Fractal Design Define R4 - Is it the right choice?

[kevior]

Evening all. So I'm looking at getting a new case because, as some of you may have seen my current one is shit. I was looking at Tom's review of the define R4 and it looks alright. I would like to know if there is anything else that you would go for in that sort of price range.

If I go for the R4 I would be going with the black windowed version. This is because most of my accessories are black or will be black when upgraded.

Thanks for reading and any replies I am very grateful for.

 

[jamesriley94]

The R4 is a good case.

Personally, I've never really been into the whole sound-deadening thing however.

What about the Arc Midi? Or the Coolermaster CM 690 (there's a new version coming out within a couple of weeks).

 

[Cru]

i pretty much love the fractal design cases, built multiple systems with them

so maybe take a look at the arc midi r2, but the define r4 is a great choice as well

 

[NeverBackDown]

I own the R4 black window verison. Quality is fanatastic. Of course its not perfect like any other case but its darn near close! I always recommend fractal first. Most people that i introduce them to love it and end up choosing them. Not always but a lot of the times they do...

I sort of regret buying it though.. Wish i had gone for Arc Midi R2 or the Xl version that will soon be released.. or even the R4 XL if it had a window. Custom watercooling is the only reason for regretting it but other than that it's perfect.. A H100i or H220 or even the Thermaltake 240 2.0 can fit in the roof though if pre-built is what you want to do.

 

[kevior]

I own the R4 black window verison. Quality is fanatastic. Of course its not perfect like any other case but its darn near close! I always recommend fractal first. Most people that i introduce them to love it and end up choosing them. Not always but a lot of the times they do...

I sort of regret buying it though.. Wish i had gone for Arc Midi R2 or the Xl version that will soon be released.. or even the R4 XL if it had a window. Custom watercooling is the only reason for regretting it but other than that it's perfect.. A H100i or H220 or even the Thermaltake 240 2.0 can fit in the roof though if pre-built is what you want to do.

Thanks for your reply. That's very helpful. I don't plan to do any custom water cooling in this case because the custom stuff is just so expensive. I'll take a look at the modi and let you know what I think

The R4 is a good case.

Personally, I've never really been into the whole sound-deadening thing however.

What about the Arc Midi? Or the Coolermaster CM 690 (there's a new version coming out within a couple of weeks).

I've briefly looked at the 690 and arc midi but I'll go take another look now. Thanks

i pretty much love the fractal design cases, built multiple systems with them

so maybe take a look at the arc midi r2, but the define r4 is a great choice as well

OK, will do thanks for your response

I've looked at the 690 iii and it looks okay i guess. I think i would have to wait for a review to decide if its any good. I feel like its missing the point of the 690 series as it has become more sensible and grown up with its non LED fans at the front. I feel like that kinda spoils it a bit.

The Arc on the other hand looks awesome. It's now quite close between the Define R4 and the Arc. Thanks for the suggestion and keep them coming!

 

[Feronix]

Dude, please don't post more than once in a row. Use the

button if you need to add additional information and the multi-quote

button to reply to multiple people in one post. You're spamming up your own thread.

On topic: The R4 does have spacing for a 240mm rad yes, but the space is limited. If you have a motherboard with tall heatsinks, it won't fit. As others have said the Arc Midi R2 would be a better option unless you absolutely need silence.

 

[Fez]

Please Use the multi-Quote button. I have merged the 4 posts that you done by themselves.

 

[kevior]

Dude, please don't post more than once in a row. Use the

button if you need to add additional information and the multi-quote

button to reply to multiple people in one post. You're spamming up your own thread.

On topic: The R4 does have spacing for a 240mm rad yes, but the space is limited. If you have a motherboard with tall heatsinks, it won't fit. As others have said the Arc Midi R2 would be a better option unless you absolutely need silence.

I'm starting to lean towards the Arc. Just seems a better all rounder compared to the R4 and isn't as plain to look at.

Please Use the multi-Quote button. I have merged the 4 posts that you done by themselves.

Thanks to both of you for showing me how to do that. Sorry!

Update
Since starting this thread i've been looking around and thinking could i spend a little more and get a better looking case. I like the look of the CM Storm Trooper, also the corsair cases are quite nice. Would you guys say its worth spending a little extra on the case?

 

[Feronix]

The Arc Midi R2 is just a really good case. One of my favorites to be fair. It's good looking, compact, has great air cooling and options for custom watercooling.

I don't think it'd be really worth it to buy anything else if I'm honest. Those cases are mainly made for watercooling and people with XL-ATX motherboard and an immense amount of expansion cards. If you have some spare money and like the looks though, by all means go for it but there's no real benefit.

 

[NeverBackDown]

On topic: The R4 does have spacing for a 240mm rad yes, but the space is limited. If you have a motherboard with tall heatsinks, it won't fit. As others have said the Arc Midi R2 would be a better option unless you absolutely need silence.

It's not really the height that's the problem.. just the width. If it hangs over the PCB then it will really hurt your capability to add a radiator up top..

Anyway go for the R4 or Arc Midi R2. IMO i would go for the Arc R2 just because i like the look more and i have the upgrade itch from the R4 lol(yes i realize it's hardly an upgrade but oh well).

Edit: Corsair overprices simply because of the brand name. And no i wouldn't go above the price points of Fractal simply because they won't give you as many benefits and you don't need the room

 

[kevior]

It's not really the height that's the problem.. just the width. If it hangs over the PCB then it will really hurt your capability to add a radiator up top..

Anyway go for the R4 or Arc Midi R2. IMO i would go for the Arc R2 just because i like the look more and i have the upgrade itch from the R4 lol(yes i realize it's hardly an upgrade but oh well).

Edit: Corsair overprices simply because of the brand name. And no i wouldn't go above the price points of Fractal simply because they won't give you as many benefits and you don't need the room

Thanks for your reply. OK not buying corsair then. I will probably go for the arc midi R2 then. Hopefully one day I can even save up enough to water cool it (Custom loop)

 

[NeverBackDown]

Great choice! If you really want Corsair cases then by all means go for it. I'm just of the opinion that between the 2 companies they are very similar yet one is a lot more expensive. So i stick with Fractal but if i had a corsair case then i would love just as well so don't think i'm just a fanboy lol, just trying to save people money!