currently looking to buy, these reviews stay relevant for future buyers.
Could be worth it, and definitely a pleasure when you start off with that being done for you. For my purposes I was very happy with the Pure DX that I built in last week. 3 fans built in and I got it for 80 at the egg on sale.
WTH? No top ventilation? Go to hell. We are living in 2021, not 1995, this case manufacturer doesn't have brain. A case must have mesh/holes on top. World is losing IQ.
@@Almighty_Flat_Earth Why? That's clearly not the airflow path intended for the case. The air is designed to be exhausted out the back, aided by the PSU fan. The case is a chart topper in performance, so complaining about a lack of top ventilation is silly.
@@ThunderingRoar Do they? Because I assure you my noctua cooler got destroyed when I switched to an artic 280mm aio. Temps are much better now and I can finally achieve a 5.0ghz oc.
WTH? No top ventilation? Go to hell. We are living in 2021, not 1995, this case manufacturer doesn't have brain. A case must have mesh/holes on top. World is losing IQ.
@@Almighty_Flat_Earth No it doesn't, adding in top vents just means air will not flow smoothly front to back when you have front and bottom intakes. This case also uses a top mounted PSU so the bottom is completely open for for up to 420mm radiators. Instead of doing a case basement, they did an attic. You can have an open top or open bottom but not both, unless you go multichambered like the O11 Dynamic but then you are wider foot print wise. But really this case is meant to be crazy good for air cooling, it seems like a solid successor to the Silverstone Raven RV02 or the Coolermaster HAF X from years back.
@@Almighty_Flat_Earth it's the best in airflow efficiency, and you come here telling us that the concept is wrong. That closed roof is for positive pressure...
What's original about it, other than a shroud on the psu. you could take a case from 2010 and mode it to do the same thing. In 2010 pc cases had top mounted psu's. I bet after a week or two the front won't look nice. have a front mounted aio and your cleaning it at least every week.
This is great. I never liked how the bottom power supply shroud looked, especially if it was full lenght. This looks (and physically is) way more open not just for air but also for light coming in and just looks way better with glass side panel. Good work Fractal.
Have to admit that is a beautiful looking case with originality! Looks like a modern architect designed building! They should have made the top panel and other side panel also like that.
This tower was the missing link to my in progress build that I never knew I needed! Previously was skimming through Corsair offerings, but this is incredibly fascinating.
I have always preferred full towers vs mid because, despite the fact I don't water cool my rigs it is very helpful to have extra room for whatever yoy want to put in there, you don't need to worry about large air cooler's size or gpu's size for that matter, also if one day yoy want to try a custom loop there's no need to change the case for it.
The possibility you'd want a new shiny case in case you have money to try custom loop in the future is higher though. There's nothing future-proof when it comes to PC, either you have the money to get new stuffs or not at all.
@@springvice That's true but depends on the person, I've had the same case for 8 years, a full tower Nvidia element V from Thermaltake, and I've no plans to change it anytime soon
@@calypsojordana3274 Small to medium cases have only been getting more popular. They can offer a more compact design, while still easily fitting a standard ATX motherboard and full size GPU. Smaller cases can even have better airflow, as there's less room for stagnant air and more efficient push pull. All my cases have been compact full ATX cases, currently I use a Define C. But I'd totally upgrade to a Torrent if they were similarly sized. Mainly because the Torrent would offer better airflow than the Define C, which instead prioritizes sound dampening with a clean look.
@@zsookah3 However, everyone says the opposite, that the larger the case, the lower the temperatures. Especially since you can put a radiator fan without worrying about the size, the same goes for graphics cards. Unless you live in a small space or carry your PC for LAN, I don't see any point in choosing a small case. I think that micro atx are just a fashion among those who are stupidly following the trend. And a passion for masochistic neurotics who like to fit as much stuff as possible in a very small thing Be honest and dare to tell me that I am wrong
I’ve had a top of the line computer and a 20$ Amazon case for about 4 years now. Finally upgraded apon the release of this case. The case is exactly what I wanted. All about airflow. No fluff, it looks beautiful, and preforms top of class for price.
I love the design and direction of this case, especially thinking different on air intake and PSU placement! Agree this is big for my taste, but would love to see their take on an ITX case in this vein!
