Conclusion
...continues to demonstrate excellent build quality throughout, and retains some of Define 7's best features.Define 7 Compact is a natural extension of Fractal Design's 2020 range. Building on the success of the original Define 7, this smaller variant shaves away some of the excess bulk for those looking to cut back on both size and cost.
The Define 7 entry point has thus been lowered to under Ā£100, but while Fractal has been successful in carrying across the sleek external aesthetic, do be aware of the features that have been culled as part of the shrinking process. There's less scope for extreme storage, fewer fan mounts, and value-adds such as an integrated fan hub and vertical expansion slots are conspicuous by their absence.
Users requiring such features should gravitate toward the larger model, but it's nice to have the choice, and for a streamlined build the Compact continues to demonstrate excellent build quality throughout, and retains some of Define 7's best features. These include a fully-removable top section, pull-to-release side panels, five front USB ports and a simple, stylish exterior that is sound-dampened and free of unnecessary RGB lighting.
Bottom line: its bigger brother is the better case, but if you absolutely have to go smaller, Define 7 Compact is a welcome addition to the range.
The Good The Bad Sleek Define 7 exterior in a smaller profile
Open-top access is handy
Excellent build quality throughout
Pop-open side panels don't need screws
Sound-damping material throughout
Five front USB ports, including Type-C Loses a fair few Define 7 features
Rear cable clearance is tight
Only available in black
Fractal Design Define 7 Compact
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