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Test equipment, method, and results
CPU |
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CPU Cooler |
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System Fans |
Pre-installed (if needed, Cooler Master Masterfan M120) |
Motherboard |
Gigabyte Z890 Aorus Elite Wifi7 Plus |
GPU |
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PSU |
Our thermal tests are presented to give you more information about the product’s performance, but aren’t intended as the sole basis for judging the chassis. The style, price, features, and noise levels of a case should also be considered, and we all have different preferences. What I might like in a case, you might not, and that’s OK. Our goal with these reviews is to give everyone, regardless of their preferences, enough information to decide whether a case is right for them.
To get heat into the system, we stress the CPU with Cinebench R26 (multi-threaded test) and the video card with Furmark 2 (1080p). CPU and GPU tests run concurrently for 30 minutes, allowing the air-cooled system to reach saturation and stabilize over that period. We then let the system idle for 15 minutes, adjust the fans to 100%, and test again.
Noise-normalized (42dBA) Maximum thermal Performance
This set of tests is designed to appeal to those who love quiet PCs, with both system fans and the CPU fan noise normalized to 42 dBA. Consider this a measure of the case’s thermal efficiency when noise levels are set to run quietly. It is audible, but just (at least for my old ears).
Noise-normalized performance landed in the middle of our CPU results, averaging 91 degrees Celsius in our testing. The video card, benefiting from the front air guide, was the second-coolest result so far with this testbed, matching the open-front Cooler Master Q300L V3 and only behind the Cooler Master HAF II 500 and its massive fans. That’s impressive for a case that’s meant to be quiet.
Maximum thermal performance - fans at full speed
Our noise-normalized results are designed for folks who prefer silence, but what if you don’t mind additional noise and just care about maximum performance, or maybe you have to run things at high settings to keep high-powered devices cool? This testing is for you. Obviously, when you add fans or an AIO up top, things will change a bit, but this gives you a great idea of ‘out-of-the-box’ performance, noise be damned.
After cranking all the fans to 100%, temperatures dropped six degrees Celsius on the CPU and five on the video card, matching other cases’ drops and leaving the Define One in the same position cooling-wise behind the two Cooler Master entrants. Again, things will be even better (not that they are bad) if you populate the top space with fans.
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Maximum Noise Levels
We measure the noise levels with a sound meter from one meter away from the computer case, with the pre-installed fans running at their maximum RPM. If a case does not have enough included fans for airflow (intake and exhaust) as configured, we add a Cooler Master M120 ARGB, since we expect most users will add at least one more fan in situations like these.
The loudest this case gets in our configuration was only 49 dBA, just 7 dBA above our baseline threshold, just behind the Montech TG3, in second place. The Momentum 14 fans didn’t generate any harsh tones or vibrations, which we expected, as Fractal designed it with vibration-dampening and silence in mind.
Conclusion
The Fractal Define One is a great mid-range chassis that balances thermal performance, noise, and a refined, premium aesthetic. With a price of ~$155 that includes three pre-installed 140mm Momentum 14 fans, it’s also not a bad deal, considering what you get for the money. With toolless access, removable panels, and thoughtful cable management, you get a case that’s easy to build in and look at. Little things like the bottom dust filter pulling out from the window side, the integrated front air guide to feed the GPU cool air, and a grommet that actually stays in place show Fractal put thought (and engineering) into the details.
Our thermal and noise testing backs up the company’s claims of ‘quiet performance’ too. Even without fans on top, the Define One kept pace with cases built for much higher airflow and didn’t get loud trying. If you’re after a reasonably priced case that looks premium, is easy to build in and doesn’t force you to choose between noise and good temperatures, the $150 Define One is well worth a look. And if this isn't the one for you, take a look at our curated list of best cases.
Joe Shields is a staff writer at Tom’s Hardware. He reviews motherboards and PC components.
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thestryker I like that this has better fans and intake than the Define series has typically had, but it also sacrifices room for storage drive mounting which has historically been that series' staple. I don't know that this tradeoff is really worth it since it doesn't really have anything else other than the looks of a solid front panel going for it.Reply