If I didn't have my Lancool II mesh I would've taken that for sure. Looks awesome. Edit : Nvm, when he told the price I almost fell out of my chair. I already had to pay extra for my case in France... (original price of the Lancool II mesh : 90$, price in France..... : 130€)
Do mind, that the US prices are always WITHOUT taxes. I don't know the tax rate in France but I think it's pretty high. In Germany it's 19% so we have to add that much to the asking price at least.
I built a new system in April, I used a Corsair 5000D airflow. I’ve never liked my own systems to be small form factor, although I like the aesthetic, I just prefer lots of space so that I have options for upgrades because I use my system more for work than gaming.
I love this case but I would love it even more if they can make another version of this smaller like Meshify 2 Compact and Meshify C due to the limited space I have. A HUGE Step-up for Fractal!
Great video! a comment for Fractal: I wish they would offer a model without any fans, that way we can save money on this case and use our own RGB fans from a previous build!
I've been asking this for years ... but unfortunately a case without fans (even though it might be cheaper) will always underperform in sales and will look bad in temp charts. -D.
I love this case. I love the Define and the Cosmos series from Cooler Master and this case has great cooling capabilities so I guess that's the one. Great review as always. I've missed case reviews 👍 great job D
I tell you what, I've been building PCs for myself and friends and family since 1994, Fractal Design is BY FAR the best and most convenient to build in. Smart solutions, good design choices, no sharp edges and it just BREATHES quality all over the case. Their cases almost always have, in my opinion, a clean and aesthetic look by design. So that's what I'm paying extra for, with pleasure. I don't think I'll ever go back to cheaper cases just because they cost less.
I think the price is justifiable when you figure in the fans. If you want these ARGB fans on their own it would cost you $130 of the $230 price. That puts the case itself at $100 for a great looking case with really good build quality and attention to detail.
Funny you should ask if people are still building. I just recently upgraded from my crusty 8 year old $35 Rosewill case because I managed to get my hands on a 3080. That card is freaking big... I settled on a Pure Base 500DX. Coming from that bargain basement Rosewill, the 500DX is a dream to build in, as I'm sure this thing was. The Fractal cases have always been a crowd pleaser, though, with their edgy and trend-setting design. Glad to see this review. Thanks!
@@Dog-po1yx I also have Noc D15, plus a Noc A14 as a third fan. Getting 60-65 on a quiet fan curve in games and 88 absolute max in Prime95 and Furmark running simultaneously. My clocks are going around 4,8GHz in games and all core load. Cinebench R23 record is 23473 atm
@@Dog-po1yx Ye, that case is a aircooling beast (Y) Plus my 3090 is sitting at 72 in Furmark at the same time :D Though, at 80 on my CPU all of the fans are at 100% at that moment, so GPU also gets plenty of cold air coming in.
I like when you tap with your finger on the glass before maxing fans for sound test it realyy givers prespetive, since you can watch youtube whit Hi-fi studio monitor,earbuds, or smartphone, TV etc.Never seen any review do that. 👍
I’ve been patiently waiting to upgrade my case, the itx life just doesn’t seem to be for me anymore, and I’m still worried my H1 will burn my house down 😂 this case is beautiful though, I think it might be the one!
I like the design and the placement of the psu at the top of the case. The only problem I see is if you want to run any type of water cooling you really only have 2 choices, the front of the case and the back of the case. I would not recommend putting a radiator at the bottom of the case because air rises and will stay at the top where the pump/water block on the cpu is located and can lower the lifespan of the pump. Other than that I think the case is great for airflow and the design is awesome.
There really isn't a need for water cooling with this case - as all you will do is delay the heat release back into the case from below or front. This would heat up the other components on the way out of the case. Water cooling doesn't actually make things cooler, it just changes the mode of transporting heat and when that heat is dissipated into the room.
The real reason for the cost is those fans. I prices out a lan cool 2 with comparable fans and came within ten dollars for good fans. Considering most fans are 15 to 20 dollars for a good fan, even the "budget" 100 range ends up similar, so you nailed it on the head when you state it's convenance. Either way I'd be torn between this or anything else. Get my fans and enough room for a fat radiator and not have a PSU blocking the cool under case air with a smart airflow design? I'm sold. Love the video and how well you highlighted it's design.
They've finally somewhat fixed the messy front fan mounting panel from the Meshify 2s and almost messed up on everything else.. Oh Fractal, what are u doin'?
