Fractal Design Define 7 vs Define 7 Compact PC Case Comparison

Thanks for this. Best review ive seen for these cases on the internet.

Great review. Still thinking of going for the full size one, mainly because I end up keeping cases for a very long time and you never know what sort of build you might want to do down the line...

Great comparison, I like your calm explanations.
The Compact would be totally fine for me, I'm just hesitating because of the issue with too less space for the cables there. :( I've also read reviews where the side would pop off eventually after a while. Is there no way to secure the side, maybe with a screw from behind the front panel? At least the Define 7 mentions this 'trick' in the manual (but not for the compact unfortunately).

there both beautifull

Good review thanks mate.

Very nice review. I went for the normal version. I haven’t had a pc in years so I’m a bit surprised with the case size so I had to rearrange furniture in m flat to accommodate everything. I’m quite happy with the case, it’s very easy to take things apart. I did replace the stock cans with 6 be quiet ones. Now I’m just missing cpu and GPU to complete my build.

Question how is the airflow and noise? I have a silencio s600 with 4 120 mm fans and a i9 9900k with a Noctua NS- D15. I can hear the fans currently.

So how noisy is this case ?

I wish they'd make one in the middle. lol

Those filter fins that are orientated down are for sound dampening. Especially if the case is sitting down, near you. :)
What I hate/do not like is the design they did on filter and grills. Now that is useless and ugly. :D

Something I saw another review mention was that it was supposedly possible to attach the side panels with a screw behind the front panel, which could fix the issue of the back side panel popping off if that's accurate? I couldn't find any info about it in their manual though nor another confirmation that it was possible anywhere else. Another thing that can help with the cable management problem is that the plastic cable guides can be removed entirely which would give you some extra space to play with, the velcro straps can still be used but attached to the case itself instead.

I also saw that you commented in the second video that you couldn't remove the hard drive cage which just isn't true, there was a guide how to do just that in the manual. Other then that, great review!

Got the full size one on sale at Black Friday. For 99€. It'll replace my old Define R4 in my new silent build (whenever the processor arrives). I'm quite impressed with the modularity of the newest iteration – it's such a pleasure to work with. The R4 lasted me for a bit over seven years, and it served me very well. The only reason I won't do the new build in it is because the Define 7 happened to be on such a good sale.

Which gpu is in the compact?

I would run a 24 pin extension on the compact version and stuff the rest of the thick cable at the bottom. Plus I would get rid of the 3.5 inch tray from the bottom as well.

Nice Vid Thanks!
Are there any Difference in Temps? i own die Big on... an the Temps are Great. But the Case is a lit to big for me. So when ich get the smaler on, is there more Heat in the System ?

Awesome review, thanks! Looking forward to receiving my Define 7, going to fit a 2000W PSU in there. Just want a build that can last me at least 10+ years, obviously with CPU/GPU/storage upgrades in between as needed and I think this case will do just fine.

They should make Compact the same as regular Define 7 just shorter, it will be way better.

I'm going with the compact because I have multiple monitors and thus need a smaller case. I also prefer the look of more compact cases, and I can easily move a smaller case around.

this case dont have power led for hard disk.. too bad

Thanks. Exactly what I was looking for.

Thanks for this video! I was struggling to decide between the two for the same reason. I refuse to mount a radiator on the front and blow hot air through my pc. However, I decided to go with the compact bc of the nice form factor. I will just be sticking to a top mounted 240mm radiator, which isnt a huge compromise. Your video helped me finally make my decision, so thank you!

SO, in the compact version you cant open the front panel, you can´t install an optical drive to watch blu rays.

Would a rtx 3090 fit in the compact?

Really great comparison, thanks, and helped make up my mind for the bigger one as I have 8 HDD that need to fit. Plus it will b nice for a change to actually have space in the case.

The IO connectors on the top will fill up with dust and also the cords will be stressed from pointing upwards

Very useful video.
Compact was the right size for me, but unfortunately, no 5.25 support, so I went for the "standard' size.

i wish the compact was a bit wider so it could fit 280mm radiator on the top and 140mm fans. is there any alternative?

I really wish they would do the Compact at the same width as the full-size case. I would strongly prefer the smaller case but I want the same air cooler height options, and I want the 140mm rear fan.

This applies to the compact cases from many manufacturers.

Cant find any comparisons on it but the Fractal Design 7 Mid tower seems like the sweet spot for many, it's at least called that here in Norway and it's slightly larger than the compact. Priced between the compact and 7. Thanks for the video!

Would a 420 go comfortably and look good on the roof of the standard 7? I've currently got a 240 on the roof towards the front with a 140mm fan also on the roof towards the rear to exhaust gpu heat with the normal exhaust fan on the back of the case, just below that roof 140. I've got a chance to get the new arctic freezer aio in any size I want and not sure which to go for (define 7 glass side case with a 7950x3d). 3x 140mm fans on the front