Fractal Torrent

[CyberJunk]

That Nano looks awesome. Assuming it's mini-ITX only like the Define Nano, that has to be one of the coolest mini-ITX cases I've seen. Compact looks great too. Looking forward to seeing when they'll be released and pricing info.
I find it hard to justify paying $200 for the regular size Torrent, considering I don't need a full size case for a micro-ATX build and that I could get other great cases for half that price or a little more, even from Fractal. If they can get the prices more competitive on these smaller versions, I would love to pick one up.

The nano makes more sense. The mid-size Fractal doesn't make any sense? You lose bottom intake fans and drive mounts.

 

[Deleted member 289973]

The nano makes more sense. The mid-size Fractal doesn't make any sense? You lose bottom intake fans and drive mounts.

Looks like there are three 2.5" drive mounts according to both the Amazon Japan and Polish XKom sites. Optional 3x120mm bottom fans, they don't come preinstalled but the slots are there based on the Polish site. Amazon JP is a little more ambiguous about this.
The only thing I could think about the compact is that it might require going down to a micro-ATX if bottom case fans or a bottom-mounted radiator are to be installed. Otherwise, the compact still seems like a very viable option.

https://www.x-kom.pl/p/718404-obudo...al-design-torrent-compact-white-tg-clear.html
https://web.archive.org/web/20220206212425/https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B09RSQ46HD

Forgot to hit reply to your message before, deleted and reposted. Sorry for that

 

[Deleted member 289973]

https://www.al.to/p/718418-obudowa-...ign-torrent-nano-rgb-black-tg-light-tint.html

Looks like the Nano will support two bottom case fans, comes with the one 180mm fan in the front but can also be swapped out for two 120/140mm. Oddly, it specifies an ATX power supply despite being a mini-ITX case, I was expecting it would only fit an SFX PSU like most other small cases. Good news for those who need drive slots, this one holds two.

Of course, who knows where all this info is coming from, it seems reasonable and represented appropriately in the photos, but I wouldn't take these too seriously as-is until Fractal gives more info. If these are indeed what we'll be getting, I'm certainly impressed.

 

[cvinh]

I'm guessing they stayed with plastic components for the front grill. The compact looks nice, wonder if thermals are the same as the regular size without the bottom fan configuration.

 

[Deleted member 289973]

I'm guessing they stayed with plastic components for the front grill. The compact looks nice, wonder if thermals are the same as the regular size without the bottom fan configuration.

Probably, they look identical except for size. I bet the thermals would differ a bit, but the Compact does have space for three bottom fans and the Nano can fit two according to what we've seen so far. Apparently they just don't come included with the case like the regular size case.

 

[tbird_]

Here you've got a review of the Compact and Nano ... I know it's in german but maybe it's helpful.


https://www.hardwareluxx.de/index.p...nano-im-test-der-airflow-zwergenaufstand.html

 

[cvinh]

Tempting to move to compact but I had a hard enough time with the cable management in the regular sized Torrent. The regular size seems to have better thermals in stock configuration too according to that review. Thermals might be the same if you add fans to the compact which means more $$$. The regular size is a tank sitting on my desk. If I had to do it over again I'd probably go compact.

Here you've got a review of the Compact and Nano ... I know it's in german but maybe it's helpful.


https://www.hardwareluxx.de/index.p...nano-im-test-der-airflow-zwergenaufstand.html

 

[tbird_]

According to the review, the compact has much smaller space on the backside for cabling. The nano however seems to have more space. Strange.

 

[cvinh]

New review for the compact

https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/fractal-design-torrent-compact

$170 MSRP RGB
$150 NON RGB

 

[Deleted member 289973]

Compact looks to be about $40-60 less than the regular one, depending on RGB or not. Nice savings but the cabling trouble could be a game-breaker for some people. Personally, I'd go through the hassle because I like smaller cases, but even I think this one seems to be somewhat larger than a 'compact' case in the general sense, and they took room from the wrong place.
I'd much rather a compact size that is at the higher end of mini-tower, restricted to standard ATX or even only micro-ATX, which would then allow at least a little bit more room for cable management in the back. Seriously, who is going to try to fit an extended-ATX board in a case marketed as 'compact' knowing how restricted they will be to get that board, plus all the components, inside and organized properly for good cable management and optimal airflow? (Granted, the airflow would be assisted by nature of the case but that wouldn't prevent 100% of possible issues caused by how cramped everything would be.)
With that said, they took a great case, shrank it, and kept it looking just as cool with similar performance. That's easier said than done, by no means a ridiculously difficult task, but certainly not a cakewalk either. I would still prefer it over the standard size for any relatively small build.

By the way, for reference -- Nano price according to the German site is $135 for regular and $155 for RGB, Polish site I listed previously came out to $175 for RGB. I expect it would end up being a little less than that based on the pricing we've seen for the Compact.
I'd really like to see how the Nano turns out. I would get it in a heartbeat, except I don't want to do a mini-ITX build with a full-length GPU.

