A Closer Look - Inside

The solid side panel and solid top cover come lined with a sound dampening material, which we have seen in every chassis of this series thus far. For access to the interior, simply pull the tab of each panel off the Define 7 Compact. Fractal includes a metal shroud on the bottom that may also be used to place two SSD trays here if you like to show off your solid-state drives. Two plastic covers allow for any kind of liquid-cooling setup, even those requiring the full height of the chassis. Even though the case frame is noticeably shorter than with the original Define 7, it essentially looks the same, so Fractal is not cutting any corners in terms of design and functionality within the Define 7 Compact.


On the opposite side, things are a bit simpler when compared to the Define 7. There no longer is a plastic plate covering the opening underneath the shroud. Two dedicated metal 2.5" trays are underneath the large opening for the CPU cooler bracket, held in place by individual thumb screws for easy removal. Several plastic mounts come with Velcro strips for easy, clean cable channeling and management. This should result in a really clean look once your system is fully assembled, while allowing you to change your hardware configuration with ease down the line. Interestingly enough, Fractal decided not to include the Nexus+ 2, which was a unique selling point of the larger Define 7. I assume this is due to the fact that you simply cannot install as many fans within the Define 7 Compact, so it is not really needed.


In the front, you will find two hard-drive trays in a removable cage underneath the shroud. Add the two 2.5" trays and you end up with four pretty down to earth placement possibilities for storage drives. For extreme cooling scenarios, you may also remove the cage and install a single 120 mm fan or radiator in its place on the floor of the chassis. Above that is the area dedicated to air intake or liquid cooling with, as mentioned before, the ability to place up to a 360 mm radiator here.


The PSU bay in the rear is quite spacious, so take your pick when it comes to the power supply. However, you will have to keep your choice of power supply quite compact if you install any active cooling underneath the shroud. The seven expansion slots in the main compartment are easy to access because of thumb screws, with the aforementioned 120 mm exhaust fan in the very top of the Define 7 Compact.


In the ceiling is where any fans or a radiator would be placed, with plenty of space to work around it.


Last but not least, all the cables within the Fractal Define 7 Compact are of the default variety and sleeved black.