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Modding Fractal Design's new "Arc" Midi Case

Discussion in 'Modding' started by mnpctech, 19 May 2011.

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  1. mnpctech

    mnpctech bit-tech sponsor

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    I had the opportunity to review Fractal Design's new "Arc" Midi Tower case. It's going to be a huge hit with everyone! It will retail for $109 in US at Newegg I emailed Hannes this morning about inquiries including ETA for retailers, 140mm fan specs? and asked how much it will retail in GBP? I will let you know as soon as I do!
     
    Last edited by a moderator: 27 May 2011
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  2. jrs77

    jrs77 Modder

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    Probably the best medium-sized ATX-case you can currently get for your money. Allthough you basically can't get these cases anywhere so far.

    Sleek, minimalistic design and plenty of mounting-options.

    Well done Fractal and thanks for the review Bill :thumb:
     
    Last edited: 19 May 2011
  3. mnpctech

    mnpctech bit-tech sponsor

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    I agree! and Newegg should have them by late June or early July.

    regarding the 3x 140mm fan specs included in the case, 19dB and 50.6CFM @ 1000 rpm.
     
  4. The_Beast

    The_Beast I like wood ಠ_ಠ

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    I don't like the plastic front or the side air vents. To me it isn't minimalist enough
     
  5. Guest-56605

    Guest-56605 Guest

    I think we might see this take the TJ07 mantle of the mid world from the CM 690 II in the eyes of more than a few modders...

    The minimalistic looks work in a big way as do the mounting options, I like the idea of modding the Arc to vertically mount a 280 rad on the front of the case intaking air through into the main chamber :dremel: :D

    Great no BS review Bill :thumb:

    Edit - Yes I do want one!!!
     
  6. jrs77

    jrs77 Modder

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    The plastics isn't actually too shabby, especially when the chassis itself is made from steel.
    Just paint the whole thing (steel and plastics in the same color) and you won't recongnize it as plastics anymore compared to the rest of the case.

    In the end, it's just a housing for your hardware that sits either on or under your desk and plastics does the job just aswell there. So cutting costs by using plastics is just fine with me.

    The sidevent... well... just cut it away and install a window there and you're done with it.

    I own a cheapo Antec 300 and did treat it the same way I described above and it's doing it's job absolutely great. I'd choose high value (price vs. features) over fancy aluminum any day... housing my hardware, reducing noise and covering it from getting dusty too much at the smallest price possible, while not looking utterly rubbish at the same time.
     
  7. mnpctech

    mnpctech bit-tech sponsor

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    I'm predicting the Arc stealing away a lot of Corsair's 650 consumers. I think it's $199 price tag is outrageous, (just like I did when 800D was release for $299) and that black window frame ruins the clean lines.
     
  8. Guest-56605

    Guest-56605 Guest

    £125 for that :jawdrop:

    :nono: Nah I don't think so

    Not when Quietpc.com have the Arc up for sale at just £74.99 inc. VAT

    http://www.quietpc.com/gb-en-gbp/products/pc-cases/fd-arc-bl :thumb:
     
  9. antiHero

    antiHero ReliXmas time!

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    Nice review, nice case.

    Been looking for a new case and torn between the Fractal R3 and CM II Adv. and the Arc sits just perfect in the middle. I just miss the betumen fan hole covers the R3 has, as it sounded as the Arc is noizeier then the R3.

    And as jrs77 sad, no retailer has them yet. At least in finland.

    edit: Checking Fractals website I found there is a mATX version of the case the ARC Mini
     
    Last edited: 20 May 2011
  10. mnpctech

    mnpctech bit-tech sponsor

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    They're working to get the cases out to retailers by end of this month or early july. As soon as I can get OS, I'll post temps w/ my Arc system with factory fans.

    Core i7 920 with Scythe Mugen v2 CPU Cooler with NZXT 120mm Fan 1300 RPM, 47.27 CFM / 25.35 dBA, EVGA X58 (extended ATX), 295 GTX, Mushkin 4GB DDR3, Mushkin Callisto SSD, and NZXT 850 PSU with 140mm cooling

    X58 is E-ATX , which explains why cable management holes are partially covered on other side.

    [​IMG]


    [​IMG]
     
  11. [ZiiP] NaloaC

    [ZiiP] NaloaC Multimodder

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    Nice looking case, but I have never been a fan (no pun intended) of side panel mounted fans. They just ruin the look to me.
     
  12. jrs77

    jrs77 Modder

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    Says the one with a huge window in the sidepanel of his Corsair 800.

    So, cut a hole around the "fan-grill" and install a window, problem solved.... no? :hehe:
     
  13. mnpctech

    mnpctech bit-tech sponsor

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    I can see your point ZiiP. It would be nice if they offer a silent variation of the Arc chassis, without fan holes in the side panel or optional fan covers like the R2. Just an Fyi: Fractal replaced the stinky "bitumen" dampening material when the Define XL was released, with a foam that is similar in weight, but orderless.
     
  14. Droih

    Droih Your too close if you can read this

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    I did not know this, but I thank you for the information - this have been a turn off for me about Fractals cases(having to worry about a smelly case:worried:).
     
  15. mnpctech

    mnpctech bit-tech sponsor

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    Yeah, Fractal listened to their customer complaints and changed it :thumb:
     
  16. mnpctech

    mnpctech bit-tech sponsor

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    @ 2:39 in Fractal Design Arc review I tried installing the Hardware Lab's 240 stealth GT "gen 2" (15mm spacing) into the Arc's 240 factory mounting holes. The top Optical bay prevents it from aligning with the mounting holes, regardless of which direction the radiator is placed. The reason this radiator doesn't fit? It has the inlet and outlet holes on opposite ends, which makes it slightly longer. As far as I'm aware, Hardware Lab is the only manufacturer offering this particular design. Hoping somebody will correct me if I'm wrong.

    Ok, so Fractal contacted me immediately after the video was posted and asked that I check it again, to confirm 100% that it wouldn't fit. I happily obliged and reach the same conclusion again. They told they would fix the issue, but as to when we will see this fix made? No idea at this time, but I can ask them to update me.
     
  17. Claave

    Claave You Rebel scum

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    Bit-tech does not support third-party reviews as they conflict with our core activities and confuse readers and the industry representatives we deal with.

    The original review link has been removed and this thread has been closed.
     
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