Is Define R4 the ultimate silent mid tower chassis? The successor to the popular Define R3 is in the spotlight and we are here to deliver the full verdict.
Product on Review: Define R4 Black Pearl
Manufacturer: Fractal Design
Street Price: £90 inc. VAT
There is no denying that Fractal Design’s Define R3 has been one of the most popular silent computer chassis to enter the market. Having won multiple awards and being highly favoured by enthusiasts the world-over, Fractal Design are back again with the next instalment and successor to R3.
Enter Define R4. You will be forgiven for thinking that R4 has many similar characteristics to R3, infact taking the case from an external viewpoint reveals no changes – its inside where the subtle improvements have been made. The case is wider to allow for bigger CPU coolers, longer graphics cards and better cable management. A fan controller has also been integrated to manage the speed of cooling fans within the chassis – all of these features we will be taking a look at as we explore this new offering from Fractal Design.
Fractal Design on Define R4
The Fractal Design Define R4 is the latest in the Define Series of computer cases offering minimalistic and stunning Scandinavian design fused with maximum sound reduction, configurability and functionality.
The Define R4 side and front door panels are fitted with dense, sound-absorbing material making it a benchmark for noise reduction. Moreover, the Define R4 accommodates up to 8 HDDs, all modern graphics card sizes, and multiple ventilation options – including two standard Silent Series R2 hydraulic bearing fans – to keep internal components at optimal temperatures.
For ultimate functionality, the Define R4 features a front interface with USB 3.0 and an integrated three-speed fan controller behind the front panel door.
The Define R4 side and front door panels are fitted with dense, sound-absorbing material making it a benchmark for noise reduction. Moreover, the Define R4 accommodates up to 8 HDDs, all modern graphics card sizes, and multiple ventilation options – including two standard Silent Series R2 hydraulic bearing fans – to keep internal components at optimal temperatures.
For ultimate functionality, the Define R4 features a front interface with USB 3.0 and an integrated three-speed fan controller behind the front panel door.
Technical Specifications
Form Factor
ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITX motherboard compatibility
Features
7 + 1 expansion slots
2 – 5.25″ bays
8 – 3.5″ HDD trays – all compatible with SSDs, 2 – 2.5″ extra SSD positions
3 – ModuVent™ plates – two in the top and one in the side
7 – fan positions (2 Silent Series R2 fans included)
Filtered fan slots in the front and bottom
Compatibility
CPU coolers up to 170mm tall (when no fan is installed in the side panel)
ATX PSUs up to 170mm deep when using the bottom fan location, when not using this fan location longer PSUs (up to 270mm deep) can be used
Graphics cards up to 295mm in length with the top HDD cage installed
With the top cage removed, graphics cards up to 430mm in length may be installed
26mm of space for cable routing behind the motherboard plate
Thick rubber grommets on all holes on the motherboard plate
Colours available
Black Pearl, Titanium Grey, Arctic White
Dimensions
Case dimensions (WxHxD): 232 x 464 x 523mm
Package dimensions (WxHxD): 320 x 535 x 610mm
Weight
Net weight: 12,3 kg
ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITX motherboard compatibility
Features
7 + 1 expansion slots
2 – 5.25″ bays
8 – 3.5″ HDD trays – all compatible with SSDs, 2 – 2.5″ extra SSD positions
3 – ModuVent™ plates – two in the top and one in the side
7 – fan positions (2 Silent Series R2 fans included)
Filtered fan slots in the front and bottom
Compatibility
CPU coolers up to 170mm tall (when no fan is installed in the side panel)
ATX PSUs up to 170mm deep when using the bottom fan location, when not using this fan location longer PSUs (up to 270mm deep) can be used
Graphics cards up to 295mm in length with the top HDD cage installed
With the top cage removed, graphics cards up to 430mm in length may be installed
26mm of space for cable routing behind the motherboard plate
Thick rubber grommets on all holes on the motherboard plate
Colours available
Black Pearl, Titanium Grey, Arctic White
Dimensions
Case dimensions (WxHxD): 232 x 464 x 523mm
Package dimensions (WxHxD): 320 x 535 x 610mm
Weight
Net weight: 12,3 kg
Packaging & First Look
Fractal Design have given R4 eco-friendly packaging so there is only an illustration of the chassis on the double walled cardboard box. There are technical specifications on the back with a break-down of the features.
