Familiar with Fractal Define R5? Help me configure this case please

Hi,

I'm building a new PC this week and would appreciate feedback from those experienced with this R5 case on a few configuration choices.

The parts:
- Asus Z170-A 1151 mobo
- i7-6700K CPU with Scythe Ninja 4 cooler
- 2x8 DDR4 TridentZ
- EVGA 980 TI Hybrid (AIO) pci-e 16x (10.5" length)
- SAMSUNG SM951 M.2 256GB PCI-Express 3.0 Internal SSD
- 3.5" HDD SATA III
- Optical drive
- EVGA Supernova P2 850W psu

Questions:
1) The GPU is a monster 10.5" long and draws 250W. Where should I place the fan w/i case?
2) For best airflow and temps, would you go with top, bottom or middle HD cage placement in the case?
3) Where in the cage should I install the 3.5" HDD (top, bottom or middle slot within the cage)?
4) Should I remove the other HDD cage not in use?
5) Do you recommend I add any fans in addition to the stock ones?
6) If more than one option, please advise on best placement for Z170 mobo?

Thank you!

I'd go with the HD cage on the bottom, two intake fans in the front, so one is pulling in air towards the graphics card. If you have just one intake fan, I'd put it in front of the HD. If just the one HD in the cage, probably in the middle or top rack.

And yeah, if you're not using it might as well pull out the HDD cage not in use. Good luck with your build.

Thanks for your reply. I decided to remove the cage entirely and insert it in the 5.25" bay on top via adapter.

Front 2 intake, rear exhaust. Honestly unless you have a think carpet floor I'd put the AIO from the hybrid on one of the bottom slots. Play with intake or exhaust to see what gives you better temps, probably intake. If you've got carpet you can make a small pedestal for it for dirt cheap.

Do not set a computer case on carpet, there are tons of inexpensive flat surfaces you can purchase from your local hardware store. Hell, I would sit in on a piece of cardboard if needed, just do not put it on carpet.

OK. I have hardwood floor. I'll probably elevate on pedestal at some point.

riotubes said:

I decided to remove the cage entirely and insert it in the 5.25" bay on top via adapter.

Click to expand...

Excellent move, this is what I was going to recommend.

If you ever lose the internal optical drive requirement, the Define S may be a better case for you. It favors better cooling by ditching the R5's drive bays (but still supports 2 x SSD and 3 x HDD behind its tray). Having owned an R5 and been in your position, that's basically what I wound up with after removing the bays. Should I ever consider a full size Fractal case again, I'll go with an S straight away.

It tends to be cheaper, too. Right now on NewEgg it's $30 less than the R5, although on Amazon it's more expensive than the R5.

Wrt placing your machine on the floor ... I found that even w/hardwood floors the dust filters would get dirty faster vs. the case being on my desk. And w/the R5 being as heavy as it is, it's also much easier to deal with on my desk top.