Fractal Design Define R4... or wait?

blake1243

Honorable
Oct 21, 2012
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I was think about purchasing the Fractal Design Define R4 case for only $79 to due the $30 of promotion on NewEgg. But the promo ends on 11/21, and with black friday coming up soon should i wait and see if there is a even better deal? I was also looking at the NZXT Phantom 410 which is also $79. I just don't want to miss the promo, and then end up paying full price for it because there was no deal on black friday.

Also, what case has better airflow and cable management?
 
Solution
I have the R4 and I haven't seen it below $79. The R4 has good cable management, a lot of room behind the motherboard to run cables (better than my Antec 1200) The sound dampening material and heavy construction are good, my system is rather quiet (especially compared to my last build).

On my R4, I have 2 120mm fans on intake, and one exhaust, set at 7volts, with two GTX 770's and a 4770k inside (I removed the top drive bay for better airflow). The R4 you get a decent amount of cable ties for management behind the motherboard too.

All of that being said I prefer the R4's design, but beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. I think it would be good to also have a NZXT 410 owner put in some input.

Edit: Fractals support is awesome...
I have the R4 and I haven't seen it below $79. The R4 has good cable management, a lot of room behind the motherboard to run cables (better than my Antec 1200) The sound dampening material and heavy construction are good, my system is rather quiet (especially compared to my last build).

On my R4, I have 2 120mm fans on intake, and one exhaust, set at 7volts, with two GTX 770's and a 4770k inside (I removed the top drive bay for better airflow). The R4 you get a decent amount of cable ties for management behind the motherboard too.

All of that being said I prefer the R4's design, but beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. I think it would be good to also have a NZXT 410 owner put in some input.

Edit: Fractals support is awesome, the built in fan controller didn't work for me, so they sent me a replacement at no cost, and didn't even have to return the old part. My brother has the same experience with them in regards to a slightly clicky case fan.
 
Solution

AtariST

Distinguished
Oct 31, 2013
16
4
18,525
Have you looked at the Quiet Gaming Case and the sub $100 Gaming Case articles? Oddly the more expensive cases do not seem to do as well at cooling.

I sorely wish I had picked up the Antec GX700 when it was $30 after rebate. I'm waiting for that price again (fingers crossed) before I begin my build (hear that Newegg?).

Obviously the R4 is a great choice for quiet, I'm considering that one too, but the Antec GX700 and the Zalman MS800 (also on sale for $53.99 at Newegg) aren't much louder and seem to cool much better.

Admittedly these are different cases with different priorities but things to consider.

Ultimately if the R4 is what you want, buy it. Don't miss out on a good deal now because you might get a better deal later. I really regret not getting the case I wanted when I could. Seeing it for a couple of $$ less in a week or two isn't going to help. I'm ready now. If you are too, pull the trigger.
 

blake1243

Honorable
Oct 21, 2012
593
0
11,010


I am also looking for good cable management. The R4 has a whole inch behind the motherboard tray for cables. IDK why but i have become a freak when it comes to cables. I have decided my next case and PSU MUST be modular and have ALOT of space behind mb tray lol. I have also decided to way until black Friday and cyber Monday for case deals. I will check out those 2 that you mentioned though.