Fractal build quality?

Merlin5

Merlin5

Merlin5

Soldato
Joined
17 Aug 2009
Posts
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Location
Finchley, London
I've read one or two comments on here about questionable build quality from Fractal Design cases. They certainly look nice, but how is their build quality? Is it actually not very good, or is it fine? Look at the front grill of this ARC
Midi, from 02.35 of the video.


 
Watch this video instead

I can't comment on its build quality but this guys reviews are probably the best you'll find

He always gets right in about the cases and shows every part and gives you his own opinion

 
hyperst said:
It's below standard quality, they really should fire there QA team if they have one.
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From what I've seen on that video of the front grill, and from what I've heard about the R3, I'd personally be concerned about buying one of their products, nice as they look. I believe the ARC has good air cooling ability, but other than that, I wonder if their stuff is mutton dressed as lamb. Pretty brushed aluminium styling over cheaply built plastic?
 
So, without trying to hijack, I've read about these Fractal issues a bit, but aside from the boxes seemingly being damaged in transit, I've not actually found out what the issues are and whether they're still commonplace? Is it the case is badly made or missing bits or what? Aside from what is stated in the OP's video obviously..

Alternatively, what else would you go for if you wanted a quiet, midi case that doesn't cost silly money? I'm in Oz to compound things, so its hard to source some brands out here.. I really like the R3 design, but I also like the FT-02, minus the cost.. its a pity the RV-03 looks so horrific, and even the RV-02 isn't great so I'm struggling Fractal is also ruled out.
 
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Agreed, build quality is poor. I got one to move all my old components into for a silent PC and was a bit horrified at the quality.
 
I received an Arc Midi yesterday and I am disappointed enought to be considering sending it back to be honest.

One of the rubber feet at the rear is missing (not even in the box loose), the top grille is not true around the edges and the surround is just cheap/plasticky, the hard drive cages were all rammed in at funny angles and the thumb screws were slightly twisted.

I know it's not an expensice case but it does not cost peanuts either.

I think I'm going to send it back and pay more to get a Silverstone Fortress 1 FT01B-W instead.
 
speedyj said:
I received an Arc Midi yesterday and I am disappointed enought to be considering sending it back to be honest.

One of the rubber feet at the rear is missing (not even in the box loose), the top grille is not true around the edges and the surround is just cheap/plasticky, the hard drive cages were all rammed in at funny angles and the thumb screws were slightly twisted.

I know it's not an expensice case but it does not cost peanuts either.

I think I'm going to send it back and pay more to get a Silverstone Fortress 1 FT01B-W instead.
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Wow, that's pretty shocking tbh. I'd return it. How is the front grill, is that warped like in the video?
 
The front grille is slightly bowed but the top one is worse as it seems to be bowed along the sides where the tabs secure it to the plastic frame.

I've just submitted a webnote asking if I can return it and purchase a higher quality case instead. Be interesting to see who pays for the return postage.

I should have just bought a better case in the first place but the Arc looked good on paper.
 
speedyj said:
The front grille is slightly bowed but the top one is worse as it seems to be bowed along the sides where the tabs secure it to the plastic frame.

I've just submitted a webnote asking if I can return it and purchase a higher quality case instead. Be interesting to see who pays for the return postage.

I should have just bought a better case in the first place but the Arc looked good on paper.
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Beautiful looking case, absolutely no doubt. Shame though, seems to be beauty but little substance.
 
Build quality of my XL is far from bad, in fact I'd say excellent. I think their handling/packaging/QA needs to be better

Love my XL bar the interior scratching, which was quite baffling
 
I've got an Arc Midi here, quality is fine for a £70 case. Its not as good as a £100 or £150 case, but thats where your money goes. I wanted a non-bling case and thats what it is.
 
Bit worried about buying one of these cases - I was also hoping to get the Define R3 - Kingbal are you happy with yours?

I had a Lian Li V1000 back in the day and it rattled and wasn't really worth the money I paid for it I felt. Hoping to get a quieter machine this time..
 
JoeUk said:
Bit worried about buying one of these cases - I was also hoping to get the Define R3 - Kingbal are you happy with yours?

I had a Lian Li V1000 back in the day and it rattled and wasn't really worth the money I paid for it I felt. Hoping to get a quieter machine this time..
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Me too, I'm waiting for USB 3.0 version of R3 but now I'm just wondering if it's worth the hassle. I really like the looks and features of this case but I would like to get it in one piece.
 
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?
 
bl4ckdr4g0n said:
did the top have any warping as in the video in OP skyripper?
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No mines fine. The case frame behind the front panel needed popping back into shape, but as I was drilling out rivets later to fit a radiator I wasnt concerned.

Its not as strong as my Coolermaster or my Silverstone - both those can be sat on without concern.
 
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