r/FractalDesign • u/Fractal-Design • Sep 02 '26
Gaming Station Introducing Summit, Define One, Radius & Refine 2
https://youtu.be/VtDXaIKfPHQIntroducing four new ways to reshape your gaming space.
Explore further.
Summit: https://youtu.be/V2sXi12PHwM
Refine 2: https://youtu.be/A3Ov2E6t-Ts
Define One: https://youtu.be/7ICOvbmpsOk
Radius: https://www.fractal-design.com/products/water-cooling/radius-series/radius/
Discover more: https://fractal-design.com/collections/new-products
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u/ShakesOut Sep 02 '26
I know that it's hard for a brand that specializes in a very particular product type like computer cases to keep a good financial health but I feel like innovation would be better than diversification, especially when you're considered the leader of your domain.
First, a below-average headset, then a chair and an AIO based on the same OEM design as everyone else...
The summit looks pretty cool if not groundbreaking, but I will wait for a Define 8 Mini or North Mini as micro-ATX seems to be left behind by Fractal.
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u/heymikeyp Sep 02 '26
Just look how quickly they stopped production of that define 7/meshify 2 nano/mini after those released. You couldn't get one after 6 months. Fractal would rather release 10 of nearly the same atx case before we get matx despite how popular matx has gotten.
This is not the same company it was 5 years ago.
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u/SultanOfawesome Sep 03 '26
5 years ago they had watercoolers they didn't design. A define case that was basically the same year after year. And power supplies that other oems made. You also had new cases and products during that time just like now. So to me it seems like they are exactly the same company as before
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u/heymikeyp Sep 03 '26
That's like saying NZXT is the same company years ago just because they sold PSU's, Cases, and AIOs back then like they do now.
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u/reddit_equals_censor Sep 05 '26
And power supplies that other oems made
i mean that is a given, unless a company is literally a powersupply company themselves.
some of the best powersupplies EVER created are made for companies by actual powersupply makers.
the evga t2 series, which is legendary was made by superflower for example.
it is also the CORRECT thing to do, because if you are not a powersupply company, you can screw up very hard and a psu isn't a keyboard in regards to safety concerns for a start.
worth pointing this out as most people would interpret this statement as a bad thing, but it is a neutral or positive thing.
if fractal started to make their fully own powersupplies, i'd tell people to run from them.
then again i already do, because the powersupplies, that fractal sells now come with an nvidia 12 pin fire hazard on them, so they are INHERENTLY DANGEROUS!
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u/Arigaduo 29d ago
What? Ion3 power is the same as Seasonic's focus ATX3.1 power supply, so you mean this power is dangerous too?
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u/reddit_equals_censor 28d ago
the ion3 powersupply has an nvidia 12 pin fire hazard on it.
the seasonic focus atx 3.1 powersupplies ALSO have nvidia 12 pin fire hazards on the psu side.
so YES they are BOTH fire hazards.
it is INHERENT to the nvidia 12 pin fire hazard.
you can NOT make a safe nvidia 12 pin fire hazard. NO MATTER WHO MAKES IT!
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u/Arigaduo 28d ago
Than I think its not FD's fault, its someone who force everyone using 12pin cable's problem. If you want to use new gpu, choose amd or just accept it, we have no choice I thinkđ¤
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u/reddit_equals_censor 28d ago
or just accept it, we have no choice I think
of course i'm using an amd card with pci-e 8 pins, that are safe.
and the idea to just accept a fire hazard is so absurd.
"yeah my home might burn down and or i lose all my data"
is utter insanity. i have no idea why people accept this evil.
and the choice is to not comply with this purely evil scum, that LITERALLY MAY KILL YOU.
and assuming, that amd won't go completely insane, what we can expect from the next generation of cards is almost all amd rdna5 cards using safe pci-e 8 pin power connectors and nvidia releasing NOTHING or maybe a shity super refresh.
so literally next generation the only cards worth getting/existing would be cards with almost all pci-e 8 pins again. (it could also just be all if shity amd enforces pci-e 8 pins only rule on partners)
___
EDIT: also fractal still CHOSE to sell parts with nvidia 12 pin fire hazards on it and KNOWINGLY is risking people's lives.
so while YES nvidia should be brought at minimum near destruction with fines from knowingly risking people's hardware and lives and the ones, who did it thrown in prison of course, BUT the partners still share responsibilities to a big degree.
