Fractal Design Define R5 vs NZXT H440 for a first time build

EternalDragon · 31 Dec 2015 at 16:06

I've never built a pc before and i want to get into pc gaming.

Probably buy 1 component a month rather than spend a lot at one time.

I've been looking at the Fractal Design Define R5 and the NZXT H440 i like them both but which one would you guys recommend for a first time build, that will allow for good ventilation, cable management etc.

Ive noticed the NZXT doesnt have an optical bay, is there a big difference between usb drives and intel in terms of affecting performance or anything else.

Thanks

kieran_read · 31 Dec 2015 at 16:32

My comp just fried so if I can't fix it I will rebuild too.

I was also looking at the NZXT, the one thing I would say about the Optical bay, my current PC I have a Blu-Ray combo drive, and the one thing I have realized is I haven't put a single disk in my PC in the last 3 years.

new boy · 31 Dec 2015 at 16:32

H440 has quite poor airflow, so if thats a high priority then the R5 would probably be better.

When's the last you you used a DVD drive? makes things a little bit more hassle free for installing windows I guess. External will be fine unless you see yourself needing it often.

EternalDragon · 31 Dec 2015 at 16:42

I see, thats true i havent used many discs in my laptop, mainly installation CDs with my camera and phone, but only those 2 times in about 2 years.

Oh ok if that has poor airflow id rather not go for that one, since its my first one i wanna make sure the air flow is good and my equipment doesn't get too dusty or overheat

new boy · 31 Dec 2015 at 16:57

Don't get me wrong, the airflow is going to be acceptable. but obviously everything, no matter how good has its pros and cons, and that's one of its cons you know?

Pulseammo · 31 Dec 2015 at 17:57

Wasn't the airflow resolved on the 2015 version?

http://www.vortez.net/articles_pages/nzxt_h440_new_2015_edition_hue_plus_review,10.html

cook001 · 31 Dec 2015 at 18:32

The noctis 450 is always an option if you like the h440 it's the same case but with 10x the airflow plus if you have an aio you can fit the fans on top of the case under the roof panel.
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/nzxt-noctis-450-matte-black-full-tower-chassis-ca-163-nx.html

EternalDragon · 31 Dec 2015 at 21:22

I see, it does say that the 2015 edition has better airflow says its increased height and depth improves airflow.

i think i probably go with the define r5

Stovepipes · 31 Dec 2015 at 21:25

I just bought a Define R5, very nice case, can barely hear my noisy cooler once everything is shut away.

EternalDragon · 31 Dec 2015 at 22:31

Nice,

Since its my 1st build and im not looking to Overclock right now, should i by additional fans and coolers

new boy · 31 Dec 2015 at 22:38

You could defiantly get by running with the 2 stock fans, but I would recommend adding 1 fan at the front and 1 at "the back top".

though nothing wrong with doing that after you got got the system built

EternalDragon · 31 Dec 2015 at 23:03

Ahh i see, do you think these fans will be a good choice?

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/cors...essure-dual-pack-co-9050008-ww-fg-008-cs.html

new boy · 31 Dec 2015 at 23:33

I think thats too much to spend on 2 case fans, and "sp" = static presure = for watercooling radiators / heatsinks. if you want to go corsair then AF = air flow so would be better for case fans.

But |I'm sure there are fans for half the price that will do things just fine as case fans.

EternalDragon · 31 Dec 2015 at 23:45

Oh i see, so corsair label theres as AF, SP.

Have you got any recommendations for good fans.

Is this the sort fans i should be looking at? https://www.overclockers.co.uk/bitfenix-spectre-plain-black-120mm-fan-fg-012-bx.html

Didnt realize there a difference between case and watercooler fans

JediFragger · 1 Jan 2016 at 00:40

I have the Define S (without window as I wanted side fan for SLi). Excellent case with great airflow combined with some great sound deadening if you're not bothered about an optical drive :cool:

EternalDragon · 1 Jan 2016 at 16:11

Nice, i think i'll go with that case too, the feedback seems to very positive.

What about additional fans, do you know of any good brands i should look into?

Sencha · 2 Jan 2016 at 09:12

Pulseammo said:
Wasn't the airflow resolved on the 2015 version?

http://www.vortez.net/articles_pages/nzxt_h440_new_2015_edition_hue_plus_review,10.html

Yes I have the new one and can confirm cooling better then r5. Build quality better as well. I own the r5, define s and new h440 and even as a huge fractal fan the new h440 would be my top pick by far.

ZeroG · 2 Jan 2016 at 09:55

Unless you have a specific reason for needing an optical drive I would just leave it out. it's probably been a good 3 - 4 years since I've used a DVD perhaps even longer. if I do a reinstall of Windows it's off a USB drive and all up to date drivers are downloaded off the net rather than using older ones from discs that came with the motherboard etc.

My personal preference out of those 2 cases would be the H440. I have the R4 at the moment but I'm looking to move to something else.

EternalDragon · 2 Jan 2016 at 20:08

Sencha said:
Yes I have the new one and can confirm cooling better then r5. Build quality better as well. I own the r5, define s and new h440 and even as a huge fractal fan the new h440 would be my top pick by far.

Ah i see thanks,

Is there anymore reasons you would choose it over the R5

stuartharrison · 2 Jan 2016 at 20:47

Sencha said:
Yes I have the new one and can confirm cooling better then r5. Build quality better as well. I own the r5, define s and new h440 and even as a huge fractal fan the new h440 would be my top pick by far.

I'm looking for a case for my x99 build.
Would an e-atx board, 26.4cm wide (2cm more than atx) fit in the R5, H440 or define S?
I fancy the R5 for the optical drive and fan controller.
Cheers