It has been some time since my final correct case overview, and even longer since I final checked out a brand new SFF chassis, so when Fractal Design received in contact to say that they had a brand new extremely compact mini-ITX case able to launch… I used to be very keen to have a look. The Fractal Terra combines a tiny 10.4L small type issue with Scandinavian design components and the flexibility to cram in high-end {hardware}. But can this new compact ITX case from Fractal cope with the present {hardware} calls for and is it an enchancment on what got here earlier than it? Let’s discover out.
Timestamps:
00:00 Start
00:52 Fractal Terra particulars
02:36 Cooling / Rad help / CPU & GPU help
04:01 Accessory field / information
04:44 Close up have a look at the Terra
09:39 Graphics card clearance
11:21 Other compartment / SSD help / AIO help
12:35 Floor of the case / including a fan ?
13:52 Components for the construct
15:45 Timelapse construct
20:32 Build is full – James ideas
23:17 Thermal exams
24:01 Closing Thoughts
Fractal Design Terra is a particularly compact mini-ITX chassis with a capability of simply 10.4L, the case measures simply 343mm x 153mm x 218mm (LxWxH) so it sits in direction of the smaller finish of the mini-ITX scale which is okay as a result of that absolutely is what mini-ITX is all about. Fractal has chosen a mixture of wooden and anodised aluminium for the outside of the Terra with an inside chassis body created from metal.
The Terra is on the market in three completely different exterior finishes, Jade, Silver and Graphite. The Jade model is a lightweight inexperienced, graphite seems virtually black and silver is, effectively, silver. All three case variations value the identical at USD 179.99 or £174.99 right here within the UK. Our pattern is Jade which has a slight metallic look to the anodised end with Walnut trim which seems fairly refined. The chassis panels are all closely vented other than the entrance panel, airflow must be good so count on cooling to work effectively.
Features
- Compact dimensions of 343mm x 153mm x 218mm (LxWxH) and a tiny 10.4L capability make the Terra one of many smaller Mini-ITX circumstances in the marketplace.
- Exterior styling options anodised aluminium in a selection of three completely different colors mixed with a small Walnut trim panel that homes the ability button and entrance I/O, giving the case a singular and complex look.
- A central moveable motherboard backbone permits customers to regulate house between compartments to extend house for devoted graphics playing cards or taller CPU coolers.
- Front panel I/O connectivity consists of a single USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C port and a USB 3.0 Type-A port, in addition to an LED-illuminated energy button.
- The Terra features a field of equipment resembling screws, cable ties and a 2.5-inch drive bay in addition to a PCI-e Gen4 riser cable and energy provide extension cable.
- The case is primarily designed with CPU air cooling in thoughts however it’s attainable to put in a 120mm radiator or AIO contained in the Terra.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 343mm x 153mm x 218mm (LxWxH)
- Form Factor: Mini-ITX
- Materials: Steel Chassis, aluminium, Walnut
- Motherboard help: Mini-ITX
- Front I/O: 1x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C, 1x USB 3.0, Power button with LED
- Expansion Slots: 3 in Max GPU Config, 2 in Max CPU Config
- Drive Bays: 2.5″ 2x (included)
- Fans: 1x 120mm backside mounted
- Radiators: 120 mm (121 mm large w/ 200 mm GPU and no SSDs), side-mounted
- GPU Max Dimensions: 322 x 72 x 131 mm / 322 x 62 x 145 mm in Max GPU Config, 322 x 43 x 131 mm / 322 x 33 x 145 mm in Max CPU Config
- Max CPU Cooler Height: 77 mm in Max CPU Config, 48 mm in Max GPU Config
- Power Supply Type: SFX, SFX-L
- Max PSU Length: 130mm
Thermal Performance Testing
To simulate thermal demand we run the Cinebench R23 multi-thread benchmark and 3DMark Time Spy stress check concurrently in a loop for 60 minutes to totally load the system. This provides the CPU and GPU sufficient time to achieve fixed steady-state temperature. With this information, we will evaluate how the system handles the thermal demand and measure peak noise ranges.