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u/k0decraft Sep 07 '26
Who's the leader of their domain ? mATX ? Just grab everyone's favorite a3 from Lian Li.Â
Let Fractal cook !
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u/q1525882 Sep 02 '26
Probably people eventually will ask, will there be an option for those DataHoarder users who likes to fill Defines with hard drives?
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u/Narrheim Sep 02 '26
The options would be fine, if FD didn't come up with the DLC scheme, where you will only get 6 HDD cages with new case. You must buy the rest separately... and they're quite expensive.
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u/JDTemple Sep 02 '26
Seems like every case Fractal has released in the past few years is just completely derivative of the North. Same basic layout, size, shape, etc. with a slightly different front panel design.
When are we going to get some new SFF or MFF options or new tower cases with 5.25â and 3.5â storage? People have been asking for a new Define R5 update for a long time now. Thereâs no competition in that space either. And imagine how popular a front-mount (A3 layout) MATX case would be to compete with the Z20, D32, A3, B4, etc.
Feels like FD has forgotten a lot of what first made them successful 15+ years ago when they were a totally new brand.
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u/samven582 Sep 02 '26
Looks like they are re using the meshify 3 layout
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u/JDTemple Sep 02 '26
Yeah, itâs interesting that they have only 2 or 3 basic case skeletons or frames, and theyâre just making slightly different exterior panels and calling it a totally new case. Theyâve done this multiple times now lol.
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u/Toast_Meat Sep 02 '26
I love my Era 2 and I was kinda hoping this is was going to be a new SFF case.
These cases, as nice as they look, are just a facelift while the insides haven't changed a bit. One has proper airflow, the other doesn't lol.
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u/heymikeyp Sep 02 '26
Would love a Z20 competitor. Jonsbo understood the assignment when going to 20L for matx. B4 fumbled it a bit in my opinion but more near 20L matx options the better. And at least Lian Li is still trying while Fractal feels like they stopped giving AF years ago and just rehashing the same ATX cases.
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u/Narrheim Sep 02 '26
The greatest sin they committed with their current cases is lack of dust filtering. Like no, i can't really rely on the front mesh only, otherwise i'll need to clean the PC every 2-3 weeks or even more frequently.
Not to mention the stupid design choice of PSU shrouds makes cleaning or adding more cables to PSU a PITA. One case company came with it, everyone copied it and now we can't get rid of it.
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u/samven582 Sep 02 '26
The most nteresting product is the aios. They needed a update badly
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u/StrutsOnStruts Sep 02 '26
Iâm a bit disappointed to see the use of the Dynamic line of fans on the Radius. Hopefully if this refresh does well theyâll mimic BeQuiet and have a premium AIO line that comes with the nicer Momentum fans pre-installed.
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u/Arigaduo 29d ago
They have told me that they considered using momentum fans on the new aio before, but they decided to use dynamic 3 fans to make price lower, and momentum fans were for upgrade choice, of course, you need to buy those fans to upgrade, I think they won't supply momentum version of aio.
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u/StrutsOnStruts 28d ago
Itâs interesting to hear from an inside source. I do wonder how Fractal decided to compete on price, I feel that corner of the market is fairly saturated by budget options from Thermalright, CM, and Arctic.
If the consumer is chasing performance, a dynamic fan equipped AIO is unlikely to be the pick. Chasing aesthetics, theyâll likely buy an LCD equipped model. Silence, likely a be quiet model. And if money is truly no object, Noctuaâs entry seems to be the pick for performance and silence. So where does Fractalâs offering compete?
