Fractal Design were always a cheap knock off of Antec Performance One, admittedly Fractal modernised the feature set but the construction quality was questionable from the beginning. It surprises me that anyone ever thought Fractal were about high quality, especially when you compare the prices and look at the user feedback about them. Useful designs though, just wish they were a little cheaper given the quality.
Fractal Design not the quality feel I was expecting?
- Thread starter mrk
- Start date
This is where we need Antec to stop poncing around with their Dark Fleet and Lanboy Air and other 'revolutionary' cases and to make a modern version of their Performance One cases. They will sell like crazy and would be a step in the right direction for Antec.
+10 Absolutely. I just hope their P280 and further cases are up to the mark.
Screw all you hater's I love mine
I love mine too but I think there are definitely some issues with their packaging or quality control, mine case came in perfect condition and i wouldn’t change it for any case at the moment and I used to own a P182. But many people are getting lots of problems with bent panels etc.
EDIT: I also suspect the quality of the XL and lower than the R3's only because they sell at the exact same price.
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not that soon, vaguely remember one of the reps saying end of year, early next? see if you can find the video interviews from Computex if you want to confirm. EDIT: well it seems the site I thought might have it can't be mentioned here, so Youtube may be the best option.
shouldn't matter, the cost of materials is very small relative to the cost of construction processes and time spent on the production line (and probably shipping cost for something like this) The cases are made in the same way, so the cost difference between them is probably trivial.
Back when I purchased my R3 the XL was atleast £40-50 more than what it costs now, and it came down in one big price drop, just saying could be a possible reason.
Having seen a few fractals, the build quality isnt great tbh. Some great ideas and priced not too badly. I currently own a lian li, and the quality of fit/finish is absolutely perfect, they can lack certain features. Bare aluminium interiors being my pet hate. Silverstone are another manufacturer who produce very well built cases.
I had a Fractal R2, I really liked the look of it but it was a bit cheap and nasty. The paint on the door would come off at the corners when you open it all the way because it rubs on the side and the sound proofing in mine started to fall off.
I much prefer the Corsair 650D I picked up back on April.
I much prefer the Corsair 650D I picked up back on April.
Was going to buy a xl but after this i think not. I have a silverstone Ft03 and hating it...my powersupply is silent, no vibrations etc. Before the case i had my pc on the desk, no vibrations. I stuck it in the case and all i heard was nnnnnn nnnnn nnnnnn nnnnn, took out all fans and unmounted the cpu fan (not disconnected) and still nnnnnn nnnnn nnnnn, put all fans back in, took out power supply but left it connected. Case was silent. Seems to amplify the power supply vibration :\ i put some rubber adhesive strips around where it touches metal, its dampened it but meh. Also the side panels, good build qaulity, utter crap execution on removing/putting them on. My next build will be a cross hair or a lian li.
The Noctuas are in and working great with the ultra low noise cable for both exhaust and CPU. I've ordered a Sharkoon Silent Eagle 140mm from OcUK which should have arrived today for the intake so will probably arrive tomorrow now.
Can't disagree tbh.
Got a Fractal R3 last week and it was replacing a Lian Li V1100, this feels like 20 steps back in design, function, weight and build quality. The plastic door and steel panels made me sad during the build.
All I can say post build is it's quiet and the aesthetics and temperature are enough to make me keep the case.
Next system will be back to top end Lian li, Silverstone or Corsair I feel.
Got a Fractal R3 last week and it was replacing a Lian Li V1100, this feels like 20 steps back in design, function, weight and build quality. The plastic door and steel panels made me sad during the build.
All I can say post build is it's quiet and the aesthetics and temperature are enough to make me keep the case.
Next system will be back to top end Lian li, Silverstone or Corsair I feel.
Not overally off topic, but looking at Lian Li's cases, I still have my PC65 in use albeit with an older system inside. I still cant fault the build quality of it. I have no real expierence with the later Lian Li cases, but I cant fault the older ones.
I am glad I read this thread to be honest as I am looking to build a new work PC soon as was looking at the R3. Will look else where now.
I am glad I read this thread to be honest as I am looking to build a new work PC soon as was looking at the R3. Will look else where now.
Love mine as well. It's receiving some flack but it's hard to live up to the reputation of the Define R3 (it's mid sibling). It's not an aluminium case so looks wise it can always be beat but hey, £85 well spent for me. It's definitely not a bad case. It's good!
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Not overally off topic, but looking at Lian Li's cases, I still have my PC65 in use albeit with an older system inside. I still cant fault the build quality of it. I have no real expierence with the later Lian Li cases, but I cant fault the older ones.
I am glad I read this thread to be honest as I am looking to build a new work PC soon as was looking at the R3. Will look else where now.
The Define R3 has really good reviews: e.g. http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/cases/2010/10/29/fractal-design-define-r3-review/
I wouldn't discount it. The OP is talking about the the XL.
I doubt Fractal used different quality materials between R3 and XL though, that's the thing. If you've not had a LIan-Li or something and bought the Fractal it would seem great but once you've had a premium case like this the differences are immediate!