Define S Mini/DM1 Pro mouse

A mini case that’s big on features

PRICE $ 139 fractal-design.com

Fractal’s latest compact case, the Define Mini C, is reassuringly hefty as you take it out of its packing. It may feature a windowed side-panel, but sound-dampening material that is one of the Fractal’s trademarks gives the Mini C a certain solidity. This black, bituminous coating can be found on the other side-panel, and on the removable panel on the case’s top. It’s not a complete solution – it’s missing on the bottom and front plates, and the window does those seeking a quiet case no favours, but it certainly helps.

As do the rubber grommets that keep the side-panels from vibrating, and there are more rubber mounts on the two reverse-facing hard drive caddies. The positioning of these caddies certainly keeps the windowed side of the case looking clean, as does a PSU shroud, but it does make accessing those drives a little awkward. Otherwise there’s a lot to like about the Mini C. The top panel can have its sound-proofing insert removed and replaced by an included dust-filter if you’re more concerned with airflow than noise, and the two included 120mm fans handle stock cooling pretty well – and their a pair of Fractal’s own low-noise fans to boot. The case itself is also remarkably welltooled, with smoothly rolled edges on almost every metal part, and well-placed cable runs to keep everything neat and tidy.

If you’re happy with the restriction of a Micro-ATX motherboard – which are pretty full-featured these days anyway – the Define Mini C is an excellent choice.