Fractal Design Define 7 XL Black Brushed Aluminum/Steel E-ATX Silent Modular Dark Tinted Tempered Glass Window Full Tower Computer Case

Product Information

Now, Fractal has released its Define 7, a successor to its already brilliant Define R6. With this generation, Fractal has decided to drop its R-series brand name, instead favouring a simpler numbered naming scheme.Â

Standardized thermal testing puts the Define 7 at a natural disadvantage, because it’s one of the only cases we’ve worked with that runs as quietly as it does; in fact, the Define 7 is below our 36dBA normalized threshold for noise testing, plotting instead at 34.6dBA, and that’s with its included fans at maximum speed. Even still, with this noted, the case is doing better in CPU thermals than a few others on the chart. An extra 1dBA worth of fan RPMs honestly wouldn’t change much in this setup, anyway, but might propel it more toward the O11 XL or Helios. The GPU thermals put the Define 7 actually very near the top of the chart. This, we think, is again because of the GPU intake through the rear of the case as a result of the pressure system being created. Conclusion: Fractal Define 7 Review If you need something big, Fractal’s Define 7 XL has you covered, and then some. If this case doesn’t have enough space for you, then nothing on the consumer market will. Partitioning the boot drive: https://www.truenas.com/community/resources/i-have-to-waste-an-entire-drive-just-for-booting.187/ The main question that prospective Define 7 or Meshify 2 users must ask is these questions. Which case best suits your budget, styling, and hardware needs. If you need optical bays, you need the Define 7. If you don’t want a flat front panel, use the Meshify 2. Do you prefer noise-deadening or do you prefer direct airflow?ÂWith the drives spaced out, the hardest part was actually to figure out how to get the power cables to reach to all the drives- my PSU has enough connections but not much to spare for connectors that are in between distant components. Hard Drive Troubleshooting Guide : https://www.truenas.com/community/r...bleshooting-guide-all-versions-of-freenas.17/ PCTestBench also notes the fantastic build quality, saying it has “zero sharp edges, tons of small but incredibly useful features, and even knurled drive screws”. OC3D.net calls the Meshify 2 XL a redefined Define 7 XL.

Though there are multiple studies which suggest that hard drive temperature and their failure rate don’t correlate, they all rely on keeping the hard drives well within the 5° to 60° range, which manufacturers specify. Were you to install 18 drives in your Unraid build and have them constantly spinning you can expect them to produce a significant amount of heat.

Fractal Define 7/Define 7 XL Review

The HDD cage under the PSU shroud fits two drive sleds, but with so many mounting options inside the case, that’s barely worth mentioning. What is worth mentioning is that Fractal has fully taken advantage of the extremely long case form factor by mounting the cage on rails that allow it to be placed anywhere from right against the PSU to flush with the front panel. Even better, the rails can be used to mount HDDs or fans directly to the bottom of the chassis as well. Putting fans under the PSU shroud like this has limited usefulness (although the top of the shroud is ventilated), but Fractal was able to provide that option and so they did, which is a mentality we appreciate. More options is better than fewer. x WD Green 3D NAND (120GB, 2.5") - - Boot drives (maybe mess around trying out the thread to put swap here too link) ZIL and SLOG: https://www.truenas.com/community/threads/some-insights-into-slog-zil-with-zfs-on-freenas.13633/ All-In-One Affordable, easy to install, maintenance-free liquid cooler with class-leading performance