Fractal Design launches Define Mini case
We can't deny that the Define Mini looks pretty adorable as far as cases go.
The Define Mini boasts compatibility with both micro-ATX and mini-ITX motherboards, yet it still has a staggering total of six fan mounts, two of which come with fans fitted. It’s great to see so much cooling potential on offer in such a small case, although the full total of fans is likely to result in a lot of noisy turbulence. However, we won’t know for sure until we get to put one through its paces in our labs.
As the Mini is a part of Fractal’s Define range, it also features the same noise dampening side panels and ModuVent fan mount covers that we saw in the Define R3 and Define XL. These should help to keep a system mounted inside the Define Mini quiet, but also add a fair bit of weight – the Define mini weighs in at a relatively portly 9.5kg.
The Define Mini has a UK MSRP of £69.90 ($85.95) and should be available in the new year, although we’ve not had any news about stockists yet. Until then, you'll have to be content with pawing over the pictures below.
Click to enlarge
Does the Define Mini look like a good home for a media PC, or even a small but quietly powerful LAN PC? Let us know your thoughts in the forums.
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Discuss in the forums ReplyBeast (Antec P180 Mini): 283 x 510 x 515 mm (WxHxD)
So smaller than the Beast all round.
The Define Mini looks great, can't wait for a review.
But I am sure they have thought of that. Looking at it for a potential next upgrade.. :)
"Supports graphic cards with lengths up to ca 260mm when removable HDD-bay is in place"
"Supports graphic cards with lengths up to ca 400mm when HDD-bay is removed "
"No PSU included (removable filter below PSU)M/B compatibility: Mini ITX and Micro ATX "
Source: http://www.fractal-design.com/?view=product&category=2&prod=58
No it isn't.
There are filters.
dunx
A Sugo SG30 is what I call a real µATX-case with 200 x 360 x 312 mm. Space for 2x 3.5"HDD + 1x 5.1/4" optical and you can even fit GPUs of up to 10.5". A H50 or H70 for cooling the CPU and voila you've even rexolved the issue of the PSU-positioning not allowing for big coolers.
I'm not impressed at all tbh and would rather buy a normal sized Define R3 instead.
+1 but i'm sure BT will be doing a full review ASAP.
Now just need to find a company that does nice wooden boxes for transport of full rig.
Im sick and tired of cases that force me to remove the whole motherboard to install a bracket for cpu cooler upgrades.
Yeah, they'd cut that massive hole in the motherboard tray then rivet the far side access panel on just to piss you off.
Think about it.
Have you seen the Corsair Obsidian 800D ???
:)
Do you even know what you're talking about? Both panels can be removed for the 800D.
before the confusion carries on ..... this is what im talking about
http://www.swisspac.com.my/home/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Corsair-800dgallery7.jpg
Yes, because that hole is too small.
Where's my rolleyes emoticon?!
Yes, the Define Mini, is slightly smaller, although that is likely to make it even more difficult to build a system inside it, and you may have trouble if you want to use large coolers like the gelid tranquillo.
It seems to me that the Define is aimed at lower-spec machines, while the Mini180 caters to those who want a high-performance system in as small a package as possible.
Overall, it looks like a nice case, though.
What's this?
Okay, just read the Sandy-bridge article...scratch the sabertooth.
http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/02/fractal-designs-define-mini-custom-pc-case-ditches-leds-for-sty/
I posted my comments in support of Fractal, which most "E" readers haven't heard of until now... I also linked to bit-tech, in regards to Fractal's presence here, in responding to member feedback about their products bit-tech has posted in past. Please post comments too, if you're a Fan of Fractal ;)
My video review of the define R2, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yw6U0w2eWos
Fractal's initial focus was making cases for "Silent PC" consumers, but discovered their simple exteriors appealed to a much broader range of users. The comparison to Antec's P series isn't a bad thing, but "P" is showing it's age. The last revision Antec made, was this strange cover on the access panel, so "P" could accommodate taller and modern CPU coolers. This is an example of "Lazy" manufacturing and a reminder that Antec wants to focus more on cases aimed at Gamers, not Silence. Compared to Antec, Fractal's cases have more space for HDs, more fan options, better cable routing holes with grommets and a filtered intake for bottom mounted PSU..
fyi: Fractal Design will be at CES this weekend, at the Venetian Hotel and they will have US Retailers very soon!
Wouldn't you be better off with one of the new SandyBridge i5's?
vs
Mini = 210 x 395 x 490mm
Diference = +2.6mm -45mm and - 31.2 mm
Why bother with the 'smaller' version, In my opinion its hardly smaller at all. You gain a few cm of desk/floor space and loose ATX compatablility and some hard drive slots.
http://www.abload.de/img/hptehz6zx8an2.jpg
A or B.
With A I'll get rid of both the drivecages and install the HDDs into the 5.1/4" slots, and with B I could use the lower drivecage.
I got my R3 from Newegg, so I assume they'll be carrying this new case too. After looking for 5 seconds here it is
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811352011
It look amazing, now they just need a full tower
edit, holy thread revival batman