Inside, the chassis is covered in a clear plastic sheet and held in place with dual polystyrene pillars to keep the case protected during transit.
Packaging for R4
Taking R4 out of its packaging we are met with a very elegant computer chassis. R4 is available in 3 colours, Arctic White, Black Pearl and Titanium Grey; we are looking at the Black Pearl option. R4 has been given similar characteristics to that of its predecessor – R3. Both side panels are solid and have been powder coated in matt black, the prominent side having mesh and mounting holes for attaching a single 140/120mm cooling fan. Ventilation can be found running down either side and at the bottom of the front panel to give front cooling fans air to pull into the chassis.
Prominent side with mounting for single 120/140mm cooling fan
Elegance at its finest with 120/140mm mounting
On the next page we will begin our closer examination of R4.
Exterior
The front of R4 features a front panel door which is plastic and with brushed aluminium appearance. This door closes off the front, adding more noise damping to maintain silence. At the very top is the activity LED (emits a blue glow when powered).
Around the back, the bottom has an opening for mounting a PSU. Above this there are 7x PCI expansion slot covers which have been powder coated white and have ventilation slots. Immediately right, there is another PCI expansion slot cover – this is vertically aligned and can typically be used to install a fan controller. Above this there is a 140mm rear exhaust fan (R2 Silent Series – 1000RPM), there are also mounting holes for a 120mm fan if this sized fan is preferred. Above this there is a honeycomb mesh section to assist with more heat dissipation.
The front and back of R4
Opening this front door reveals a thick layer of foam padding to further aid sound damping. This foam hasn’t just been stuck to the panel but carefully design, placed and fitted. There are magnets at the top and bottom of the door causing the door to move into the closed position adequately. On the inside, we now have access to 2x 5.25” drive bay covers which are removable from the front via a latch and beneath this there is a large ventilated panel covering the majority of the front of R4.
Immediately next to the 5.25” bays is a switch allowing cooling fans to run at 5v, 7v and 12v.
Pressing two points located at the top of this panel allows it to drop down, giving access to an adapter which can accommodate dual 140mm cooling fans. Fractal Design include a single 140mm fan (R2 Silent Series – 1000RPM) – no screws need to be attached, this bracket uses strong magnets to fix them into place. With the front teaming up with intake fans this bracket also has removable dust filters so keep things nice and tidy. So far, I really like what Fractal Design have done here and the lengths they have gone to in order to give a comprehensive product in the R4; this is certainly not slapdash.
R4 door open
Cooling fan adapter with dust filters
Exterior (Continued)
At the top of R4 are the front panel controls. Available are the following:
• Headphone/microphone jack
• Reset button
• Power button
• 2x USB 3.0 ports (via internal motherboard header)
• 2x USB 2.0 ports
Front panel connectivity include dual USB 3.0 ports
Further back – along the top are dual honeycomb mesh sections that allow for dual 120/140mm cooling fans to be installed. R4 also supports 240mm water-cooling radiators which are less than 3cm thick.
Dual 120/140mm cooling fans can be installed at top
On the underside of R4 there are 4x rubber feet to prevent the case from slipping on smooth surfaces. Fractal Design have given R4 a large dust filter covering the PSU region and the optional bottom fan mount – this filter can be removed without having the case on its side.
The underside of R4 with large dust filter
Interior
After removing two thumbscrews on either side the panels simply slide away. Now, I’ve reviewed a number of silent chassis recently and there is something distinctly different with R4 – the side panels are significantly thicker and even feel better quality than rival cases. On the inside of the side panels. Fractal Design haven’t used foam but have furnished the panels with a thick synthetic material that is higher in quality and has better noise damping properties.