I learned how to overclock my 6700K recently so I'm not planning to build a new machine for at least two more years, but I still watch these videos because I'm planning what my next system should be like.
Only the 2 x 180 mm in the front and 1 x 140mm in the back + PSU fan sucking left overs from air cooled CPU rad is the deciding factor. Those 3 elements are crucial the 2 x 180 mm in the front are 38 mm thickness - low RPM , low noise and high volume of air will beat very easy 3 x120 mm. Rad on the bottom is bad idea, air will be trapped in the pump. Design is very good, the look is more like '60-70s building, but is practical in cooling and that is the important factor. Bravo Fractal !!! Finally something that I thought about long time ago. PSU up and 2 x 220MM fans front and 1x180 mm back(which is hard to achieve) even 2x 140mm in the back is not very practical has to be a very tall case.
Wow! I'm dreaming a lot of upgrading rn (but can't afford) and this is a lot like the case I had in my head! Feels a bit like a prediction :D I want a mid-tower though. Great vid :)
As to your initial question. I'm watching because I am upgrading my tower. The tower I currently have is probably the most inconvenient case I've ever worked with.
I wish cases came in a cheaper fanless edition for people like me who are going to go with Noctua fans either way. Either way the Torrent doesn't offer me anything new I care about which my Meshify C doesn't already have
I built my last PC in a Dreaded MSI case.... Mainly because I couldn't find a Case that really tugged at me.... But this is the new home for that Hardware... Its not gaudy Guess buying that MSI case on sale was the right play. Cause I can just toss it for $30-40
Holy crap I cant believe they actually made a version with solid side panels!! Bless their hearts, I thought those cases were all but extinct in this day and age. Bringing one of those bad boys home the moment I find!
I'm not in a market for a new PC case, I have a 12 year old Cooler-Master High Air Flow alluminium case, all i've upgraded is a USB 3 5.25" USB panel (7x USB 3). I use Air cooling only, but with a great case it's all you need. All maintenance i do is clean filters and change fans every 3 years.
This is what I have been sending Corsair emails about a long time ago (I think I told Fractal in a RU-vid comment of a case review). We don't need the Power Supply at the bottom anymore getting cool air when you got some of them not even turning on their fans. This would better serve to cool the GPU, and give the Front intake to the CPU.
I just got this, and I absolutely love it. I have a heavily overclocked cpu and graphics card, and they both stay below 69c during intense gaming sessions. 5600x @4700 Mhz up to 120 watts, 3080 ftw3 12GB tp to 450 watt draw. scythe fuma 2 air cooler in stock config, case in stock config. 100 percent cpu cooler fan in bios, case fans go to 100 percent when cpu hits 35c to ensure max gpu cooling while gaming. If you buy this case and your gpu is getting hot, it's because they had you hook up the case fans to the cpu cooler so they only run when your cpu gets hot.
I know this is late, but I'm high. A few months ago, my house burned down, and I lost my first "from scratch build", along with some other irreplacable things, won't depress you with the details. I've decided that, despite my working class paycheck, I'm going to replace everything I lost, but everything will be better. Not an option for everything, such as the PS5, I've since replaced it, but make it better? I guess I could upgrade the SSD. I wanted bigger though. PC was a 5600x, 32gb ram, m.2, 3070, with some aesthetic touches. Weirdly enough, the PC was one of the only things that didn't turn to ash, you could still tell what it was in the aftermath. Anyway, I bought a nice gold metal leg/faux marble wood desk, a 34" LG Ultrawide, aaaand a Fractal Torrent Compact. One piece at a time.
I have used ITX for 3 years now and I am done with it because I don't need it to be portable or small anymore. This case looks great for going full atx again! I do like the non rgb options because some rgb lights interfere with my sound equipment.
