Search
Search
Published: July 9, 2014 | Source: Fractal Design | Author: Gary Wain

Fractal Design Core 3500W Review

Fractal Design Core 3500W Review

Introduction

Fractal have recently updated their well respected “Core” range of PC cases.  It’s fair to say that the Core X3 series is aimed at those with less than cavernous pockets, with Fractal Design endeavouring to make high level functionality and features available at entry level prices.  At just £59.99 for the plain sided case and £64.99 for the windowed version we have for review you’re not exactly going to have to rob the bank to avail yourself of one.  If you’re still thinking that £64 is on the steep side for what is thought of by fractal as an entry level case then we’re willing to bet that by the end of this review you may well have your wallet out and be yelling at the likes of Specialtech to take your money.  To give us an inkling as to why this might be let’s take a look at the Technical Specification and features.

 

Technical Specification 

 Dimensions 233x465x517mm (WxHxD) 
 Form Factor E-ATX, ATX, M-ATX, M-ITX 
 5.25″ 2 
 3.5″/2.5″  4 shared
 Expansion bays 7 
 Cooling

 Front:  2x140mm (1 included) 2x 120mm Optional

 Rear:  1x140mm 1 included

 Roof:  2x140mm (1 included) 2x20mm Optional

 Base:  1×140/120 Optional
Water Cooling

Front:  240mm or 280mm Radiator

Roof:  1x240mm 1x280mm

Rear:  1x120mm or 1x140mm
 Max GPU  295mm
 Max CPU  180mm
 Max PSU  170mm
 Weight  8.6kg

 

Features

Air Cooling

  • Front: 2 – 120/140mm fans (included is 1 hydraulic bearing 140mm Silent Series R2 fan, 1000 RPM speed)
  • Rear: 1 – 120/140mm fan (included is 1 hydraulic bearing 140mm Silent Series R2 fan, 1000 RPM speed)
  • Top: 2 – 120/140mm fan(included is 1 hydraulic bearing 140mm Silent Series R2 fan, 1000 RPM speed)
  • Bottom: 1 – 120/140mm fan (not included, PSU length limits apply)
  • 1 – integrated fan controller on the backside for up to 3 fans

 

Water Cooling

  • Front –Slim 240 or 280mm radiator. 15mm fan spacing required for full fastening, radiators with 20mm fan spacing fan be used with only the top half fastened to the case. (with lower HDD cage moved to secondary position)
  • Front – Thick 240 or 280mm radiators supported with HDD cage in alternate position or completely removed. Motherboards larger than mATX are not fully supported with HDD cage in the tertiary position.
  • Top – Slim 240mm radiator (with no components on the upper 11 mm on the motherboard that are taller than 38mm)
  • Top – Slim 280mm radiator with slim fans
  • Rear – 120/140 mm radiator 

 

Front interface

  • 2 – USB 3.0
  • Audio in/out
  • Power button with LED (white)
  • HDD activity LED (white)
  • Reset button

Package contents

  • Core 3500 Window computer case
  • Accessory box
  • User manual

Â