PC case thoughts

Smalltown · Aug 25, 2025

After upgraded for a new to me motherboard I have a video card that came with it that is way too long for my existing case, and my front USB ports are dated.
This motherboard has two USB 2.0/1/1 headers and 1, 3.1 generation Gen. 1 header. (I must admit the naming convention for USB ports is enough to drive a sane person crazy)

Searching through the forest for a PC case that would not break the bank I spied this case. I noticed it has a lower front removable panel to accommodate two 5 /14 devices. I like the fact that I could keep my optical drive and possibly use one of the front slots for a USB panel to add future faster USB ports.

Any thoughts. It's a rather inexpensive case. I never thought I would like a tempered glass side panel but have warmed up to the idea. https://www.newegg.com/fractal-desi...-black-orange-fd-c-por1a-05/p/N82E16811352174

Got to add that since people and there are many on this forum that helped me upgrade my old Win 10 system to Win1. I know it's not the latest MB or processor, but nevertheless I'm liven the life!

bobkn · Aug 25, 2025

I don't own such a case. But Fractal has a favorable reputation. The premium builder Puget Systems uses Fractal cases for some of their offerings.

If you want a case with a recent design but with 5 1/4" slots, your choices are limited.

It bugs me that a front (top) USB-C port requires an extra cost module. Which isn't cheap for what is essentially a cable.

And I'd choose a different color scheme. Orange doesn't do it for me.

Smalltown · Aug 25, 2025

Thanks, bobkn Orange doesn't get my motor running either there are about 4-5 color schemes not just the orange.

MisterEd · Aug 26, 2025

USB 3.1 Gen 1 is the same as the old USB 3.0.

Most motherboards have a 20-pin header that supports 2 x USB 3.0 ports. A lot of cases have two USB-A 3.0 ports on the front. They are connected with cable with a 20-pin connector that plugs into the motherboard.

BTW, if the case only has 2 x USB 2.0 front panel ports then you can buy a panel than mounts in a 5.25: drive bay. It has 2 x USB 3.0 ports and has the required 20-pin cable to plug into a motherboard.

Ghot · Aug 26, 2025

Smalltown said:
Thanks, bobkn Orange doesn't get my motor running either there are about 4-5 color schemes not just the orange.

https://pcpartpicker.com/products/case/#m=106&t=3&sort=price&page=1

Scannerman · Aug 26, 2025

The pop air black looks nice. I know some ladies who would find that black and magenta attractive. Color is of no consequence. You are building this PC for you, not for the eyes of others. I like that Fractal Design has extended the consideration to people who use front bays and have evidently put a slightly innovative spin on the design by making these accessible at the bottom of the case instead of the top. Fractal Design is known for producing quality PC cases, so this is likely a safe choice. I'm a big front bay fan so I confess I'm biased. IF only two front bays suits your needs, then this is likely a good choice. I have one such case with the front bays on the tradition top of the case and it works okay. You can save ten bux off the price if you go with black and another 5 bux if you skip the glass. Evidently it has room for a full ATX board so you should be good to go.

VBF · Aug 26, 2025

bobkn said:
I don't own such a case. But Fractal has a favorable reputation. The premium builder Puget Systems uses Fractal cases for some of their offerings.

If you want a case with a recent design but with 5 1/4" slots, your choices are limited.

It bugs me that a front (top) USB-C port requires an extra cost module. Which isn't cheap for what is essentially a cable.

And I'd choose a different color scheme. Orange doesn't do it for me.

The premium builder Chillblast in UK uses various Fractal cases for most if not all of their offerings. Mostly black but some are offered in white.
I've recently acquired a PC from them and I like the case. Especially the feature of not having screws to retain the side panels. They clip FIRMLY into place.

Smalltown · Aug 26, 2025

Ghot that link is where I started to whittle down choices. It's a great site to see most of what is available and who is selling it..

I guess (I know) I tend to over think every step especially trying to future proof my selections whether it be motherboard or anything else. Having Scotch blood doesn't help things.

Scannerman I read your older post about case prices. It's hard to imagine that some case prices are as high as they are.

VBF I'll check them out.

Smalltown · Aug 26, 2025

I'm going back and forth thinking the availability of a place to insert an optical drive was a plus to maybe I should not limit my choice and simply buy an inexpensive external optical reader for those occasions I might need to load software from a DVD that is obviously diminishing.

PerpetualCycle · Aug 26, 2025

Smalltown said:
I'm going back and forth thinking the availability of a place to insert an optical drive was a plus to maybe I should not limit my choice and simply buy an inexpensive external optical reader for those occasions I might need to load software from a DVD that is obviously diminishing.

That's a good idea.

I have used Fractal cases exclusivity for a long time. They are decent cases.

PhilB · Aug 26, 2025

PerpetualCycle said:
That's a good idea.

I have used Fractal cases exclusivity for a long time. They are decent cases.

Right now I have an Enthoo case, and I am very unhappy with it. I have been planning to replace this case, and the Fractal North is probably my top pick. I would like to see a mid-tower version of their case that has cutouts for motherboards with rear-facing connectors.

barreleye · Aug 26, 2025

PerpetualCycle said:
That's a good idea.

I have used Fractal cases exclusivity for a long time. They are decent cases.

Fractal Define 7 for the file server in the other room, Define 7 Compact for the PC by my desk, both black with solid side panels. Love these cases.

play2mefish · Aug 26, 2025

I for one like the orange! But go with the color you like and not what everyone else likes.

PerpetualCycle · Aug 27, 2025

x509 said:
Right now I have an Enthoo case, and I am very unhappy with it. I have been planning to replace this case, and the Fractal North is probably my top pick. I would like to see a mid-tower version of their case that has cutouts for motherboards with rear-facing connectors.

The North is a nice case. I really like it - it performs well with good airflow. I am sure Fractal will be coming out with rear-facing connectors sooner than later.

PerpetualCycle · Aug 27, 2025

barreleye said:
Fractal Define 7 for the file server in the other room, Define 7 Compact for the PC by my desk, both black with solid side panels. Love these cases.

I have have a Define 7 (as well as a North). I am planning on updating my wife's computer with it soon. It is a good case and the sound dampening is great, but at the cost of good airflow. All depends on your use-case (no pun intended).

barreleye · Aug 27, 2025

PerpetualCycle said:
I have have a Define 7 (as well as a North). I am planning on updating my wife's computer with it soon. It is a good case and the sound dampening is great, but at the cost of good airflow. All depends on your use-case (no pun intended).

Have you seen the Fractal Epoch? It's a new case that tries to give the best of both worlds.

bobkn · Aug 27, 2025

barreleye said:
Have you seen the Fractal Epoch? It's a new case that tries to give the best of both worlds.

Looks nice. What's unusual about it, if anything?

PerpetualCycle · Aug 27, 2025

barreleye said:
Have you seen the Fractal Epoch? It's a new case that tries to give the best of both worlds.

Yes, looks nice. Less flexible than the North for my needs though.

PhilB · Aug 27, 2025

barreleye said:
Have you seen the Fractal Epoch? It's a new case that tries to give the best of both worlds.

Yes, but I really like the wood accents of the North. Also I want reverse motherboard compatibility in my next case. Just thinking ahead for the nexr 4-5 years.

tpriest · Aug 28, 2025

My 2 month old PC has a Fractal Pop Air case. Though relatively large it's got excellent airflow and removable bits front and top. I like it.

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