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Fractal Core 1100 Computer Case Review

Cases & PSU/Cases by leeghoofd @ 2014-09-08

Fractal introduced the new Core series at Computex 2014; instead of having a booth at the infamous Nangang Hall, they unraveled the different Core versions at the Hyatt Hotel. In a similar trend as other enclosure manufacturers the focus point is on very affordable cases, a challenge as affordable usually goes hand in hand with making compromises. MadShrimps has already reviewed several 50 dollar cases, though with the Core 1100 Fractal goes even a few notches lower with a street price of a whopping low 35 dollars. Can Fractal maintain their typical stylish look and professional build quality even at this price level? Let us pop the box and explore the Fractal Core 1100 mATX case.

A Closer Look

The Core 1100 receives the typical Fractal treatment with them typical white painted ventilated slot brackets, similar as its high end brethren. The Core 1100 only includes one Fractal Design Silent 120mm Fan, rotating at a max of 1200 rpm. The Core 1100 has room for an optional rear 90mm fan and one 120mm model can be mounted on the side panel.

The front panel pops off gently without the need to use any brute force. The brushed aluminum looking front bezel clicks out easily too. A neat touch on the bottom part of the same front panel is the Fractal Design signature; the side inlets are equipped with a dust filter, an option hardly found on cases retailing at this price level.

The front I/O panel is equipped with one USB 3.0 and one USB 2.0 port, a big power On/Off button and a tiny micro sized reset button. Furthermore we spot the mandatory audio jacks, so no cutbacks here, well done Fractal.

The case rests on four well dimensioned plastic feet. Since the Power supply is not mounted in the bottom there are no rubber dampers, nor a bottom dust filter required, another economic feature here.

The vertical HDD bracket only has room for up to two 3.5" storage devices, which is a bit on the minimalistic side of things. The two 3.5" HDDs can be mounted on a vibration damped mechanism. If one opts for 2.5 drives than there's room for up to three SSD's. If one mixes 2.5 and 3.5 storage devices, than again we are limited to just two units.

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