Fractal Launches Torrent Compact & Torrent Nano PC Cases

[Uskompuf]

Announcing the Torrent Compact and Torrent Nano - two space-efficient PC cases devoted entirely to providing the highest possible air cooling performance of their respective form factors. Much like the base model Torrent, the attention to detail is reflected in everything from the choice of components to the streamlined design inside and out, creating two cases that really reach new heights in the pursuit of ultimate airflow for compact and nano builds.

When it comes to technical innovations, the main standouts include an inspiring layout, an open front grille and two 180 x 38 mm Dynamic PWM / Prisma ARGB PWM fans custom-made to achieve maximum air cooling while maintaining controlled noise levels. Simply put, the new models are powerhouses that let you enjoy airflow to a degree normally associated with larger cases, making Torrent an excellent choice for air cooling aficionados looking for a compact or nano case.

Editor's note: Our review for the Fractal Design for the Torrent Compact & Torrent Nano can be found here.





Torrent Compact

• Open grille and 180 mm front fans optimized for maximum air intake
• Fractal Design Dynamic PWM / Prisma ARGB PWM 180 x 38 mm fans leverage power, size, and thickness for massive air-moving capacity
• Expansive base intakes and extra-large bottom fan support offers exceptional GPU cooling potential (with bottom PCI slot free)
• Streamlined open interior provides plenty of breathing room for components and maximizes performance potential
• Top mounted aerodynamic PSU shroud with integrated ARGB effects
• Space optimized, yet still capable of handling E-ATX motherboards up to 274 mm wide
• Comes with the new Nexus 9P Slim PWM fan hub pre-installed
• LED lights (TG versions) and RGB fans (RGB version) are fully controllable through motherboards supporting addressable RGB (5 V)
• Comes with two Prisma ARGB PWM fans (RGB version) or Dynamic X2 PWM fans
• Seamless tempered glass panels with bolt-free top-latching mechanisms for easy handling

Torrent Nano

• Open grille and 180 mm front fan optimized for maximum air intake
• Fractal Design 180 x 38 mm fan leverages power, size, and thickness for massive air-moving capacity
• Layout with unobstructed base intake offers exceptional GPU cooling potential
• Streamlined open interior and a top mounted PSU provides plenty of breathing room for components and maximizes performance potential
• Space optimized, yet still capable of handling up to 3-slot thick 335 mm long GPUs
• LED lights (TG versions only) and RGB fans (RGB version) are fully controllable through motherboards supporting addressable RGB (5 V)
• RGB TG version includes a 180 mm Prisma ARGB PWM fan
• Seamless tempered glass panels with bolt-free top-latching mechanisms for easy handling
• Front fan brackets allow for unblocked airflow to the larger fan while catering to standard radiator sizes
• Removable top bezel and routing clips with Velcro ties make for easy installation and cable management

Availability

The Torrent Compact and Nano are out now.

View at TechPowerUp Main Site

 

[ThaiTaffy]

Why is mATX such a dead form factor? Pretty much every mainstream case manufacturer is either making sff cases for itx or EATX and anyone making mATX cases produce a massively oversized pile of junk.

 

[piloponth]

Is is really shame, that compact isn’t as long as classic Torrent. You cannot house water cooling inside compact, because given its length, there isn’t enough space for radiator+fans, pump and Graphic card.

What a shame, this could be awesome house for small water builds.

 

[trsttte]

Why is mATX such a dead form factor? Pretty much every mainstream case manufacturer is either making sff cases for itx or EATX and anyone making mATX cases produce a massively oversized pile of junk.

The format is perceived as a cheaper alternative, motherboard manufacturers aren't doing anything to change that and relegate their mATX designs to budget lines so the there's no incentive for case manufacturers to go after it as well. Micro ATX is dieing a slow death as a result through no fault of it's own, the format is great: save some space from ATX but still be able to fit everything easily and use expansion cards.

 

[ThaiTaffy]

The format is perceived as a cheaper alternative, motherboard manufacturers aren't doing anything to change that and relegate their mATX designs to budget lines so the there's no incentive for case manufacturers to go after it as well. Micro ATX is dieing a slow death as a result through no fault of it's own, the format is great: save some space from ATX but still be able to fit everything easily and use expansion cards.