Great coverage on this case! I saw this case in Snazzy Labs more recent Hackintosh video and fell in love with the look. I’ve been using a self-modded 2006 Mac Pro case for what’s now a Threadripper and 3090 Combo. Side panel open at all times while rendering long projects pretty much. Only reason was that at the time I built into that case there was nothing that caught my attention as a sleek non-gamery look. This even having the top mounted PSU like that Mac Pro is pretty cool too imo
I've been using Fractal Design cases for pretty much all of my builds (personal, professional, friends, etc) since maybe 2012 or 2013. The first Fractal case I got was the Arc Midi R2, primarily because, at that time, it was one of the biggest cases I could find with tons of support for additional SATA storage + pretty good airflow. I had been wanting to get a new case for awhile, primarily just for aesthetics. I am just not a fan of monolithic simple rectangles. It is a perfectly functional case and serves all of my needs just fine, but I really just wanted something that _looked_ better but still had support for all the things I wanted. I still use HDDs and SSDs, in tandem with NVMEs. I use literally all of it, because I just like having lots and lots of storage space. But most cases I've seen over the last couple of years don't really meet all of these needs. They either lack good airflow, don't have support for enough internal storage devices, or just don't look that great. I'm sorry, but even the more recent cases from the last few years are still pretty much just monolithic rectangles, but with extra flair in the form of a tempered glass side panel. Pretty much all of them from all these different companies look exactly the same, on the outside, with a few very minor differences like beveled edges or rounded corners. When I saw the Torrent I knew it was a case I wanted, it was just difficult to justify the cost because, again, my existing case worked just fine. Eventually I said screw it and bit the bullet and I'm glad I did. It looks amazing, it was super easy to build in, and it supports enough internal storage for my needs. I really wanted a case that could either meet or beat the air cooling temperatures I could get out of the Arc Midi, while still having all the stuff I knew I needed from it. The Torrent seemed like the best answer to that. Mostly I just _really_ liked the way it looked, and it having support for all the stuff I need in a case was perfect. This is the coolest looking case I've ever seen, it really does look unique without being too over the top. All-in-all it is a really great case, both in aesthetics and how easy it is to build in. Top-mounted PSU was an interesting choice but I see exactly why they did it. In my opinion it makes more sense to use front and bottom for intakes, because that is where the coolest air will be around the case. Even though I will _never_ utilize all of the interior space, I prefer working in cases with LOTS of room. They are _so_ much easier to build in. If I had to choose between building in, say, the Torrent Compact, or the original E-ATX Torrent, I'd pick the original E-ATX torrent every time just because all that extra space really does make it much easier to build in. Interestingly, the Arc Midi R2 was Fractal's answer to creating a robust case that was built with good airflow in mind, whether it was for air cooling or liquid cooling. It supported tons of expandable internal storage, and it had lots of open space and even big ol' fans on the front. The Torrent is just the next evolution of _that_ case, in my opinion. So it seems funny to me that I've basically upgraded to the more attractive version of that same case.
Just built in Fractal Design Compact 2, and extremely happy. This seems cool to, I have come to like Fractal so much just from the case, then got the Prisma and power supply and all have been fantastic.
Very impressive case and layout. They went overboard (in a good way) with the case fans, especially with those unique 180mm intake, and probably the most unique aspect is the barely visible fan hub and trying to take more usage of a tower's upper section. Having to install a PSU on the bottom is very much the norm, but having to install on top again like the old days of PC cases is welcomed back. However, I wouldn't pay nearly $200. More like $150.
I have a gorgeous full-size tower. It's piano gloss black, like the monoliths in 2001. However, even with some rather good components ( 6-core, suitable mobo, 16 Ram, fast HDD, 1661Ti overclocked and with sensible memory) it just doesn't play games coming out now, like Medieval Dynasty, X4, let alone Star Citizen, Cyberpunk, whatever. If I upgrade cooling is a serious issue. My room gets uncomfortably warm when the sun is on this side of the house. Whatever I get will have to be overcooled and underclocked, or otherwise managed for coolness. Should be fun!
I got the grey one and it goes very well with my peerless assassine 120SE and my grey 6700XT eagle, cool metal looking design. My old case had a good airflow with a big 170mm noctua fan on the side and 3 fast running 120mm fans in a big tower, but with this case my temps went down about 10 degrees for the GPU and CPU at about 70% fanspeed. The case has a lot of plastic but it doesnt feel cheap. I think 180 bucks is fine for a long investment (the 180mm fans cost like 30-40 bucks each, so..).
Man this case looks beautiful! I really hope they make an ITX version that keeps the 140mm fans, but maybe moves to an sfx/l psu to save space. Two 280s in this layout would be amazing.
I love changing out my case. I regularly do case swaps without changing much or any internal hardware, and I can't wait to put my system in one of these!
I love that thing! I'm not even remotely thinking about building a new system with the GPU prices and availability right now so my interest in PC tech channels has been at an all-time low. But I just had to click on that thumbnail! Lovely, thoughtful case!