Thermal efficiency is measured with the case in varied configurations, such because the default, with the tempered glass left-hand facet panel eliminated and with the entrance panel eliminated to see how these configurations have an effect on the CPU and GPU temperature. During testing, solely inventory case followers are used except in any other case specified. All water pumps are set to most RPM and followers are set to a customized RPM curve by the Motherboard software program/BIOS.
All temperature measurements are offered as Deltas – which means the ambient temperature has been deducted from the CPU temperature giving us a Delta. Data proven within the charts symbolize the typical part temperature over the size of the check as measured by HWiNFO after which the final quarter-hour of the info are calculated to get the typical. The ambient temperature throughout thermal exams is between 20-22⁰C.
Test System:
Thermal Performance/Noise Overview:
Thermal Performance:
In its default configuration, the Fractal Terra produces thermal outcomes as we might count on, the CPU temperature is a bit on the excessive facet however that’s because of the ultra-low profile CPU cooler used. The case will permit for the set up of bigger coolers, however the CPU temperature continues to be inside AMD limits.
GPU temperature however is great. Even when case facet panels are eliminated the temperature stays constant so the closely ventilated panels are doing their meant job, which is nice information for cooling.
Noise:
Since eradicating facet panels makes little to no distinction in thermal efficiency, fan speeds are neither elevated nor decreased so noise ranges additionally stay steady when altering the case configuration. Again this can be a good signal that the ventilated panels are doing their job effectively and the case is ready to cool the {hardware} sufficiently.
Closing Thoughts
Even although the Fractal Terra could not supply nice help for AIOs or water-cooling radiators and big graphics playing cards… it’s no detriment to the case. I might by no means count on this case for use as a base for a most important gaming PC or high-end modifying rig, it is extra ideally suited to a media PC or informal lounge gaming rig that sits below a TV unit, so its compact dimension and {hardware} help is good for one of these situation.
Even although this can be very compact with its skinny dimensions and small 10.4L capability, Terra permits customers to put in three-slot graphics playing cards as much as 320mm lengthy which implies you may play PC video games in your 4K TV with ease, whereas preserving the small and complex seems that may suit your lounge house.
Using Terra to construct your system is so simple as it will get, throughout our check system set up I solely stumbled upon one small difficulty that wasn’t actually a lot of an issue, extra of a minor inconvenience that wanted a bit extra pondering to resolve. An influence cable with an reverse angle can be an enchancment however it’s in all probability not a necessity, it is nonetheless quite simple to construct a system within the Terra.
The case is a bit missing by way of cooling particularly when you have an SFX-L energy provide put in. As I discovered throughout the set up of the Seasonic Focus SGX PSU, the 125mm size of the ability provide signifies that the house for the rear fan is totally blocked off, so no case followers could possibly be put in. However, this doesn’t appear to be a lot of an issue for cooling the {hardware} as our testing reveals that the closely ventilated panels do a superb job of permitting cool air in and heat air out.
Taken as an entire the Fractal Terra is an excellent mini-ITX case. Its compact design means it’s going to probably slot in any house whereas the fashionable seems ought to enchantment to anybody on the lookout for a brand new small media PC case that may sit in the lounge and never look misplaced. The modest {hardware} help must be sufficient for many customers, however if you’d like a mini-ITX and an RTX 4090 you must look elsewhere – for everybody else, it is greater than sufficient.
The solely actual draw back that I can see is the fee, priced at virtually £180 at launch within the UK it is fairly costly. This might be due partially to the anodised aluminium and walnut panels, however even then, it’s only a naked case – no followers, energy provide or CPU cooler is included, in contrast to another ITX packages which can be out there. But what it lacks in funds friendliness it makes up for in seems and construct high quality.
The Fractal design Terra is that can be purchased now from Scan priced at £174.99 HERE.
Pros
- High-quality construct.
- A mixture of wooden and aluminium seems nice.
- Decent {hardware} help for such a small case.
- Installation is straightforward.
Cons
- A tad costly.
- Fan help is compromised.
- Water cooling isn’t actually an choice.
KitGuru says: The Fractal Terra won’t swimsuit each PC spec however it’s a really handsome, compact mini-ITX case that may help high-end {hardware} and appears like the perfect choice for a lounge media PC, or every other use you may consider.
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