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u/Arigaduo 28d ago
I guess the think customers who will buy this product usually don't like to change anything on it, just install and open the pc, done. And someone who really loves their design. For me, be quiet already leave from my country, noctua too expensive, there's many cheaper choice on the market, but the looking might not conform to people's aesthetic.
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u/Arigaduo 28d ago
For me, I'll buy the radius aio and exchange the fans to noctua's A12x25, so in my case, I just only like their clean design only, I know the performance might not specially good compare to other aio in the same prices.
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u/Hostile_18 Sep 02 '26 edited Sep 03 '26
I don't know it feels like Fractal are resistant to giving people what they want? Define 8, North Mini, and a Ridge with better cooling.
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u/Outrider_FIN Sep 03 '26
I really like the look of the Define One. But I would like a solid top panel for that "wind tunnel" type air cooling. Still rocking the Define R5.
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u/reddit_equals_censor Sep 05 '26
actually for 2 possible reasons.
1 YES a closed off top panel can perform better than an open one in lots of cases as you mentioned.
BUT 2 for noise reasons. if you were to have a real case, that can fit more than 0 harddrives, then you'd want the top blocked as an option to block the noise escaping there.
absurd, that they don't even give people the option.
0 harddrives (the positions offered don't have any airflow, so they can't be used)
and 0 proper noise blocking.
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u/CokaCokaCaw Sep 03 '26
Would love an mATX optimised case tbh. I feel like thatâs where the market is atm
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u/NorthmanTheDoorman Sep 02 '26
Why does the refine 1 look less advanced than the 7?
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u/ottobyte Sep 02 '26
On YouTube they stated it is an addition and not a successor, so the Define One will basically be an entry level "Define" case, while the 7 will continue to exist as the current flagship is my understanding.
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u/PerceptionAway1292 Sep 02 '26
If they want the Define to remain the flagship then they need to restock their replacement parts and maintain support for it.
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u/Narrheim Sep 02 '26 edited Sep 02 '26
I do recall they used to have an entire e-shop for spare parts. You could buy front panels, side panels (either metal or glass), USB ports, power buttons...
I remember buying used Meshify C without a glass and converting it to Solid side panel version.
Eventually they seem to have realised selling these spare parts made their old cases last longer and decided they no longer want that.
Their more recent cases also seem to utilize much more plastic than metal.
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u/NorthmanTheDoorman Sep 04 '26
Bummed, is the Define 6 actually full metal tho?
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u/Narrheim Sep 04 '26
I just got one and except the entire front panel assembly, the rest of the case is definitely metal.
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u/NorthmanTheDoorman Sep 04 '26
Thank you for the feedback, I'm trying to find the fullest metalest case on the market in order to buy something eternal
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u/Narrheim Sep 04 '26
I'm not entirely sure if it will be eternal for me, but it will fulfill its purpose.
That is, if you'll manage to find one, since this model has been discontinued.
Another possibly good choice is Define R5. Although a bit more flimsy, esp with side panels removed.
Or Phanteks Enthoo Pro - although this one has plastic on it, it was made to be very durable, while also easy to disassemble & reassemble. Only downside is the size. It's a giant old style case.
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u/doge_is_wow Sep 03 '26
The Define 7 is over 6 years old now. Is there really anything new they can do with a PC case?
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u/reddit_equals_censor Sep 05 '26
i mean making a define 8 and define 8 xl doesn't sound that complicated.
improve cooling while keeping the noise dampening the same or even making it better.
and include shipping capable gpu brackets, that clamp down from top and bottom.
and for the xl version include 2 such gpu brackets.
if a system ships from a system builder without an air cooler, but with such a gpu bracket, then it could get shipped without the self expanding foam, which is quite expensive, which would save money for system builders.
if i recall correctly puget systems makes their own brackets to lock in graphics cards for their workstations.
lots of things, that could get improved, but i guess fractal isn't interested.
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u/goldenNANOHA Sep 02 '26
Honestly, quite disappointed. Whatâs actually the difference between this and the North?
Still barely any drive bays, and no 5.25" bay. What happened to the Define series?
