Fractal Design Arc Midi Tower

Darksaber · May 8, 2011, 10:21 AM

To read this review go to: http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/F...rc_Midi_Tower/

Pigbristle · May 18, 2011, 09:29 PM

I have my pc under my desk, so the BACK fan controller is waste of space to me.
Wouldn't it be a much better idea, to have a small button to the right of the front/top usb3 socket that adjusted the fan speeds.
And I can't even see it costing extra.

Darksaber · May 18, 2011, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pigbristle

I have my pc under my desk, so the BACK fan controller is waste of space to me.
Wouldn't it be a much better idea, to have a small button to the right of the front/top usb3 socket that adjusted the fan speeds.
And I can't even see it costing extra.

Valid point, never occurred to me. But the controller is large enough so that you can feel for it and set the speed without having to see the controller. Besides, how often would you change the speed on the fans? 99% of the people would just leave it on the lowest setting.

Nonetheless, it is good th have the option anyways.

AthlonX2 · May 18, 2011, 10:47 PM

good review clean cut case....some of your image code is messed up on the last page btw

theJesus · May 19, 2011, 05:33 AM

Excellent review, as always. I really like that you tried it with both a regular heatsink and with a radiator.

I think I really like this case, but I have to agree with you about it being priced in a very competitive segment. There are just so many great cases it has to compete with and there isn't much to really set it apart from the pack. With the amount of cases at similar prices offering similar features, it all comes down to aesthetics and personal preference over minor details I think.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pigbristle

I have my pc under my desk, so the BACK fan controller is waste of space to me.
Wouldn't it be a much better idea, to have a small button to the right of the front/top usb3 socket that adjusted the fan speeds.
And I can't even see it costing extra.

Really wouldn't be hard to just drill a hole for the knob wherever you want it and then mount the controller there. Of course, it costs enough that I understand a lot of people will think "I shouldn't have to mod it." Personally, I enjoy doing little mods like that (simple, gives it a personal touch, and hard to screw up).

Quote:

Originally Posted by AthlonX2

good review clean cut case....some of your image code is messed up on the last page btw

I noticed that as well.

W1zzard · May 19, 2011, 05:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AthlonX2

some of your image code is messed up on the last page btw

fixed

Melvis · May 19, 2011, 05:43 AM

Good case, i like it, but shame the PSU is at the bottom =/

TheLostSwede · May 19, 2011, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Melvis

Good case, i like it, but shame the PSU is at the bottom =/

Wow, you must be the one person in the world that doesn't like it at the bottom... oh well...

Pigbristle · May 19, 2011, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darksaber

Besides, how often would you change the speed on the fans? 99% of the people would just leave it on the lowest setting.

I disagree, if you had switch at the front (easy access), I think 99% would speed up their fans every time when in gaming mode, & slow them back down when surfing the net.

But I kind of agree that because its stuck at the back (awkward to get at) 99% will probably leave it on low setting.

Don't get me wrong, I really like this case but at the end of the day, is there really any excuse for putting fan controllers on the back of their cases?

theJesus · May 19, 2011, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheLostSwede

Wow, you must be the one person in the world that doesn't like it at the bottom... oh well...

I used to hate bottom-mounted power-supplies, but now I'm somewhat indifferent. BTW, your post sounds kinky when taken out of context

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pigbristle

I disagree, if you had switch at the front (easy access), I think 99% would speed up their fans every time when in gaming mode, & slow them back down when surfing the net.

But I kind of agree that because its stuck at the back (awkward to get at) 99% will probably leave it on low setting.

Don't get me wrong, I really like this case but at the end of the day, is there really any excuse for putting fan controllers on the back of their cases?

I'm pretty sure most people that really care about fan control will use a bay-mounted fan controller or just connect the fans to the motherboard and use software like SpeedFan.

Pigbristle · May 19, 2011, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theJesus

I'm pretty sure most people that really care about fan control will use a bay-mounted fan controller

So what your saying is I have to go out & buy a new fan controller, whilst throwing the one I just paid for in the bin?

Quote:

Originally Posted by theJesus

or just connect the fans to the motherboard and use software like SpeedFan.

What's easiest,
1. Flick a switch on the top of your case
or
2. Have to open up SpeedFan program, alter fan settings, save & close program.