That's why I love the form factor especially for personal computers anything ATX or larger goes into a server rack. Unless your making a show peice there's no need for an ATX/EATX lump on your desk

 

[Assimilator]

Why is mATX such a dead form factor? Pretty much every mainstream case manufacturer is either making sff cases for itx or EATX and anyone making mATX cases produce a massively oversized pile of junk.

mATX was always too large for people who want compact systems, and too small for people who want connectivity. Its primary value-add over mITX was the ability to run multiple graphics cards via CrossFire/SLI, but those technologies are dead now.

 

[ThaiTaffy]

mATX was always too large for people who want compact systems, and too small for people who want connectivity. Its primary value-add over mITX was the ability to run multiple graphics cards via CrossFire/SLI, but those technologies are dead now.

14litres and fits a full length graphics card, already worked out a full custom loop for it just waiting to go back to old blighty to pick up the parts the only reason mATX is perceived as too large is because the mainstream cases are junk.

 

[TheinsanegamerN]

mATX was always too large for people who want compact systems, and too small for people who want connectivity. Its primary value-add over mITX was the ability to run multiple graphics cards via CrossFire/SLI, but those technologies are dead now.

By that logic ATX is utterly useless, yet it still sees widespread support.

mATX allows for significantly smaller systems then full ATX and still allows the use of more then 1 expansion card.

 

[ThaiTaffy]

By that logic ATX is utterly useless, yet it still sees widespread support.

mATX allows for significantly smaller systems then full ATX and still allows the use of more then 1 expansion card.

For those of us who want a real network card.

 

[Dammeron]

mATX was always too large for people who want compact systems, and too small for people who want connectivity.

How many people have anything more than a GPU? I'd say they make not even 10% of all the PC users. And even if they need multiple PCIe slots, then again - how many use more than 2 cards (eg. GPU + sound card/thunderbolt/LAN)?

Normal ATX should long be dead as a standard, except for very specialized use. For the majority of everyday users ITX is enough, for the rest - mATX covers their needs.

 

[trsttte]

How many people have anything more than a GPU? I'd say they make not even 10% of all the PC users. And even if they need multiple PCIe slots, then again - how many use more than 2 cards (eg. GPU + sound card/thunderbolt/LAN)?

Normal ATX should long be dead as a standard, except for very specialized use. For the majority of everyday users ITX is enough, for the rest - mATX covers their needs.

How many users run more than 2 sticks of ram? (I'm actually watching prices to buy 2 extra sticks, but i'm in the minority) It would be better to have just 2 slots (less interference and easier board layout) but if manufacturers did that the boards would be considered cheap so it's reserved for halo high end extreme overclocking boards or itx where there's no space.

The market doens't make sense, the few "nerds" like us that understand it will continue to be pissed looking at absurdity ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

[dj-electric]

MATX fan here.
This is pain. Nothing but pain.

 

[Assimilator]

For the majority of everyday users ITX is enough, for the rest - mATX covers their needs.

Agree with the first part of your sentence, disagree with the second. Building a PC with an ITX board is a PITA because of the cramped dimensions both of board and chassis, if you're someone like myself who tinkers with your PC regularly then ATX is far less annoying to deal with. Smaller boards also generally have weaker VRMs which is a concern for overclockers.

 

[Sp33d Junki3]

Is is really shame, that compact isn’t as long as classic Torrent. You cannot house water cooling inside compact, because given its length, there isn’t enough space for radiator+fans, pump and Graphic card.

What a shame, this could be awesome house for small water builds.

you can surely can house all that inside.

 

[claes]

Yeah seems like there’s space for a pump by the PSU bay, radiator support seems wonky though.

 

[Aleksandar_038]

Three-slot graphic cards are becoming norm.

With three-slot GPU, on mATX board there is no space for anything else, zero expendability. So ATX still makes sense and it is better choice for majority who will want maybe to upgrade their PC in the future.

Same case for four memory slots.

Upgradability was always big plus for PC.