 

[cvinh]

Yea I had a hard enough time with the cables on the regular size. This here just looks awful

 

[Deleted member 289973]

Yea I had a hard enough time with the cables on the regular size. This here just looks awful
View attachment 442606

That could be better but it's not horrible. Also if that side is obscured I wouldn't worry about it

 

[Whach]

Decent overview. Good case methinks.

 

[Niner21]

Yea I had a hard enough time with the cables on the regular size. This here just looks awful
View attachment 442606

There is minimal room to cable manage in this case. I have the RGB version and it was a nightmare. I switched out the fans for Lian Li ones to help lower the cable clutter.

 

[Deleted member 289973]

For those who have not already seen, Fractal Design has officially announced and released the Torrent Compact and Torrent Nano. Availability varies by retailer.

Torrent Nano MSRP: $119.99, $129.99 for RGB.

https://www.fractal-design.com/streamlined-airflow-in-new-torrents/

 

[pendragon1]

For those who have not already seen, Fractal Design has officially announced and released the Torrent Compact and Torrent Nano. Availability varies by retailer.

Torrent Nano MSRP: $119.99, $129.99 for RGB.

https://www.fractal-design.com/streamlined-airflow-in-new-torrents/

this page is talking about them already, so yes we saw....
not sure aboot the url though.

 

[Deleted member 289973]

this page is talking about them already, so yes we saw....
not sure aboot the url though.

Yes we had been but I suppose it was still unofficial until this morning or early afternoon. I had seen nothing on Fractal's own site until this afternoon. Yesterday evening there had been nothing when I looked.

 

[Nobu]

Yeah, when I looked the other day they only had the torrent, now the compact and nano pages are up.

 

[CyberJunk]

The full size Torrent has the best cooling performance.

 

[Deleted member 289973]

The full size Torrent has the best cooling performance.

Are we talking out of the box, or after adding fans so that they all have the same number/location of fans?

 

[cvinh]

If you can spare the desk space, the full size with the 3 extra fans probably gives the best value too. After looking at the compact, I think I'd probably still go for the full size.

 

[CyberJunk]

Are we talking out of the box, or after adding fans so that they all have the same number/location of fans?

The full size torrent out of the box non-RGB version has the best cooling performance and best value if you plan to keep the installed fans. The Fractal stock fans are really good fans and worth keeping/using

 

[CyberJunk]

I have had the full size torrent for about 3 weeks now. I do not regret my purchase this has been one of the best cases I've owned. Definitely one of the best Air focus cases ever made.

 

[Niner21]

The full size torrent out of the box non-RGB version has the best cooling performance and best value if you plan to keep the installed fans. The Fractal stock fans are really good fans and worth keeping/using

The RGB version is just as good at moving air. I switched to Lian Li AL120 fans (less clutter and cables), and saw no real difference in temperatures over the Fractal fans. This shows that the case is very good at airflow, as long as you use decent fans.

 

[Deleted member 289973]

The Nano can fit two bottom fans and one rear fan in addition to the front 180mm fan. That fan could also be removed and swapped out for two 140mm fans in the front. For such a small case I would believe that would be plenty for good airflow. If only it could hold mATX...

 

[Nobu]

The Nano can fit two bottom fans and one rear fan in addition to the front 180mm fan. That fan could also be removed and swapped out for two 140mm fans in the front. For such a small case I would believe that would be plenty for good airflow. If only it could hold mATX...

It can fit mDTX boards according to spec, so it could probably fit certain smaller mATX boards. The width (from the io to the front) is probably the limiting dimension.

 

[CyberJunk]

The RGB version is just as good at moving air. I switched to Lian Li AL120 fans (less clutter and cables), and saw no real difference in temperatures over the Fractal fans. This shows that the case is very good at airflow, as long as you use decent fans.

I only mentioned the Non-RGB fans because according to Fractal spec sheets they move slightly more air. Plus it's a cheaper option at 189 vs 229. The RGB version does look cool and those RGB Fans are a value even at $229.

 

[Zarathustra[H]]

I bought a Fractal Design Define S back in ~2015 (I think.)

I didn't wind up using it as the Asus P9X79 WS I was using at the time didn't fit in it (whoops I forgot to check before buying)

That said, if Fractal Design's cases are still as well made as the Define S was back then, I wouldn't hesitate to buy again.

It was by far the most solid, well put together, high quality case I have ever had the pleasure of working with. (just unfortunately a little too small for my purposes)

I am starting to grow tired of my enormous Corsair 1000D and its excessive weight and fit difficulties, and am considering downsizing and instead using some form of external radiator. This case was probably one of my prime contenders, as it is both sharp looking and I have been impressed by Fractal Design's quality in the past.

This time I did check the motherboard dimensions though, and the Torrent Compact lists its motherboard compatibility as 2.86mm too small for my Asus ROG Zenith II Extreme Alpha.

This makes me sad. Not sure if there is a margin of safety or rounding error in those numbers, and it might work anyway, or what in the case the board would interfere with. (Maybe I could break out the dremel and mod the case to make it fit?)

I mean, 2.86mm is not a whole lot.

