Fractal Design R5 Mid-Tower Chassis Review

EXTERIOR

While it still follows the same look as the previous R4, it has been much more refined. On the back we can see there is a Fractal Design Dynamic GP14 140mm exhaust fan with adjustable mounting positions, which can also support a single 120mm fan instead. There are 7 PCIe slots, an air vent next to the PCI slots and a bottom mount PSU cutout.

The front has a brushed plastic finish that looks similar to a real brushed aluminum finish. As mentioned earlier, the door can be adjusted to open to either side as well. Overall, its dimensions are  9.13″ (W) x 18.19″ (H) x 20.91″ (D) and the weight is 24.7lbs.

The main side panel has a single 140mm fan mount that is covered by their new ModuVent plates help improve aesthetics when not in use.

There are also no name plates visible on the exterior. It is simple, sleek, and stylish, just how we like! The only Fractal Design branding is behind the door on the removable dust filter. The door also covers the two 5.25″ bays and the 3 channel, 3 speed fan controller switch, which happens to be powered by a SATA power cable rather than 4-pin. You can also see the power light as well to the right of the switch.

The front of the case has another Fractal Design Dynamic GP14 140mm intake fan and has mounting for another below. We will go over radiator mounting options later when we get to the interior.

Located on the top bezel of the case are the front I/O power and reset buttons. The two far right USB ports are USB 3.0, which feature blacked out internals rather than the typical blue, and the right ones are USB 2.0. The reset button is near impossible to press by accident as it is so small, a pen or similar can be used to press it in when needed.

At the top there are three other ModuVent plates covering the fan/radiator mounting positions. These allow for a much better look as well as to help keep the noise levels down as they are layered with their noise dampening material.

Moving to the bottom we can see there is a single dust filter that spans it entirely. As a bonus it also comes out from the front rather than the back. You don’t have to go through the hassle of moving your case around, just pull and clean. Something so little just makes maintenance so much easier.

The rubber feet have a nice reflective silver finish to them and stand the case 3/8″ off the ground.