Hands-on review of the Fractal Design Define R4 Computer Case

Key Features

• High density noise-reducing material for an optimal silent case – To achieve a high level of noise reduction, material with mass should be incorporated which is what we strive to achieve with the dense bitumen used on the side panels
• Patent pending ModuVent™ design allowing the user to choose between optimal silence or maximum airflow
• Top HDD cage (5 trays total) can be rotated 90 degrees or removed for additional airflow or to accommodate long graphic cards up to 430mm in length
• Three-speed fan controller is strategically integrated in the front panel and supports up to 3 fans
• Two Silent Series R2 fans included, featuring hydraulic bearings contributing to a longer life expectancy – Silent Series R2 retail fans will now come standard in all cases
• Wider case body that allows for improved cable routing behind the motherboard – now 26mm wide
• New tool-less front fan holder makes switching front fans a breeze
• Two SSDs can be mounted on the back of the motherboard plate

Specifications

• ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITX motherboard compatibility
• 7 + 1 expansion slots
• 2 – 5.25″ bays
• 8 – 3.5″ HDD trays – all compatible with SSDs, 2 – 2.5″ extra SSD positions
• 3 – ModuVent plates – two in the top and one in the side
• 7 – fan positions (2 Silent Series R2 fans included)
• Filtered fan slots in the front and bottom
• CPU coolers up to 170mm tall (when no fan is installed in the side panel)
• ATX PSUs up to 170mm deep when using the bottom fan location, when not using this fan location longer PSUs (up to 270mm deep) can be used
• Graphics cards up to 295mm in length with the top HDD cage installed
• With the top cage removed, graphics cards up to 430mm in length may be installed
• 26mm of space for cable routing behind the motherboard plate
• Thick rubber grommets on all holes on the motherboard plate
• Colours available: Black Pearl, Titanium Grey, Arctic White
• Case dimensions (WxHxD): 232 x 464 x 523mm
• Package dimensions (WxHxD): 320 x 535 x 610mm
• Net weight: 12,3 kg

Cooling / ventilation

• 1 – Front hydraulic bearing 140mm Silent Series R2 fan, 1000 RPM speed (included)
• 1 – Front 120/140mm fan
• 1 – Rear hydraulic bearing 140mm Silent Series R2 fan, 1000 RPM speed (included)
• 2 – Top 120/140mm fans – positions also support some models of 240 radiators, depending on configuration
• 1 – Bottom 120/140mm fan
• 1 – Side 140mm fan
• 1 – Integrated fan controller for up to 3 fans (included)

Front interface

• 2 – USB 3.0, 2 – USB 2.0
• Audio I/O
• Power button with LED (blue)
• Reset button
• Fan controller (behind door)

What’s in the Box?

The box itself is quite large and heavy! As usual it shows a lot of information on the case – and now its in a brown box instead of the trademark glossy black boxes Fractal used to use.

Inside the case itself you will find a small black box that contains all the screws that you could ever require for the case, and a manual.

There is also a manual.

A Closer Look at the Define R4

As I said earlier, the Define R4 is quite large!

The case itself looks amazing. The front of the case doesn’t have any buttons at all, so it looks very sleek. The back shows all the slots and ports and fans you would expect. The rear of the case shows another fan and lots of available slots and vents, and the area for the power supply.