Fractal DesignDefine R5 - Mid Tower Computer Case - ATX - Optimized for High Airflow and Silent - 2X Fractal Design Dynamic GP-14 140mm Silent Fans Included - Water-Cooling Ready - Black

I finally hit the point of needing to replace the old case for my home computer, which had outlasted a couple motherboard/CPU combinations, and wanted a case that would be quieter, better fit the outsized heatsink fan/combo on my CPU, and be easier to work in. I'd narrowed it down to a short list, nearly got the Fractal Design Define R7, and then settled on the Define R5 because of the lower price and because the R7 would not have shipped for several weeks. I'm glad I went for this- the R5 is just the maximum size I would have wanted, and anything more would have been too large to comfortably fit the free space under my desk.When I got the Define R5 case, the first thing I realized is that it's the same case as my new computer at work; a bunch of our work machines were replaced with upgraded computers at the beginning of 2020, and I've been very happy with it there, so that was promising. Second thing I noticed was that the instructions were beautifully clear, in perfect English with good illustrations, making it much easier to go through setting up. (+ other languages, of course.) The third thing was, well, everything about this case.This is what people talk about when they say "Scandinavian design" - the focus on both function and aesthetics, with conscientious attention to even small details. It's all perfectly thought out, from the internal layout, the flexibility to change the layout around, the aesthetics even on the inside of the case, soundproofing, to cable routing and the careful selection of mounting screws and hardware - everything is incredibly thoughtfully planned.A few highlights:+++ Easy to work in - I've been building my own PCs since the late '80s (yes, really) and this is by far the easiest I've ever worked with in terms of how things go together.+++ The soundproofing is fantastic. As I sit here writing this review, I can't hear a single sound from this computer, unlike my old case. The case fans are completely silent, and the dampening on the panels cuts out any noise from the power supply.+++ Air flow is great - with just the two included 140mm fans, the board and CPU are staying cool despite moderate overclocking, but you could mount additional fans up to 6 more places if you thought you needed them. (3 top, 1 front, 1 bottom, 1 side panel.)++ Good drive mounting - you could fit an absurd number of hard drives in here, and they have lightweight metal snap-in "sled" mounts to make it easy to fit them in place, with rubber grommets to absorb drive vibration; besides those, there are two special mounts for 2.5" SSDs on the back of the motherboard tray.++ 2 USB 3.0, 2 USB 2.0 slots, plus audio jacks on front top of the case where they're easy to reach, and a nice-looking power switch.++ Every mounting screw or component you will need, all good quality and black finished, with thumb screws wherever appropriate. There are rubber vibration-absorbing grommets for the hard-drive mounts, black cable zip-ties, and even a little plastic socket to slip over the hexagonal mobo mounting posts to make it easy to tighten them properly.+ Cable routing options - several cut-outs with rubber diaphragms to let you route cables around the backside (right) of the case to keep them out of sight, velcro ties to pull them together; well-designed/routed cables to the front-panel switches, audio, LEDs, and case fan(s).+ Alternative layouts - the instruction booklet shows you a number of ways you can change things around internally. Want the power supply on top instead of on the bottom? Want to mount a water-cooling system? Want to take out some of the drive cages, or reorient them? Want 3 more intake fans? There are a bunch of ways to do it.+++ Looks extremely classy, especially if you're into minimalist black monoliths, as I am. Blame the movie '2001'I can't think of many negatives, but for the sake of completeness:- The fan mount positions, especially the second front fan, really call for 140mm fans. I was going to stick a spare 120mm there but couldn't see how best to attach it. It's fine, as it's ended up not really needing it for airflow. I may buy another 140mm to add in later.- If you just have to have a 3.5" floppy drive or tape drive for old time's sake, you'll have to fit it into one of the two 5" optical drive slots. Sorry.

This case is an excellent case. It has 2 USB2 and 2 USB3 in the front of the case. Which was a selling point for me. I wanted 4 USBs in the front and wanted at least 2 of them to be USB3. I love the case door that opens to expose the fans and the 5.2 drives. I.E the BluRay/DVD burner. Which it has 2 slots for. The door also can be reversed to open the other way.The material quality seems excellent. It comes with plenty of hardware for assembling. There is plenty of room on the inside for building. And plenty of places to tie off your wires. Along with nice holes cut out with rubber to run your wires.My only cons are this..The case comes with a switch to run your fans. I ignored this feature and ran my fans to the motherboard so I could control them. If you use the case, it seems to just be on and off, or there might be a off,low,hi type deal. But I chose to go the MB route.The sound is louder than I was expecting. This was sold as a quiet case. With sound dampening materials. But it is as loud as my old case. Even with the top covers in place. I can still hear my CPU fan going. One of the big reasons I went with this case was because it was suppose to be quiet. This one is in my bedroom and stays on at all times. So I wanted something that was going to be quieter than my old case. This was not. I wouldnt say it is extra loud. But it isnt as quiet as advertised.OVERALL..I would definitely recommend this case. If you dont care about the RGBs, or showing off the inside. This is a great case. If you need alot of spots for hard drives. If you want a case that helps keep the dust out. This is the case for you. It has 2 dust filters and the top of the case can be covered so dust doesnt fall into it.Also, it seems now a days. Cases are being made without the 5.25 drive spots. This has 2. You may not need a bluray burner. Or you can just get an external. BUT... That isnt the only thing these spots are for. If you would like to add an SD reader, a USBc, or just want to add extra USB spots. These can be used for that as well. Which is another reason I picked this case. So I can have a BR burner as well as a SD reader for cameras.

I used to buy Antec cases and on a suggestion I bought a Lian-Li for my older build, but wear and tear on it and it was ugly on the outside.I wanted something sleek, minimal and no side glass as I am not one of those LED and tempered glass peasants. I don’t need a damn nightclub in my computer whilst I game. I want raw horsepower and class and this case adds class and style to any build.First off the heft of the thing is amazing. The frame and sound dampening material make the case a bit heavy, but it feels great! It feels like my money went into a quality product.The sheer amount of customization inside the case blew me away. I removed the entire optical drive cage and top HDD cage for better airflow for my build (I don’t have 8 hard drives lol) with just a few screws. Add the nice “stealth” SSD mounts behind the motherboard and the inside looks clean and maximizes the airflow inside.On the back side are three Velcro straps to help with cable management as well as rubber openings for either cables or tubes if you went the water cooling route.The included fans push a nice amount of air through the case and with the internal 3 speed fan controller included in the case I can put them on the highest speed for those summer days where I need to keep the rig cooler and yet you CANNOT hear the damn things.If it wasn’t for me actually using my rig I would not know the damn thing is even on because it is almost SILENT when it is right next to me. Hell my CPU cooler is louder than and damn case fans when they are on the max speed!I almost want to tear the whole thing apart just to rebuild it again because it was an amazing experience.Amazing product quality and design!You have earned yourself a lifelong customer.