Fractal R2 cooling questions

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i still have no idea which case to get for my new system im building but the R2 has been high on the list. i like the simplistic looks of the case but i cant see that i will be able to use a fan controller with it due to the door at the front. and i dont really want to have the door open 24/7. and a fan controller is the only way i can see being able to have more than 2 fans on the case at good noise levels. so what should i do? can you tell me your experience of this case and how you have cooled it and also could you help me come to a decision about whether to go for a different case or not.

thanks,

Jake
 
The include a pci backplate fan controller powered with molex which can control 3 fans for your info.
I think you can get flat fan controllers that will fit, have to flat with no turn knobs, I'm not sure though.
 
well i have the fractal design define R2 i have installed 3 akasa apache 120mm fans and 3 140mm fractal design fans and its sooo quiet you can hardly hear it. also i have installed a NZXT Sentry 2 and it was cheap (less then £30)! In total i spent £80 on the case and about another £100 for the fans and fan controller
 
I was thinking the same, how many fans do you want to run, there are 2 front, 2 top, 1 bottom, 1 side, 1 rear, max total: 7 fan, 1 rear and 1 front are included.

If you are going all FD 120mm+ fans then they are quiet (I've only got 4) at full speed .

well i have the fractal design define R2 i have installed 3 akasa apache 120mm fans and 3 140mm fractal design fans and its sooo quiet you can hardly hear it. also i have installed a NZXT Sentry 2 and it was cheap (less then £30)! In total i spent £80 on the case and about another £100 for the fans and fan controller

This ^^

Wouldn't mind getting that fan controller, nice to have it hidden though, isn't the prettiest of things :P
 
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thanks flame very helpful! :D

i think i will go for this setup but ill keep looking around. if i go for the R2 ill definitely be looking at the Sentry 2 for a fan controller and build around that. thanks guys!
 
I run the 3 case fans in mine via the supplied fan controller plate. I suppose it all depends on how many fans you plan to fit......

My system is very quite (it lives in the lounge, so can't disturb the wifes TV viewing) The NZXT Sentry 2 is an interesting option if you need more fans.... but I do think the supplied Fractal Design fans are very quite even on full, so I'd think having 3 fans on the controller and maybe 1 or 2 other fans (exhaust I'd say) just on full would be a option to consider.
 
its 2 x 140mm in the top but you can also put 2 x 120mm if you want to. I have2 x 140mm fractal fans theyare quiet but i dont feel like they are pulling much air
 
My understanding is that 2* 140 would not need to spin as fast as 2* 120 to pull the same amount of air, they will thus be quieter which is preferable. Is that correct?
 
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