The inside of side panels
With the side panels removed we now have a good overview of the internal layout of R4. R4 can entertain M-ATX and ATX motherboards and has a number of cable management grommets to maintain good cable management.
Combining a two-tone powder coating and tool-less design; R4 achieves style and functionality. All cables routed from the front panel controls are sleeved in black plastic insulating material.
Fractal Design have given R4 the added bonus of being able to house two 2.5” drives on the back of the motherboard tray, this is a nice option to have and means the drives are kept away from the system.
An overview of R4
Behind the motherboard tray – cable management grommets galore
Inside, at the bottom of R4 there are rubber mounts for cushioning the PSU and next to this there are mounting holes for attaching an optional 120/140mm fan. Covering both sections is a large dust filter which is removable by pulling from the rear of the chassis.
The PSU seating area
Interior (Continued)
R4 has 7x PCI expansion slot covers that are powder coated white and with ventilation holes/thumbscrews. Immediately next to these covers is a single, vertically aligned PCI expansion slot cover for installing such devices as a fan controller.
White PCI expansion slot covers
Above this is a 140mm rear exhaust fan (R2 Silent Series – 1000RPM) which helps to take air/heat out of the chassis, the cable for this fan has nylon sleeves. At the top of R4 there are two foam pads that cover the cooling fan placements. Dual 120/140mm cooling fans can be installed at the top and a 240mm water-cooling radiator, just as long as it’s less than 3cm in thickness.
140mm rear exhaust fan
Over on the other side there are 2x 5.25” drive bays for optical drives – this section requires standard screws to secure the device.
2x 5.25” optical drive bays
Moving down to the HDD storage there are a plethora of options available. Fractal Design have given R4 a HDD cage that is split in two. In total there are eight metal trays for installing 2.5” or 3.5” drives. To allow for increased GPU compatibility the upper cage can be removed by simply removing a thumbscrew and sliding the cage out of the chassis. Additionally both HDD cages can be removed to allow for a 240mm radiator to be fitted.
2.5” and 3.5” HDD storage
Installation
We’ve taken a look at R4’s features whilst without any hardware installed but this is only part of the story. Installing kit inside the chassis helps us to identify any pitfalls (if any) and observe clearance benefits.
The entire installation process is a breeze thanks to a combination of space, clearance and tool-less mechanisms. Being a mid-tower chassis we installed our ATX system within R4 and as you can see it handles this form factor nicely. At the top of the chassis there are rubber grommets to support cable management options for CPU power and cooling fans. Thanks to the clearance behind the motherboard tray and other areas; keeping the inside of the system tidy is easy.
Installation complete – a clean and tidy system
Assembling cables on reverse is easy
In order to install HDDs inside R4 drives must be installed within one of the provided trays. The HDD trays support both 2.5” and 3.5”, screws simply need to be applied on the underside of the drive. We’ve seen these trays on previous Fractal Design cases.
HDD trays can support 2.5” and 3.5” drives
In the next section we will be discovering clearance options available for key components, inside R4.
Clearance – CPU, GPU, WC, Cable Management
Clearance is a major thing for enthusiasts; especially where computer chassis are concerned. Knowing how much space there is for key components can mean the difference between something being compatible and incompatible.
First up, the CPU cooler; thanks to R4 being particularly wider than other cases helps to accommodate big CPU coolers, pictured is Noctua’s NH-U12P which is 158mm in height. As you can see there is lots of clearance for this cooler to reside within R4. There is sufficient space for even bigger coolers such as Noctua NH-D14, Thermalright Silver Arrow and Alpenfohn K2 which are all 160mm in height.
CPU cooler clearance is very generous
Moving to the graphics card there are two options available for clearance; with upper HDD cage installed and without. Of course, taking the HDD cage out is going to cover any current graphics card on the market but with the HDD cage installed, there is a limitation. Pictured below is XFX HD7970 DD which is 10.5” in length, at a push we could install a graphics card that is 11” in length but the PCI-E connectors would need to be mounted on the top of the card and not at the end.