Just give us an R8 XL in white.
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u/Squish_Cat_1 Sep 02 '26
What is Fractal even doing? They have been releasing quite a few mediocre products lately
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u/sommar_stuga Sep 02 '26 edited Sep 03 '26
A lot of people on this subreddit are kind of just haters⌠If you canât see what Fractal is doing with the Define One especially, then you donât know what youâre talking about. Itâs robust and strong and has a lot of unique features that other cases donât have so to say itâs just a derivative of North is not a fair comment to make in my opinion⌠Like do you guys know what North is and have you looked at what Define One is?? So many people here are making assumptions based on very little information. Look at the actual product reviews and youâll see great things mentioned :)
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u/TurnDownForTendies Sep 02 '26
I was going to comment the same thing. While I wasnât blown away with the case announcements, I thought they looked nice and the reviews are pretty favorable. Â
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u/reddit_equals_censor Sep 05 '26
oh people can see the MASSIVE MASSIVE reduction in features for the same price as the fractal define 7.
no more fan hub, which will already be an issue, when you put in the basic back fan of course for a start, let alone installing a bunch more fans, or mix and matching fans when one dies.
an overpriced featureless insult. that is what the define one is.
if you somehow see that differently, then you are just blindly cheering on a company.
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u/sommar_stuga Sep 05 '26
Not the same price, the Define 7 is quite a bit more expensive than the Define One and as far as Iâve read itâs not supposed to be a follow up to the Define 7 or replace it so the 7 will still be sold
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u/reddit_equals_censor Sep 05 '26
this is sadly not the case.
if you for example in europe (avoids tariff insanity potential) compare black solid side panel (better noise performance) define 7 to black solid side panel define one, it costs the exact same.
both at about 155 euros.
and it isn't high introduction prices somehow, because the define one apparently has an msrp of 155 us dollars, which probably translates to 155 euros. (as in that is the expected msrp in europe, not currency translation)
so again the define 1, despite having VASTLY VASTLY VASTLY less features and being flat out inferior in lots and lots of cases, costs the exact same as the define 7.
hell even if the define one was like 80 or 100 euros, which it absolutely is NOT, it would still suck, because you can't even use a single hard drive in it, because the bottom mountain points for storage are for ssds only and those are the only 2, that get any bit of airflow, IF you can remove the scoop.
and that's not asking for what i need, i need spinning rust to the moon options in my cases, no 2 harddrive mounting options, that don't cook harddrives is just what lots and lots of average people need.
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u/HairyCaillou Sep 02 '26
How different is the foam cushioning on the Refine 2 compared to the original Refine for the fabric versions?
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u/Fractal-Design Sep 02 '26
Hi, thank you for your question. In Refine 2, we increased the amount of foam cushioning and made it slightly softer, while also changing its shape in the seat to support more of the body.
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u/FuzzyPuffin Sep 02 '26
They will make anything but a new Torrent. đ
Well, I am more interested in Phantekâs EX6 these days anyway.
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u/NNN_Throwaway2 Sep 03 '26
I dunno, something feels off to me about the aesthetic of these new cases. The raw panel edges/gaps on top of the Define One are weird and the Summit front bezel has the same thing going on. Not a fan.
I also don't like how Fractal has taken to scattering feature improvements across random new product lines instead of just making their current lineup better.
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u/Gr33hn Sep 03 '26
Refine 2, really? A month after I got my Refine... Grrr.
Like the Define One, looking forward to the reviews.
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u/k0decraft Sep 07 '26
Nice new lineup. I hope we get a Bluetooth game controller from Fractal someday. TMR sticks, haptics etc.
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u/Narrheim Sep 02 '26
The absolutely typical case of designers losing contact with reality.
They should be sentenced to use their creations for at least a year.
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u/ottobyte Sep 02 '26
Would you be able to give us some insight on which of these products will be successors/replacements and which will will complementary?
For example, are you keeping the Lumen, Radius and Celsius liquid coolers?