I know which one I would rather do.

Melvis · May 19, 2011, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheLostSwede

Wow, you must be the one person in the world that doesn't like it at the bottom... oh well...

Naaa we had a thread here to see what people liked more, and the top still won

KieranD · May 19, 2011, 10:47 AM

Shame that the front panel is plastic (looks like anodised aluminium in the pictures) otherwise nice looking for its size.

I don't really understand why Fractal insist on having fans on the side panel but i guess it is good for options, if they do insist on adding side fans they should have filters at least.

W1zzard · May 19, 2011, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pigbristle

What's easiest,
1. Flick a switch on the top of your case
or
2. Have to open up SpeedFan program, alter fan settings, save & close program.

fans that automagically are controlled to be as quiet as possible while keeping the system stable

Darksaber · May 19, 2011, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KieranD

Shame that the front panel is plastic (looks like anodised aluminium in the pictures) otherwise nice looking for its size.

I don't really understand why Fractal insist on having fans on the side panel but i guess it is good for options, if they do insist on adding side fans they should have filters at least.

There are actually no fans in the side panel - just the option. I installed the one which was in the ceiling in the side, since the ceiling was filled by the radiator.

cheers
DS

Bjorn_Of_Iceland · May 19, 2011, 01:21 PM

Thanks for reviewing this case! Am going to get one noce jap has em ^^

theJesus · May 19, 2011, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pigbristle

So what your saying is I have to go out & buy a new fan controller, whilst throwing the one I just paid for in the bin?

No, I'm saying that a lot of people would be using some sort of option that supports controlling multiple fans individually. And no, you are not paying extra for that little controller, it's just some extra gimmick they tacked on.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pigbristle

What's easiest,
1. Flick a switch on the top of your case
or
2. Have to open up SpeedFan program, alter fan settings, save & close program.

I know which one I would rather do.

or
3. Set automatic fan control in SpeedFan so it speeds or slows your fans according to temperature thresholds that you set so you never have to worry about it.

I know which one I would rather do.

Quote:

Originally Posted by W1zzard

fans that automagically are controlled to be as quiet as possible while keeping the system stable

Beat me to it

Pigbristle · May 19, 2011, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theJesus

3. Set automatic fan control in SpeedFan so it speeds or slows your fans according to temperature thresholds that you set so you never have to worry about it.

Admittedly this would seem the best idea (makes me wonder why then, so many enthusiast opt for fan controllers?)

And the fact you say "you are not paying extra for that little controller", I would say is questionable?

But I'm not here to argue, so I'll leave the people to decide the answer of my original post...

Were do you prefer your fan controller, on the front of the case or on the back?

cheers

hsew · May 19, 2011, 04:07 PM

I'm getting fed up with manufacturers putting only one USB 3.0 port on the front panel. In many cases it is acceptable because most cases on the market today don't utilize a USB3 header, but seeing as this one DOES, it boggles the mind to see only ONE port.

Are there any cases BESIDES the Cooler Master Enforcer that offer 2 ports on a header?

Casecutter · May 19, 2011, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KieranD

Shame that the front panel is plastic (looks like anodised aluminium in the pictures) otherwise nice looking for its size.

Amen, I was loving it until plastic... and for $120 USD please. The Gigabyte Poseidon had a super nice aluminum front bezel years ago that had much the same façade.
I just think faux plastic leaves me disillusioned for what appears to be a classy-chassis.

Would be keen on it, if it could be had for say $75 USD… delivered to my door.

fullinfusion · May 19, 2011, 07:43 PM

Nice little case! nice review Dark

Thrackan · May 20, 2011, 12:11 PM

Question!

Can you place a fan between the top panel cover and the top panel itself?

DeerDance · May 20, 2011, 06:54 PM

It seem to be almost identical to the core 3000 - more budget case, except cheaper outer design and rubber on cable management holes...

WarEagleAU · May 22, 2011, 01:37 PM

Great review. I love Fractals streamlined design and haven't really seen a case that I dislike. The fact that this midtower handily accomodates (This is spelled right stupid FF4) is a definite plus. Bad location for a fan controller but appreciated nonetheless.

theJesus · May 22, 2011, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WarEagleAU

Great review. I love Fractals streamlined design and haven't really seen a case that I dislike. The fact that this midtower handily accomodates (This is spelled right stupid FF4) is a definite plus. Bad location for a fan controller but appreciated nonetheless.