High-end graphics cards are supported
Due to clearance limitations water-cooling is an option but enthusiasts will be constrained to slim radiators that are below 3cm in thickness at the top of R4. Fractal Design even specify on their product page for R4 that this case “Top 120/140mm fans – positions also support some models of 240 radiators, depending on configuration”. The same can be said for the front too, both HDD cages can infact be completely removed to allow for a 240mm radiator.
Turning our attention to the clearance behind the motherboard tray there is approximately 2.3cm of space between the back of the tray and side panel; a very generous amount of clearance that allows for any redundant cables to be arranged behind the system.
2.3cm of clearance behind the motherboard tray
Thermal Performance Testing
Inside R4 there are 2 pre-installed cooling fans positioned in key airflow positions. Both fans are configured to be push/pull.
To discover the thermal performance of the R4 I will record idle temperatures after 20 minutes from a cold boot. I will then stress the system and temperatures will again be monitored after 30 minutes have elapsed.
For the purpose of accurate analysis the idle and load temperatures for CPU and GPU will be recorded and the range between idle and load will be calculated to determine how efficient cooling is. Fan controller is set to ’12v’.
NOTE: Ambient temperature is 20C
System Components
CPU AMD Phenom II X6 1055T 2.8GHz
Motherboard ASUS M4A89TD PRO
Graphics NVIDIA GTX 480 AMP (Different from card pictured)
Memory 4GB Mushkin EM3-10666 DDR3
HDD Samsung Spinpoint 500GB SATA-II
PSU FSP AURUM GOLD 650M
Motherboard ASUS M4A89TD PRO
Graphics NVIDIA GTX 480 AMP (Different from card pictured)
Memory 4GB Mushkin EM3-10666 DDR3
HDD Samsung Spinpoint 500GB SATA-II
PSU FSP AURUM GOLD 650M
Noise
R4 is designed to be silent and it achieves just that. Thankfully, Fractal Design have given R4 a fan controller to adjust between 5v, 7v and 12v and there actually isn’t a great deal of audible difference between each mode, the system/case remains quiet during even 12v operation.
Conclusion
Fractal Design’s Define R3 was a resounding triumph; with the new successor in the ranks do we have a worthy replacement in the R4?
From a visual aspect R4 has remained very similar to its predecessor, as has the build quality which is very good indeed. Where things have changed is the newly implemented fan controller which allows for up to three fans to be managed through 5v, 7v and 12v. Space and clearance is another area that has seen improvements, the chassis is wider; making way for more space behind the motherboard tray and for the CPU cooler. Longer graphics cards are now supported too thanks to the HDD cage being split into two sections and being detachable.
A number of silent cases have been reviewed recently at Vortez and this niche of chassis have the mandatory characteristic of having material attached to the side panels for noise damping. The usual choice of material is foam but Fractal Design have gone further than this to furnish the side panels with a thicker synthetic material which his higher in quality.
Overall I’ve been very impressed with R4; improving on an already successful product is no mean feat but Fractal Design appear to have hit the nail on the head, pricing helps to reinforce this by being very competitive at £90inc. VAT. Many of R4’s rivals are listed as being over the £100 mark and this will work in Fractal Design’s favour.
Define R4 builds on the success of R3 by continuing with the desirable looks, great quality and affordable pricing. Fractal Design have been careful not to ruin a good thing and have therefore wisely implemented small changes that transform to a big difference.
VIDEO REVIEW – VORTEZ TV
Pros
+ Elegant and professional looking
+ Choice of 3 colours
+ Great quality
+ Great cable management options
+ Fan controller
+ Competitively priced
Cons
– No tool-less option for optical drives
+ Elegant and professional looking
+ Choice of 3 colours
+ Great quality
+ Great cable management options
+ Fan controller
+ Competitively priced
Cons
– No tool-less option for optical drives
Click here for an explanation of our awards at Vortez.net.
