Fractal Design Define 7 XL Black Brushed Aluminum/Steel E-ATX Silent Modular Full Tower Computer Case – FD-C-DEF7X-01 Review
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Fractal Design Define 7 XL is a premium full-tower computer case designed for enthusiasts who prioritize silence, cooling, and expandability. This is a true beast of a case, with ample space for high-end components and a clean, minimalist aesthetic. In this review, I’ll put the Define 7 XL through its paces, evaluating its features, performance, and overall value.
Features
The Define 7 XL is packed with features:
- Spacious Interior: The E-ATX support means you can accommodate the largest motherboards and GPUs without compromise. It also provides generous space for multiple hard drives and cooling solutions.
- Excellent Cooling: The case boasts multiple pre-installed fans and ample space for additional fans or radiators, ensuring excellent airflow and temperature control even for high-powered builds.
- Modular Design: The Define 7 XL features a modular design that allows for easy cable management and customization. This makes building and upgrading your system a breeze.
- Sound Dampening: Fractal Design has incorporated sound-dampening materials throughout the case, making it exceptionally quiet even under heavy load.
- High-Quality Materials: The case is constructed from brushed aluminum and steel, giving it a premium look and feel.
Performance
During my testing, the Define 7 XL consistently impressed me:
- Silent Operation: The case remained remarkably quiet, even with a high-end CPU and GPU under full load. The sound-dampening materials effectively reduced noise levels to a whisper.
- Cool and Stable: The case’s excellent airflow and cooling performance kept my components running cool and stable, even during demanding gaming sessions and rendering tasks.
- Easy Assembly: The modular design made building my system a breeze. Cable management was effortless thanks to the dedicated cable routing channels and tie-down points.
Pros & Cons
**Pros:**
* Silent operation
* Excellent cooling
* Spacious interior
* Modular design
* High-quality materials
* Premium aesthetics
**Cons:**
* Relatively expensive compared to other cases
* Some might find the size overwhelming
Final Verdict
The Fractal Design Define 7 XL is a top-tier computer case that delivers on all fronts. It’s exceptionally quiet, offers excellent cooling, and provides ample space for high-end components. While the price might seem steep, the quality, features, and performance justify the investment. If you’re looking for a premium case that will serve you well for years to come, the Define 7 XL is an excellent choice.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model Number | FD-C-DEF7X-01 |
| Case Type | Full Tower |
| Material | Brushed Aluminum/Steel |
| Motherboard Support | E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX |
| Expansion Slots | 8 |
| Front Panel Ports | 2x USB 3.0, 1x USB 3.1 Type-C, Headset/Mic Combo Jack |
| Drive Bays | 2x 5.25″, 2x 3.5″ HDD/SSD, 6x 2.5″ SSD |
| Cooling (Front) | 3x 140mm fans (included) |
| Cooling (Top) | 3x 140mm fans (optional) |
| Cooling (Rear) | 1x 140mm fan (included) |
| Cooling (Bottom) | 2x 120mm fans (optional) |
| Radiator Support (Front) | 360mm/280mm/140mm |
| Radiator Support (Top) | 360mm/280mm/140mm/120mm |
| Radiator Support (Rear) | 140mm/120mm |
| Radiator Support (Bottom) | 120mm |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 232mm x 554mm x 546mm |
| Weight | 12.6 kg |
| Color | Black |