A Closer Look - Outside

The Define 7 Compact design is holistically derived from the original Define 7, but with a shorter body by eliminating the expansive HDD storage possibilities because it focuses more on the mainstream market which simply doesn't require such a feature. Even though it is shorter, the outside panels are essentially identical in design, and the chassis still clocks in at around a hefty 11.04 kg, which is essentially twice as much as other classic mid-towers and a result of the uncompromising material mix.


The front of the Define 7 comes with a brushed aluminium panel with an embossed Fractal logo in the bottom-left corner. As this Compact version of the Define 7 does not offer any 5.25 bays, there is also no front to swing open. Instead, you may pull off the entire front panel to reveal the ability to install three 120 or two 140 mm fans, with a single 140 mm retail-grade Dynamic X2-14 pre-installed here. Alternatively, this area provides room for a 360 or 280 mm radiator.


In the rear, everything looks as it should for a modern enthusiast chassis, including the bottom-mounted PSU bay, with a wider body that lacks the vertical expansion slots we have seen in the original Define 7. In their place is a uniquely shaped vent instead.


The main side panel of our sample is made out of heavily tinted, tempered glass. If too much, you may opt for the transparent variant, but Fractal also offers a version with a solid steel panel if you like. Thanks to the design, there are no visible screws on either side of the chassis, with the other panel consisting of a single unperforated metal panel.


The PSU bay in the rear utilizes a metal frame as you are meant to slide the unit into the chassis from this side, It is then held in place by two thumb screws. Above that are the seven horizontal slots with individually reusable covers that employ thumb screws for easy access. In the very top, behind a cool-looking vent, is a second and final pre-installed retail-grade Dynamic X2 120 mm fan set to push hot air out the back of the chassis. If you look closely, you will see two pull tabs, one on each side, which is a clever way to secure each of the side panels in a nice and clean fashion.


The top is solid out of the box, but you may pull it off to reveal a fully removable, nicely designed dust filter. Underneath the dust filter is a mounting bracket for up to two 120 or 140 mm fans or a radiator of up to 240/280 mm. The mounting bracket may also be removed, revealing an easily accessible chassis because of the missing crossbar. Due to the sturdy design of the frame, even this missing element does not result in any flex or other issues. The I/O of the Define 7 Compact is identical to that of its bigger brethren and consists of two USB 2.0, two USB 3.0, the usual audio plugs, and a fully fledged USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C port.


A full length dust filter may be pulled out the bottom for easy cleaning. Even this element comes in a unique design, which is a pretty nifty tidbit.