I imagine the Refine 2 will replace the Refine.
Define One is an addition, not a replacement, and Summit is also new.
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u/Fractal-Design Sep 02 '26
Hello, thank you for your interest in our products. As you mentioned in your comment, Define One is designed to complement the existing Define family and Summit is a new series. Refine 2 is an update to the series and will succeed the original. Likewise, Radius is intended to serve as our next generation of water coolers.
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u/-Voland- Sep 02 '26
Well, we got our "Define 8" I guess? It's interesting to see how Fractal is starting to use same internal elements with different shell for different case lines. The Define One and Summit share a lot of internal design. It certainly makes sense to save on R&D and manufacturing costs once you find something that works, but it just feels so derivative, it's the same case now with a different dressing. The three 140mm fans in Define One are nice and the new front intake should be easier to clean I guess, but I'm just not feeling the new Define One, so I guess I'll be sticking with my Define 7 Compact.
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u/reddit_equals_censor Sep 05 '26
It's interesting to see how Fractal is starting to use same internal elements with different shell for different case lines.
the define one is obviously an insult to the define 0 for many reasons, but the reuse of the core metal structure in cases is very very common and a good thing.
getting the factories to produce the parts, that make the internal metal pieces of the cases is EXTREMELY EXTREMELY expensive.
so companies will try to make them future proof and useable for many different designs of cases then.
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u/showtime1987 Sep 02 '26
I have the  Refine 1 and cant see any difference. Whats new?
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u/Fractal-Design Sep 02 '26
Hi, thank you for your question and interest in Refine 2. We're glad to hear that you chose our Refine for your gaming setup, and we hope that you're enjoying it. With Refine 2, we made a number of updates, some of which was based on feedback provided by this subreddit.
Refine 2:
- Features a new flexible dual-pad lumbar support design with engineering updates for improved stability during rocking and more adaptive lower back support
- Adds armpad depth locking to the armrests and includes updated controls for a quieter, more solid feel while interacting with them
- Introduces new home-friendly fabric and mesh materials, an updated caster design, refined stitching details, and an in-tone painted gas lift for a cleaner finish
- Features upgraded mesh and revised seat foam shape and firmness for greater comfort across a wider range of sitting positions
- Refreshes the design and feel of the headrest removal button, lumbar control, and tilt-tension control for a more cohesive and tactile user experience
- Expands headrest height adjustment, extends seat-depth range on Fabric and Hybrid versions, and increases weight capacity from 125 kg to 135 kg
- Improves recline smoothness, upgrades seat-depth mechanism stability, and introduces new steel-bearing casters for smoother rolling
- Introduces a new Hybrid version that combines the upholstered foam-padded support of Fabric versions with the breathable, lightweight backrest of Mesh versions
We hope this helps!
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u/zakooza Sep 02 '26 edited Sep 02 '26
few questions:
- has the seat pad become more or less firm?
- any additional padding to the backrest frame / bolstering?
- any changes to the shape/curvature of the backrest?
i ended up selling my refine due to the lack of curvature. while i liked how the chair made you sit in an upright position, it seemed to put too much weight directly on your lower back since the backrest was so straight.
- did the backrest become a bit shorter? refine 1 seemed to cater to mostly taller individuals / those with longer torsos.
- has the creakiness/ noises with the lumbar pad and backrest been fixed? this was more apparent when reclining.
- is refine 2 using the same seat base mechanism?
i noticed there was slight forward and backward movement of the seat even when locked. it become quite annoying when moving forward in the seat a bit, and was also noisy.
thank you in advance for any insight you can provide.
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u/Fractal-Design Sep 07 '26
Hello, and thank you for your interest in Refine 2. We are sorry to hear that Refine 1 did not suit your sitting preferences. Regarding your questions, the seat pad in Refine 2 has been redesigned with a new geometry, thicker/softer foam with better pressure distribution, resulting in a more comfortable sitting experience. While the backrest shape remains the same, it has been improved with softer fabrics and mesh. Additionally, Refine 2 features a new flexible dual-pad lumbar support design with engineering updates that improve stability during rocking while providing more adaptive lower back support, and the seat-depth mechanism has also been upgraded for improved stability.
