Fractal build quality?

Has anyone else had problems with lining up PCI-E cards. Its almost as if the mobo upstands are too short and it's all just a little out of line. It is putting a lot of stress on my soundcard and the gfx just does not want to go in.

Very odd.
 
Before anyone asks, yes I am keeping it which is just as well as nobody from OcUK has even responded to my webnote and that was sent last night.
 
speedyj said:
Has anyone else had problems with lining up PCI-E cards. Its almost as if the mobo upstands are too short and it's all just a little out of line. It is putting a lot of stress on my soundcard and the gfx just does not want to go in.

Very odd.
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Contact Fractal. The poor standoffs are known to Fractal and they should replace them for you.
 
So there is an issue with the standoffs, this gets better and better.

Fractal know about it which is good for them and I find out................on a forum because why would I expect an different. Do OcUK know about this issue and if so did anyone tell me. No let the customer find out when they try to use the case.

I've sent a webnote and posted on customer support with no reply from anyone. I must have bought and built 5 or 6 systems from here over the years and it was the service that kept me loyal.......................not anymore.

I'm off to buy a new case somewhere else, this piece of crap is going on the tip and they can stick the money.
 
speedyj said:
So there is an issue with the standoffs, this gets better and better.

Fractal know about it which is good for them and I find out................on a forum because why would I expect an different. Do OcUK know about this issue and if so did anyone tell me. No let the customer find out when they try to use the case.

I've sent a webnote and posted on customer support with no reply from anyone. I must have bought and built 5 or 6 systems from here over the years and it was the service that kept me loyal.......................not anymore.

I'm off to buy a new case somewhere else, this piece of crap is going on the tip and they can stick the money.
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Contact Fractal support directly. I doubt Fractal have told the resellers about this issue.
 
JoeUk said:
If delivery is the only problem then I guess it's fine to take the chance - can always complain right? Just out of curiosity - what would the difference be between usb 2 and usb 3 versions of the case? Isn't it just coming from the motherboard?
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Only difference is that you will get usb 3 on front instead of usb 2, there is gonna be a upgrade kit as well for old rev cases
 
Vinni3 @H|H said:
Contact Fractal support directly. I doubt Fractal have told the resellers about this issue.
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Several forum users have contacted OCUK that I know of. They should be aware as of a couple of months ago. The stand offs are a little too short for PCI cards, PCIe seems OK, must be a difference in slot depth. I guess so few people use PCI these days they have been able to get away with not doing anything, and Fractal just post a bag of bigger stand offs if you ask, which takes weeks
 
OK so built the system up and it will not start, gets to the windows is starting screen and then hangs. Pretty certain everything is fitted Ok, not sure about the seating of the gfx and soundcards due to the bad alignment and the mobo standoffs issue that may or may not be a problem.

So I'm sitting here with a system that does not work and I still have not been responded to by anyone at OcUK following a webnote yesterday and a Customer Support post earlier today.

Feeling the love on my birthday.
 
Fitted everything back in to my old Coolermaster Cosmos and it booted first time with no worries.

Something very odd about that Fractal Arc Midi, I tried for hours last night to get it to work with no luck.

Still had no reply to my webnote sent at 7.55pm on Wednesday although someone has now reponded to my post on the customer service forum saying there is nothing wrong with the case and I can send it in for them to test.
 
Can't send it back as I fololishly cut the rear fan guard metal away to aid arflow for the Antec Kuhler 920. Can't expect OcUK to take back a case thats been modded, my fault.

I've stuck it on MM for £45 inc delivery if anyone else wants it.
 
I have done builds in 3 Fractal cases so far, two of which I own and still use. I would say the define R2 and R3 is very good build quality.

The third build I did for someone else in a Core 1000. I know it is very cheap, but that was reflected in the build quality and I would rather try a different case if I need to get another cheap case.
 
I recently moved from an Antec 900 to the Define R3 and I have to say I am really pleased with the build quality, there were absolutely no issues whatsoever. The cable management is glorious.

The only disappointment was that the case isn't as silent as some reviewers try to claim. It is certainly a lot quieter than the 900, just don't expect it to be silent without blocking up all the fan holes. There has to be a cooling/quietness compromise somewhere!
 
Im going to give Fractal a chance I think, but I cant decide between the R3 pearl black and the Arc midi?

Ppl say with the R3 its really quiet, so quiet infacted, if it wasn't for pwr led people cant tell when its on, So thats a plus reason to get the R3, also the dust filters are nice and easy to get to.

So guys which one would you buy, and I see that the top and side fan grills are covered with sound dampening foam stuff on the R3, so Im guessing you would need to remove that if you wanted side and top fans?
 
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Phil2008 said:
Im going to give Fractal a chance I think, but I cant decide between the R3 pearl black and the Arc midi?

Ppl say with the R3 its really quiet, so quiet infacted, if it wasn't for pwr led people cant tell when its on, So thats a plus reason to get the R3, also the dust filters are nice and easy to get to.

So guys which one would you buy, and I see that the top and side fan grills are covered with sound dampening foam stuff on the R3, so Im guessing you would need to remove that if you wanted side and top fans?
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ARC should be better for cooling, have a USB3 and removable HDD cage but R3 is quiet, you will get USB3 upgrade option witin a month and also have a plenty of cooling options if you decide that 2 fans are not enough. Personally I would choose R3 but I would love to have removable hdd cage in it. And yes you will need to remove foam stuff to put a fan in.
 
pcpietrek said:
ARC should be better for cooling, have a USB3 and removable HDD cage but R3 is quiet, you will get USB3 upgrade option witin a month and also have a plenty of cooling options if you decide that 2 fans are not enough. Personally I would choose R3 but I would love to have removable hdd cage in it. And yes you will need to remove foam stuff to put a fan in.
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Thanks, Im thinking about just tossing a coin cos they both have good and bad points. Anyway whatever one I choose I will prob replace all the fans, like I did when I got the antec 900 to make it as quiet as poss.

What are the best fans nowadays, as it was the scythe when I got my 900?
 
I've had a Fractal Design R2 since they launched them here, I've never had any issues with the build quality, I used to have 2 R2's although I sold one when I decided to turn most of it's contents into a media computer so needed to put it in a more suitable case, no complaints at all about either.
 
It would appear that the majority of you are happy with this case. Perhaps I have unrealistic expectations for £75 or I've been spoilt by higher end cases over the years. Ordered a Silverstone from elsewhere which will hopefully be more up my street.

I never did get a reply to my webnote which is disappointing.
 
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