Fractal Design Define R5 ATX Mid Tower Case
Fractal Design
Case

Fractal Design Define R5 ATX Mid Tower Case

MSRP: $119

Technical Specifications

Manufacturer
Fractal Design
Type
ATX Mid Tower
MSRP
$119
Color
Black
Power Supply
None
Side Panel
None
Power Supply Shroud
No
Front Panel Usb
USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, USB 2.0 Type-A
Motherboard Form Factor
ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITX
Maximum Video Card Length
310 mm / 12.205" With Drive Cages, 440 mm / 17.323" Without Drive Cages
Drive Bays
External 5 25: 2 • Internal 3 5: 8 • Internal 2 5: 2
Dimensions
Metric: 520 mm x 231 mm x 451 mm • Imperial: 20.472" x 9.094" x 17.756"
Volume
Metric: 54.174 L • Imperial: 1.913 ft³
Avoid For
Showcase or modding builds intended to display hardware and lighting, LAN party or portable setups needing lightweight, easy-to-carry cases, High airflow gaming rigs where mesh panels are preferred for cooling performance

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Excellent noise dampening with high-density sound-absorbing materials
  • Solid build quality using steel panels and robust construction
  • Flexible modular design with removable drive cages for improved airflow or extra storage
  • Great compatibility with ATX, MicroATX, and Mini-ITX motherboards
  • Support for multiple radiators and fans for versatile cooling setups
  • Front door with reversible hinges for customizable access
  • Easy cable management with rubber grommets and ample routing space
  • Tool-less drive installation for convenience

Cons

  • Relatively heavy compared to more minimalist cases
  • Muted aesthetics may not appeal to users seeking RGB or showcase builds
  • Limited front I/O ports compared to newer cases (only USB 2.0/3.0, no USB-C)
  • Restricted airflow if all sound-dampening panels are kept closed
  • Not ideal for vertical GPU mounting without modification

Community Insights

  • Users consistently praise the Define R5 for its quiet operation. The case features high-density sound dampening materials on the panels and modular vent covers (“ModuVent”), which greatly reduce noise from fans and hard drives. Many community members specifically choose this case for noise-sensitive environments like home studios or bedrooms.
  • The Define R5 is often highlighted for its flexibility in supporting a wide variety of components and cooling solutions. Discussions frequently mention the removable drive cages, modular layout, and support for both air and liquid cooling. Builders appreciate the ease of installation for large GPUs, multiple hard drives, and radiators, as well as the overall build quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What radiator and fan configurations does the Define R5 support?
The Define R5 supports up to a 420mm radiator in the top, 360mm in the front, and 240mm in the bottom—plus multiple fan configurations, including up to nine 120/140mm fans, making it highly versatile for custom cooling setups.
Does the Define R5 support E-ATX motherboards and large GPUs?
The Define R5 supports ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX motherboards (not full E-ATX), and can accommodate GPUs up to 310mm with all drive cages installed or up to 440mm with the cages removed, making it compatible with most high-end graphics cards.

Performance Guide & Use Cases

Best For
Silent computing builds where noise reduction is a top priority
Home office or professional workstations needing reliability and a subdued appearance
Server-style builds requiring multiple HDD/SSD bays
Water cooling setups with moderate radiator support and tidy cable management
Systems with frequent storage upgrades due to tool-less drive trays
Potential Bottlenecks
Potential airflow limitation if all sound-dampening panels are closed and fan setup is minimal
GPU clearance may be limited if multiple drive cages are installed
Restricted space for very large custom cooling loops compared to modern open-frame cases
Overkill Scenarios
Basic home or entry-level gaming PCs with few components and no noise concerns
Aesthetic-focused or RGB-heavy builds where the case design will hide lighting effects
Minimalist builds requiring ultra-lightweight or compact cases
Back to Components

PCHelperAI may earn a commission from purchases made through affiliate links to participating retailers on this site. This compensation does not influence the products shown, pricing, or the order in which prices appear. For more details, please see our full disclosure.