Fractal Arc Midi R2

[mj3437]

I am looking at this case for my new build, I like that it comes with 3 fans. Reviews seem to say it is cool, but a bit noisy under load.

Any thoughts?

MJ

[BitMaster]

What board do you use ??

 

Some boards dont fit all cases. reasons could be metal back plate, E-ATX format etc..

 

Just went thru such a disaster myself, back and forth..what a nightmare

[mj3437]

ATX form factor. MSI Z170A Gaming Pro.

[BitMaster]

I would not pick such a small tower for simple reasons stated in the manual, which I just read.

 

If you plan to get a more powerfull PSU you would have to remove to lower HDD cage, whereas if you have a large GPU card you have to remove the upper HDD cage...that might be a problem if you expand your system.

 

If space on/under your desk is not a critical issue, I would go for a Midi-Tower that is LOW NOISE.

 

I have just ordered a 3rd Corsair Carbide 500r. The only downside of that tower is that the metal is not as thick as I am used to with Chieftec. It's hard to find better steel than Chieftec, honestly.

 

Everything else is very good and it is very silent and comes with 4 fans, 2 front 120mm, 1 rearv 120mm and a 200m door fan, USB3 front and Audio, multiple AIO watercool options too, which I use on one of the 3 I have with a H110 from corsair.

[mj3437]

Thanks for the input BitMaster. I went with the 500r as suggested. It's actually only 1 in. taller but 2 in.+/- shorter front to back than my old one.

I am a bit concerned with the large side intake having no filter as do the front, bottom and top. I'm in New Mexico and it is pretty dusty at times and I heat with wood. Lots of dust.

When all my parts and pieces show up I,m sure I'll have more questions.

Thanks

MJ

[Demon_]

Congrats for the case.

 

Because the side fan is higher and collect less dust than the bottom one. The top ones are an exhaust.

Anyway, the particles from the burning wood are too small for those filters. More filtering = less airflow.

[mj3437]

Thanks Demon.

One more question. Do you prefer to adjust fan speed manually with the onboard adjustment, or let the MB control?

[Demon_]

Fan speed? Connect wherever you want (Fan controller, mb or direct to the power supply)

One rule: As fast as possible (for better cooling) without noise. And monitor the temps with CPUID HWMonitor.

Edited January 9, 2017 by Demon_

[BitMaster]

I prefer to connect as many fans as possible to the board and use Asus tool to adjust them.

 

The case has 3 fans that are controlled by the front switch ( low-medium-high ). The only option with the 500r for the board is the exhaust fan that comes with it and the 2 optional fans ( not included ) from the top.

 

The 2 front fans and the door fan WON'T fit standard fan connectors without modification, they use different conns. From my point of view that is no bad thing as the built-in control is OK.

 

YOu will like that tower, its got a few things I wished were better ( steel thickness ) but overall I havent found a better one for that money.

 

They should exclude the E-ATX ready spec on their website, it wont fit an E-ATX board properly.

I had to cut-out parts with heavy tools..but that was my fault, my board is E-ATX + 2 more cm to the right so I struggle with the bowl shaped mobo tray that surrounds the board. For me that means no 2nd USB3 conn and no lower Sata conn is accessible....again..my fault.

 

Watch the rear rubber stands....they peel off pretty easy when you slide the tower over carpet, dont do that..lift it and carry it ;)

 

Bit