Fractal Design Define One Case Review

Our first look at the new Fractal Design Define One set alarm bells ringing. Where, we wondered, is the mesh panel that allows plenty of airflow and what’s with the solid front? Join us as we work our way through this new case and figure out whether Fractal Design has done a good job.

Time stamps

00:00 Intro
00:41 Meet the Define One
01:05 Panel removal
03:18 The Summit series
04:25 Inside the Summit
06:38 GPU differences between our cases
07:25 Our build hardware
09:16 Thermal + acoustic testing
11:04 Leo discusses the AIO cooler
11:52 Pros and cons

Main features

• Closed-front design balancing cooling capability with a clean, refined exterior finish.
• Minimalist expression with subtle curvature and fine-patterned aluminium side intake vents
• Includes three pre-installed LCP-blade Momentum 14 fans for quiet, reliable performance.
• Space for graphics cards up to 368 mm in length and includes an adjustable support bracket.
• Compatible with front-mounted radiators up to 360 mm and top mounted up to 280 mm.
• Features an integrated front air guide that helps direct airflow toward the graphics card.
• Offers a smooth build experience with tool-less access and removable top and front brackets.
• Includes adjustable cable straps, aligners, and a routing grommet for a neatly finished build.
• Supports E-ATX motherboards up to 277 mm and reverse connector motherboards up to ATX.
• Provides a noise and vibration-dampened gaming experience with bitumen-lined side panels and airflow engineering.
• Accessible front I/O includes a USB Type-C port, two USB Type-A ports, and an audio jack.

Specification:

• Motherboard support: E-ATX (up to 277mm) ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX (supports rear connection)
• Power supply support: ATX.
• Expansion slots: 7.
• Included fans: 3x 140mm Momentum PWM front intake (max 1,800rpm).
• Fan mounts: 3x 120mm/140mm front, 2x 120mm/140mm roof, 1x 120mm rear.
• Radiator mounts: 280mm/360mm front, 240mm/280mm roof, 120mm rear.
• 5.25-inch optical drive bays: None.
• Internal drive bays: 2x 3.5-inch or 4x 2.5-inch, plus 2x 2.5-inch.
• Front I/O ports: 2x USB 3.1 Type-A 5 Gbps, 1x USB 3.2 Type-C 20 Gbps, audio.
• Dimensions: 500mm H x 482mm D x 235mm W.

Testing

To put this case through its cooling paces we will be using a test system consisting of an Intel Core Ultra 7 270K Plus processor, a Palit RTX 5080 graphics card and an SSD. This system allows us to produce a substantial amount of heat and effectively test the Fractal Design Define One TG‘s cooling capabilities.

Test System:

• Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 270K Plus
• CPU Cooler: Fractal Design Radius 360
• Motherboard: Gigabyte Z890 Aorus Pro Ice
• Memory: 48GB Corsair Vengeance RGB DDR5 CUDIMM 8400MT/sec
• Graphics card: Palit GeForce RTX 5080 GameRock OC 16GB
• Power supply: Fractal Design Ion 3 Gold 1000W
• SSD: Crucial T700 Gen 5 M.2 NVMe
• OS: Windows 11

Cooling Performance

Cooling Performance Overview

Testing the Fractal Design Define One was interesting as it worked well and was also reasonably quiet. We initially had our concerns about the nature of the front panel as it looks rather closed, however in practice it works effectively. The other feature that relates to cooling is the scoop in front of the power supply that is intended to guide air to the graphics card. It seems to work well and also looks rather stylish.

Closing Thoughts

Our review of the Fractal Define Define One TG started in the usual way with an initial assessment and then improved with every hour that we worked with the case. We ended up with a single negative point about the lack of support for a 360mm cooler in the roof of the case. As you will see when you watch our video, this is a point we make when we discuss the specification, then we forget about it and then we are rudely reminded.

Apart from that small faux pas we were very pleased with the Define One. Every feature that Fractal Design boasts about works well and even the features they don't mention also work well. How the heck can that release mechanism for the front panel not have a name? I guess we just have to put it down to Scandinavian understatement.

You will be able to buy the Fractal Design Define One TG for $154.99.

Pros:

• Clever cable management system.
• Smartly styled front panel has good airflow.
• Solid build quality.
• Noise deadening works well.

Cons:

• Does not support a 360mm AIO in the roof.

KitGuru says: Fractal Design has delivered a winner in the Define One.

 

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