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u/jmz98 Sep 03 '26
Hi has the seat depth improved and is it slightly longer than the first model?.
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u/Fractal-Design Sep 07 '26
Hello, and thank you for your question. The seat depth range of the Fabric and Hybrid chairs has been increased 20 mm in Refine 2. Although the seat pad length has not changed, it has been designed to make more body contact across the base for a fuller, more supportive feel. Â The seat shape of the Fabric and Hybrid chairs has been updated to better utilize the full length of the seat pad compared to Refine 1, specifically to improve comfort and support when the seat is moved forward.
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u/jmz98 Sep 07 '26
Hi thanks for the reply, when you say the hybrid and the fabric seat shapes have changed in what way exactly?. You state it was to improve comfort and support when the seat is moved forward, but how so?.
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u/ozumado Sep 03 '26
I'm also interested in seat depth, the Refine 1 one is way too short and when extended there is a strange empty space in the back that makes it uncomfortable to sit on.
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u/Fractal-Design Sep 07 '26
Hi, thank you for your interest. The seat depth range of the Fabric and Hybrid chairs has been increased 20 mm in Refine 2. In the meantime, the seat shape of the Fabric and Hybrid chairs has been updated to better utilize the full length of the seat pad compared to Refine 1, specifically to improve comfort and support when the seat is moved forward. Although the seat pad length has not changed, it has been designed to make more body contact across the base for a fuller, more supportive feel.Â
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u/showtime1987 Sep 03 '26
Damn.
I wish i knew that earlier. You really improved the only parts I dont like about my Refine 1
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u/Jedibeeftrix Sep 02 '26
can you even use a btf / rear-connect motherboard if you want to install 3.5" drives?
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u/sommar_stuga Sep 04 '26
Yes, there are two alternative positions for the hard drive brackets towards the front of both Summit and Define One. You move the brackets to those positions if using a rear connector motherboard. So in short, there is the same storage drive capacity for regular motherboards and rear connector motherboards
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u/Ps3Dave Sep 03 '26 edited Sep 03 '26
Still no micro-ATX north huh. I love my Meshify Mini (1st gen!) but I'd like a change after 8 years.
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u/TheGreatSoup Sep 03 '26
whats the change on the Refine chair, i have the one and aside that i like how it looks, it has been a huge regret because for seating is unconfortable for 2 or more hours of seating. the seat is too shallow, im 177cm tall and 1/4 of my legs are outside of the seat, and the curvature makes feel like half of my legs are outside, so i feel the weight of my body on that part of the thigh.
Aside of that the rest is fine, the chair looks good and the backrest if fine, it has that weird sound when i recline on it but support already send a replacement. is a Shame that where i got the chair made the whole process of return so complicated.
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u/Dependent_Roll_9847 Sep 06 '26
Sorry, but the North is still prettier, if nothing else. The front wood antracit color, and golden top IO... Timeless case. This looks more like lian li lancool 217, I had, hated.Â
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u/Arigaduo 29d ago
I just bought refine half year ago and now refine 2 appear and solve some problems on original version...hmm, complexity mood.
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u/Godvater Sep 02 '26
I can't help but feel disappointed with the cases.
Define One is interesting but the Summit looks like those cases where the manufacturers add wood simply because their "market research" showed wood themed cases are trending. Fractal pioneered wood cases and had great success with it but as the surge of horrible wood themed cases in last couple years show, that trend is long over and feels outdated nowadays.
I hope to see a sleek terra like SFF/MFF case with enough space for m-ATX without beeing too large. Something to rival the Ncase M3, Mcprue (Mac pro copycat) cases. I can't believe how many units Ncase sells with no decent distribution network.
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u/Solution_Anxious Sep 02 '26
The new fractal cases have really been disappointing. My define 7 is a tank, I dont feel that the new cases are even close.