Fractal Design XL - Smashed

BoredMatt · 24 May 2011 at 14:23

I was really excited to get all of the components for a new build today, the arrived just now (literally everything for a new system), but when I took the case out of the box, I noticed some plastic rattling around at the bottom.

Upon closer inspection, the plastic around the door is cracked at the sides and bottom, with bits of plastic all over the place.

I really needed this system today, but now I either have to get it returned tomorrow, and receive a replacement on Thurs, or order another one now and get a refund on the original.

The even more frustrating thing is that I live in Stafford, just 15 miles away from the warehouse but have absolutely no way of getting over there.
:mad:

Edit: pics of the damage:

BoredMatt · 24 May 2011 at 15:05

Dirty-Blade said:
Ouch, unlucky mate, my fractal xl arrived in perfect condition!

To start with, I only noticed a bit of damage, but when I looked underneath, I was horrified!

BoredMatt · 24 May 2011 at 17:35

C64 said:
Was the box damaged ? and holes or dents ?

Only a couple of minor dents, nothing that suggests shattered plastic was waiting inside.

Ryan-3 said:
I've noticed many, many complaints about cases arriving broken, and they all seem to be Fractals!

Mine arrived in perfect condition, which makes me confused. Some seem fine in the packaging, others just aren't.

Well another one is arriving tomorrow, I sincerely hope that this one fares better.

Guitarman0 said:
That really sucks mate Hope you get it sorted soon

Thanks! If you see a similar, but angrier looking post tomorrow, you'll know what's happened..

BoredMatt · 24 May 2011 at 19:18

Dirty-Blade said:
How do you plan on keeping it cool mate?

I was planning on just using the stock fans for the time being, but judging by the question, perhaps I should be looking at more fans?

Although to be honest, it's a relatively low powered system (i3 540 with 5 hdds (4 of which being 'green' drives).

I'm only going to be using it as a home server, with possibly a little video transcoding and streaming to iDevices. I went a bit overboard on the size of the case, but my last one wouldn't hold any more, so I've future-proofed it. A bit.

BoredMatt · 24 May 2011 at 21:55

PR. said:
I got my Fractal Design XL a few weeks ago for a homeserver, box was perfect but after opening there was a hefty dent in the bottom at the back of the case. Never reported it as its not visible.

I suppose it only matters, if it matters to you.

I'm glad I'm not the only person using this case for a home server then!

BoredMatt · 25 May 2011 at 11:20

AAAAAAHHHH!!!!

So I ordered a replacement case yesterday, next day delivery, at 3:59pm.

But it's still in the warehouse queue. I phoned and was told it was due to being understaffed, but what's the point in having a 4:30pm cut off point, if you don't stick to it?

That'll be three days in total that I've had to make sure I'm around for one order.

BoredMatt · 25 May 2011 at 12:51

Ace Modder said:
I have spoken to Fractal who confirmed there was a packaging issue, but they are fixing this. Going fowards new stocks should be better packaged.

That's good to hear! I just hope the replacement tomorrow fares better.

BoredMatt · 25 May 2011 at 19:24

Stefan1234 said:
Heh, had a second hand one be delivered to me. Screws missing, mobo plate gone and dust/hairs inside. OcUK kindly managed to get a new one shipped today and at my house tommorow. Hoping this one hasn't been opened yet.

It's a bit bad if it was opening (and/or used), but what do you mean by the motherboard plate?

BoredMatt · 27 May 2011 at 14:53

I received the new case yesterday, and the packaging was much more sensible!

I was more surprised that someone had the sense to get the courier to collect the old one at the same time. A lot of places get different couriers to do that.