However, ATX is obsolete so long ago, and we should have moved to something different decade ago... But mATX is obsolete just as ATX is...

 

[trsttte]

Three-slot graphic cards are becoming norm.

With three-slot GPU, on mATX board there is no space for anything else, zero expendability. So ATX still makes sense and it is better choice for majority who will want maybe to upgrade their PC in the future.

Same case for four memory slots.

Upgradability was always big plus for PC.

However, ATX is obsolete so long ago, and we should have moved to something different decade ago... But mATX is obsolete just as ATX is...

You still have access to the bottom slot with a 3 slot gpu. mATX is also much easier to design than ITX where you have to cram everything, more space for headers and even 2 or 3 m.2 without cheating and having to put one in the back of the board or use some proprietary daugther board (i.e. asus dimm.2)

 

[claes]

Three-slot graphic cards are becoming norm.

With three-slot GPU, on mATX board there is no space for anything else, zero expendability. So ATX still makes sense and it is better choice for majority who will want maybe to upgrade their PC in the future.

Same case for four memory slots.

Upgradability was always big plus for PC.

However, ATX is obsolete so long ago, and we should have moved to something different decade ago... But mATX is obsolete just as ATX is...

While I agree that ATX is a poor standard for modern components, most mATX cases have 5 PCIe slots, and most mATX boards are spaced for a tripe-slot GPU and one additional card, and often have four DIMM slots.

oh trstte ninja’d me, but I have no love for atx or any of it’s variants. Sad that the biggest advancement to component cooling is in riser cables.

 

[Dammeron]

Agree with the first part of your sentence, disagree with the second. Building a PC with an ITX board is a PITA because of the cramped dimensions both of board and chassis, if you're someone like myself who tinkers with your PC regularly then ATX is far less annoying to deal with. Smaller boards also generally have weaker VRMs which is a concern for overclockers.

That's why I said "everyday users", not "tinkering enthusiasts" or "hardcore overclockers".

Let's face it - people regularly checking things inside the case are probably around 1% of all the desktop users. 1% forces the other 99% to buy oversized hardware.


PS: VRM and OC don't always walk in pair. DFI Blood Iron with it's 4-phase analog VRM beating all the records was a great example of that.

 

[trsttte]

Let's face it - people regularly checking things inside the case are probably around 1% of all the desktop users. 1% forces the other 99% to buy oversized hardware.

No one is forcing you to buy anything, there's a lot of different cases with many different sizes and configurations. Besides, if you're talking numbers, don't forget that the amount of pre builts (where users barely mess with it at all) is still larger than the diy market.

 

[Dammeron]

No one is forcing you to buy anything, there's a lot of different cases with many different sizes and configurations. Besides, if you're talking numbers, don't forget that the amount of pre builts (where users barely mess with it at all) is still larger than the diy market.

It may seem so, but find me an X570s board with wi-fi, usb c front header, proper VRM cooling etc. and in mATX size. You can't? Well, shucks...

The amount of good mATX cases (with more, than 3 usb up front) is also not that astounding. Even Fractal and Corsair, which IMO make one of the best designed cases, skimped out on mATX boxes (their top-line Define Mini and Obsidian 350d had only 2 usb).

 

[trsttte]

It may seem so, but find me an X570s board with wi-fi, usb c front header, proper VRM cooling etc. and in mATX size. You can't? Well, shucks...

The amount of good mATX cases (with more, than 3 usb up front) is also not that astounding. Even Fractal and Corsair, which IMO make one of the best designed cases, skimped out on mATX boxes (their top-line Define Mini and Obsidian 350d had only 2 usb).

Oh you're talking components? Yeah, mATX was relegated to budget cheap options long ago (already discussed here and several other threads with similar issues). No boards means no cases...

 

[Dammeron]

Oh you're talking components? Yeah, mATX was relegated to budget cheap options long ago (already discussed here and several other threads with similar issues). No boards means no cases...

And this was the topic of discussion - why are big motherboards still a leading standard? Back in the day we needed separate sound cards, lan cards, tv cards, also many HDD put into RAID - ATX made sense then. Nowadays we could've had small, powerful PCs, but instead we're stuck with oversized hardware.