My previous cases
Antec something something v.something (forgot model
)
Antec P182
Lian-Li PC7Fb
I wanted to upgrade from the Lian-Li to something a little more robust because while the PC7F was built to a very high standard (quality feel, quality construction) the panels are very thin and over time I have noticed resonance creeping through. A quick tap resolves the issue but the resonance comes back a day or so later.
I bought the Define XL today and while it's got some excellent design features (which appear to be borrowed from the P182 book and improved a bit!) I felt the case material inside and out was not of very good quality.
The feet for example are just plastic and painted chrome, the same kind that a child's toy is. The fan vent doors are cheap plastic that feel like they will snap or crease if I catch them on something one day and there are loose panels inside the case as well (the PSU hatch and separator partition).
Needless to say, I am taking it back and spending a bit extra to get the Corsair 650D instead but I really did like the features the XL offered. The top angled 180mm fan is pure genius especially the way it keeps the top of the case completely vent free and flush and directs air out the back, this is ideal for me as my external drive sits on top of the case.
Everything I read indicated the XL improved upon the R3 which improved upon the R2 so I can only imagine how they were materials wise.
The motherboard tray cover was also plastic, I don't know how safe this would be unless it's heat resistant plastic? The back of a CPU socket gets pretty toasty! Moreso when there's a backplate sticking out for aftermarket coolers.
I also noticed that while the vents on the XL had dust guards, there were too many small gaps between them and the edges that dust could enter through or collect around. Removing the front dust guard was also a pain in the bum as it's a great faff to remove and clean as you have to unplug the fan(s) to do this.
I paid less for the Lian-Li back in its day (£60) and the XL felt like a step backwards
Edit*
Bugger it, the 650D top vents put me off and there's no other case <£150 that takes my fancy :/
I'll stick with the XL I guess. Maybe it will grow on me lol.
Edit2*
Ignore the above edit
Antec something something v.something (forgot model
)Antec P182
Lian-Li PC7Fb
I wanted to upgrade from the Lian-Li to something a little more robust because while the PC7F was built to a very high standard (quality feel, quality construction) the panels are very thin and over time I have noticed resonance creeping through. A quick tap resolves the issue but the resonance comes back a day or so later.
I bought the Define XL today and while it's got some excellent design features (which appear to be borrowed from the P182 book and improved a bit!) I felt the case material inside and out was not of very good quality.
The feet for example are just plastic and painted chrome, the same kind that a child's toy is. The fan vent doors are cheap plastic that feel like they will snap or crease if I catch them on something one day and there are loose panels inside the case as well (the PSU hatch and separator partition).
Needless to say, I am taking it back and spending a bit extra to get the Corsair 650D instead but I really did like the features the XL offered. The top angled 180mm fan is pure genius especially the way it keeps the top of the case completely vent free and flush and directs air out the back, this is ideal for me as my external drive sits on top of the case.
Everything I read indicated the XL improved upon the R3 which improved upon the R2 so I can only imagine how they were materials wise.
The motherboard tray cover was also plastic, I don't know how safe this would be unless it's heat resistant plastic? The back of a CPU socket gets pretty toasty! Moreso when there's a backplate sticking out for aftermarket coolers.
I also noticed that while the vents on the XL had dust guards, there were too many small gaps between them and the edges that dust could enter through or collect around. Removing the front dust guard was also a pain in the bum as it's a great faff to remove and clean as you have to unplug the fan(s) to do this.
I paid less for the Lian-Li back in its day (£60) and the XL felt like a step backwards
Edit*
Bugger it, the 650D top vents put me off and there's no other case <£150 that takes my fancy :/
I'll stick with the XL I guess. Maybe it will grow on me lol.
Edit2*
Ignore the above edit
Last edited:
