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Fractal Design, the Scandinavian producer of PC chassis and peripherals, is announcing the latest additions to its Core Family of PC cases, designated as the X3 series. Fractal Design is noted for its sleek and slightly understated design motifs, and the X3 series continues that case lineage. The Core X3 series is the next evolution of the Core Family based on user feedback.
Fractal Design’s new X3 iterations of the Core Family are liquid cooling ready, and feature impressive airflow and a new vertical drive mounting that supports up to six drives (depending on model). The vertical drive mounting system even further improves the cooling capabilities of the case by reducing restrictions to airflow. The vertical drive bracket is easily removable, permitting greater flexibility for mounting liquid cooling radiators up to 280mm (depending on model).
The new X3 series consists of four models — the Core 3300, the Core 2300, the Core 1300, and the Core 1100. All models in this series feature brushed aluminum-look front panels and a sleek three-dimensional textured finish, as well as the innovative vertical drive mounting bracket. All but the Core 1100 feature bottom-mounted PSUs. All four models are being offered at very aggressive price points.
FRACTAL DESIGN CORE 3300
The Core 3300 is a wide-body ATX Mid Tower chassis with 22mm of cable management clearance behind the motherboard tray. The Core 3300 supports up to 7 case fans, with 2 x 140mm Silent Series R2 fans included. It also features excellent liquid cooling options, supporting either a 240mm or 280mm radiator in the front, and a 240mm radiator in the top. CPU coolers up to a maximum height of 185mm can be utilized in the Core 3300. Several easily removable and cleanable dust filters are present also. The vertical drive mounting supports up to 3 x 3.5″ drive and 3 x 2.5″ drive, with two additional SSD mounting positions on the backside of the motherboard tray. The Core 3300 has an MSRP of U.S. $69.99.
FRACTAL DESIGN CORE 2300
The Core 2300 is a more compact ATX Mid Tower offering cable management clearance of 18.5mm around, and 13.5mm behind the motherboard tray. The Core 2300 supports up to 7 case fans, with 2 x 120mm fans included. Liquid cooling options are for either a 240mm or 280mm radiator in the front, and a 240mm radiator in the top. CPU coolers up to a maximum height of 162mm can be utilized in the Core 2300. Several easily removable and cleanable dust filters are also present. The vertical drive bracket supports up to 2 x 3.5″ drive and 2 x 2.5″ drive, with an additional single SSD position present behind the PSU area. The Core 2300 has an MSRP of U.S. $49.99
FRACTAL DESIGN CORE 1300
The Core 1300 is a very compact micro ATX Mini Tower, yet still supports superior cooling and airflow. The Core 1300 also supports up to 7 case fans, with 2 x 120mm fans included. 240mm radiators can be mounted in the front, the top, or both positions. CPU coolers up to a maximum height of 162mm will fit in the Core 1300. Cable management clearance in the Core 1300 is 18.5mm around the motherboard tray, and 13.5mm clearance behind. Multiple removable and cleanable dust filters are also present. The vertical drive bracket supports up to 2 x 3.5″ and 2 x 2.5″ drives, with a single additional position for an SSD behind the PSU area. The Core 1300 also has an MSRP of U.S. $49.99
FRACTAL DESIGN CORE 1100
Although the Core 1100 is an extremely compact mATX chassis, it still offers exceptional airflow and cooling capabilities. A single Fractal Design 120mm fan is included. Dust filters are present in the front panel of the Core 1100. The front panel I/O includes audio ports and a single USB 2.0 and single USB 3.0 port. The vertical drive mounting bracket in the Core 1100 can hold 2 x 3.5″, 3 x 2.5″, or one each of a 3.5″ and 2.5″ drive. The Core 1100 has an MSRP of U.S. $39.99.
You can visit the Core Family of chassis product page at Fractal Design’s website here.