Fractal Design vs Nanoxia for silent microATX case

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Acolarh

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Jul 18, 2014
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I am looking to build something small and silent, and after countless hours of looking at different microATX cases I've come across Fractal Design Define Mini and Nanoxia Deep Silence 4. They are very similar in appearance and functionality although the DS4 is a bit smaller. Also the Define Mini has more options for cooling, which might be useful. I've read many positive reviews of the two cases, but I can't seem to find any comparisons.

So if anyone has any information on how the two cases compare in terms of noise level, cooling, build quality etc., it would be much appreciated.

Suggestions for other cases with similar features are also welcome.
 
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Karsten75

Karsten75

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Oct 15, 2009
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In general I kind of like Fractal Design, but I've been a bit disappointed a few times. On the Define Mini, Anandtech had this to say
"Where I think things start to fall apart for the Define Mini is its thermal performance. Liquid cooling in general is an excellent avenue for getting good cooling performance for internal components without generating a ton of noise. This is something that makes the Nanoxia Deep SIlence 1 such a strong contender, but unfortunately the Define Mini misses the boat. That wouldn't be so bad if the case was a solid performer with air cooling, but the included fans at least seem to be pretty inefficient. It's difficult for me to actually peg exactly why the Define Mini is such a weak performer where thermals are concerned, but it is."

Now I have no experience of either the Define Mini or any Deep Silence case (though I really want to build in a DS case at some point in time). However, I'm currently looking at these two cases in the U-ATX area. Both had rather favorable reviews:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811139020

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163186
 
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ingtar33

ingtar33

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Dec 17, 2012
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i'll second the SilverStone Temjin TJ08-E recommendation... probably best in the mATX class right there.
 
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Acolarh

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Jul 18, 2014
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The TJ08-E definitely looks like a nice small case, especially with the aluminium front (although I do like it better when my optical disc drive is hidden behind a door like on the Define Mini). Aside from the front 180mm fan and optional rear fan though, it doesn't seem to have any room for additional cooling (if that were to become necessary). From the SPCR review of the Define Mini, it does look like the TJ08-E in its default configuration is slightly better at cooling than the Define Mini at the expense of being a bit louder, but the Define Mini has space for a total of six fans leaving plenty of room for improving cooling...
One thing I noticed in a review of the TJ08-E, is that there doesn't seem to be much room above the RAM when one or more HDDs are installed in the hard drive case, this might not be a big deal though.
Another tiny thing on the exterior (aside from the visible optical disc drive) is the location of the power button and USB ports, I would have preferred if they were on the top like on the Define Mini, that just seems more convenient to me.

I'm still not really sure what to pick though, adding another option doesn't really help much...
 
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