 

[Deleted member 289973]

This time I did check the motherboard dimensions though, and the Torrent Compact lists its motherboard compatibility as is 2.86mm too small for my Asus ROG Zenith II Extreme Alpha.

This makes me sad. Not sure if there is a margin of safety or rounding error in those numbers, and it might work anyway, or what in the case the board would interfere with. (Maybe I could break out the dremel and mod the case to make it fit?)

I mean, 2.86mm is not a whole lot.

It looks like an e-ATX board longer than 274mm will bump into the two existing 180mm fans. By switching out the front fans for two 140mm or three 120mm fans, you should be able to gain the space you need to fit your board - a 13mm increase.
Of course, this will cost a little more for the fans (you could resell the 180s) and airflow will be reduced by about 20% with three 120s or by about 30% with two 140s. If that's acceptable for you, go for it. If not, stick with the full-sized case.

 

[Bop]

I have both the full size Torrent and the Compact now. It was nice having 4x180mm fans in the full size, but it took up too much space in my tiny office. If anyone has a question about their differences, ask me.

 

[cvinh]

I have both the full size Torrent and the Compact now. It was nice having 4x180mm fans in the full size, but it took up too much space in my tiny office. If anyone has a question about their differences, ask me.

Looks like cable management got worse with the Compact. How hard was it running the cables on the smaller case?

 

[Bop]

Looks like cable management got worse with the Compact. How hard was it running the cables on the smaller case?

Definitely more challenging than the full size. I had to get creative with how the 24 pin was routed to ensure it wasn't on top or behind any of the thicker cables. I also only have M.2 drives, so I imagine SSDs and HDDs would only make it more difficult. That being said it's still not the worst case I've had to deal with in regards to backside cable management. If my memory serves correct, the Silverstone FT05 was worse. The CPU 8 pin connectors were also annoying to plug in compared to the roomy full size, but still not terrible for a compact case. I was also lazy and did not leverage cable ties on the back, but I plan on going back to tidy it up more. There is a very slight bulge on the backside as a result. I was too eager to jump right back in and play some Tarkov after my kids went to bed .

 

[Bop]

Here's my second and slightly less sloppy go at the backside. There is no resistance when closing the back panel now. I pulled many of the cables up through the top by the PSU.

Here is the front in case anyone is interested. The photo isn't the greatest, but I got a tiny space and my phone was practically against the wall to even get this angle I went with windowless because I didn't like having the glass on both sides on my full size and my PC is in a spot where nobody can even admire it.

 

[Betauser]

I have 2 version rgb and non rgb system on them. But that 420 ARCTIC AIO really tight fit.

 

[pendragon1]

 

[Bop]

Glad I went with the steel panel version. Seems like that video confirmed it would been even harder with the extra thickness of TG pressing against the backside cables. It's a shame they don't offer a version with a steel panel on the backside and TG for the front. Or at the very least offer just the windowed panel for sale.

 

[D-EJ915]

Glad I went with the steel panel version. Seems like that video confirmed it would been even harder with the extra thickness of TG pressing against the backside cables. It's a shame they don't offer a version with a steel panel on the backside and TG for the front. Or at the very least offer just the windowed panel for sale.

Yeah I'm not really sure what the point of clear back panels with most new cases having covers over the entire side of the case lol. This one doesn't but not enough space is definitely a design failure to meet a size requirement.

 

[Bop]

Yeah I'm not really sure what the point of clear back panels with most new cases having covers over the entire side of the case lol. This one doesn't but not enough space is definitely a design failure to meet a size requirement.

Having downsized from the larger model I really would not protest to a little extra width. If I had a 3.5" HDD with a 2.5" SSD or two I would have been in for a real challenge. I'm glad that the temps are nearly identical to the full size. GPU temps didn't look as good in the Gamers Nexus review, but the compact doesn't come with the bottom 140mm fans. I predict it's likely identical after slapping some 140mms on the bottom of the Compact. I do miss not being able to brag about running 4x180mm fans, though.

 

[JeffJ]

I just received the full-size Torrent, and am struggling with cable management on the front side of the board. The issue is I have an E-ATX board, and the various cable passthrus on the forward edge of the board are 80% covered. I can just barely get the 24-pin thru the passthrough right beside it, but the GPU 8-pins only seem to have a path via the passthrough all the way at the top forward corner of the case, which seems like an awfully long route to have exposed cables, especially right in front of the CPU cooler. Anyone else out there running an E-ATX setup in a Torrent that can share what you ended up doing to keep things tidy?

 

[pendragon1]

I just received the full-size Torrent, and am struggling with cable management on the front side of the board. The issue is I have an E-ATX board, and the various cable passthrus on the forward edge of the board are 80% covered. I can just barely get the 24-pin thru the passthrough right beside it, but the GPU 8-pins only seem to have a path via the passthrough all the way at the top forward corner of the case, which seems like an awfully long route to have exposed cables, especially right in front of the CPU cooler. Anyone else out there running an E-ATX setup in a Torrent that can share what you ended up doing to keep things tidy?

looks like its that top hole and zip tie it to the slot, or cut a hole at the bottom...