Fractal Design Define Mini mATX Case Review

Define Mini Overview
When you first take a look at the Define Mini it looks more like a server than anything.  It’s stylish contemporary design really shows.  The case itself is made of SECC metal with a plastic front bezel.  The case is only available in black, although a white or silver version would be very cool to see!

Fractal Design Define Mini mATX Case Fractal Design Define Mini mATX Case

Starting at the front of the case there is something we have not seem in some time on a case, a door!  I’ve always been a fan of case doors, I think that they clean up the front of your case.  Although the case door is made of plastic it has a nice finish on it that makes it look like brushed aluminum.  Before we open up the door at the top of the case you have you audio connections, power button, two USB 2.0 ports and a single USB 3.0 port.

Fractal Design Define Mini mATX Case Fractal Design Define Mini mATX Case

The door itself has no real locking mechanism, it uses a magnet to stay closed.  Once you open it up the first thing that pops out is the sound dampening material that is used on the inside of the door.  Fractal Design markets this case as silent case so we will see a lot of sound dampening material on the case.  There are only two 5.25-inch external bays.  Each of them has a cool little latch on them to unlock them.  Below that are 2 large ventilation sections.  If you press on them they pop out to reveal an included 120mm intake fan and a spot for another 120mm fan.  The fan holders do have fan filters on them, but they are not removable.

Fractal Design Define Mini mATX Case Fractal Design Define Mini mATX Case Fractal Design Define Mini mATX Case

So if the front of the case has a door on it how are the fans going to intake air?  On each side of the case there are large ventilation sections.  These will allow air to be brought inside of the case.  On the top of the case there is a single ventilation section that will hold a 120mm or 140mm fan.  As you can see from the photo below it is covered though, we will show you why once we open the case up.

Fractal Design Define Mini mATX Case Fractal Design Define Mini mATX Case

Taking a look at the side of the case you can get a good look at the ventilation holes that run up the front part of the case.  There is also another ventilation spot for a 120mm or 140mm fan.  Just like the top fan placement it is also covered.

Fractal Design Define Mini mATX Case Fractal Design Define Mini mATX Case

Moving around back we can see one thing that I really enjoy on Factal Design cases, they use a contrasting white for their expansion slots.  Also towards the top are 2 water-cooling holes and a 120mm exhaust fan, which is also white.  Just like most cases you have a bottom-mounted power supply and thumbscrews on the side panel.  There is also an expansion slot on the far right side of the case.  It can be used with the included fan controller.

Fractal Design Define Mini mATX Case Fractal Design Define Mini mATX Case Fractal Design Define Mini mATX Case Fractal Design Define Mini mATX Case

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