No, there are definitely two "m"s in "accommodates"

May 8, 2011, 10:21 AM	#1
Darksaber W1zzard's Sidekick Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Berlin, Germany Posts: 2,461 (0.86/day) Thanks: 33 Thanked 703 Times in 244 Posts System Specs	Fractal Design Arc Midi Tower To read this review go to: http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/F...rc_Midi_Tower/ __________________ Join the TechPowerUp! Facebook Group --- Follow TechPowerUp! on Twitter Last edited by Darksaber; May 24, 2011 at 09:04 AM.

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May 18, 2011, 09:29 PM	#2
Pigbristle Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 5 (0.01/day) Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	I have my pc under my desk, so the BACK fan controller is waste of space to me. Wouldn't it be a much better idea, to have a small button to the right of the front/top usb3 socket that adjusted the fan speeds. And I can't even see it costing extra.

May 18, 2011, 10:47 PM	#4
AthlonX2 Better Than You Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Toledo,Ohio Posts: 5,449 (2.25/day) Thanks: 729 Thanked 1,572 Times in 994 Posts System Specs	good review clean cut case....some of your image code is messed up on the last page btw

May 19, 2011, 05:43 AM	#7
Melvis Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Australia Posts: 2,926 (1.55/day) Thanks: 601 Thanked 459 Times in 381 Posts System Specs	Good case, i like it, but shame the PSU is at the bottom =/

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May 19, 2011, 10:47 AM	#13
KieranD Eligible for custom title Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Glasgow, Scotland Posts: 5,456 (2.60/day) Thanks: 1,638 Thanked 821 Times in 712 Posts System Specs	Shame that the front panel is plastic (looks like anodised aluminium in the pictures) otherwise nice looking for its size. I don't really understand why Fractal insist on having fans on the side panel but i guess it is good for options, if they do insist on adding side fans they should have filters at least. __________________ http://myinstants.com/instant/transformer/

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May 19, 2011, 01:21 PM	#16
Bjorn_Of_Iceland Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Húsið mitt Posts: 2,606 (1.33/day) Thanks: 479 Thanked 356 Times in 265 Posts System Specs	Thanks for reviewing this case! Am going to get one noce jap has em ^^ __________________ SIEG HEIL!!

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May 19, 2011, 04:07 PM	#19
hsew Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 11 (0.02/day) Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	I'm getting fed up with manufacturers putting only one USB 3.0 port on the front panel. In many cases it is acceptable because most cases on the market today don't utilize a USB3 header, but seeing as this one DOES, it boggles the mind to see only ONE port. Are there any cases BESIDES the Cooler Master Enforcer that offer 2 ports on a header?

May 19, 2011, 07:43 PM	#21
fullinfusion 1.21 Gigawatts Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: CANADA Posts: 5,448 (2.79/day) Thanks: 2,687 Thanked 1,294 Times in 1,092 Posts System Specs	Nice little case! nice review Dark __________________ CPU-Z validation sig pics temporarily blocked

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May 20, 2011, 12:11 PM	#22
Thrackan Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 3,159 (1.88/day) Thanks: 234 Thanked 652 Times in 533 Posts System Specs	Question! Can you place a fan between the top panel cover and the top panel itself? __________________ Play League of Legends! Join the Ghetto modders club Put your Steam games on multiple partitions

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May 20, 2011, 06:54 PM	#23
DeerDance Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 10 (0.01/day) Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	It seem to be almost identical to the core 3000 - more budget case, except cheaper outer design and rubber on cable management holes...

May 22, 2011, 01:37 PM	#24
WarEagleAU Bird of Prey Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Gurley, AL Posts: 9,994 (3.99/day) Thanks: 3,810 Thanked 557 Times in 521 Posts System Specs	Great review. I love Fractals streamlined design and haven't really seen a case that I dislike. The fact that this midtower handily accomodates (This is spelled right stupid FF4) is a definite plus. Bad location for a fan controller but appreciated nonetheless. __________________ =-TheEagle-= http://www.heatware.com/eval.php?id=62454 “You crazy? Surfing any website without an antivirus is like freaking with a dirty woman without protection” -OzzmanFloyd120 - Edited for content and clarity

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