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Since Intel’s 12 Gen “Alder Lake” has shaken up the desktop landscape (and taken prominent spots on our best CPUs for gaming list), we’ve updated our case testing hardware. We’re now using an Intel i7-12700KF, which is being cooled by a Noctua U12s air cooler. Our graphics card is a Gigabyte RTX 3070 Ti Gaming OC. Speaking of space constraints, my least-favorite part of the Torrent Compact is the area behind the motherboard. There just isn’t enough room for cables in the rear. You get mounts for three 2.5-inch SSDs here, and there’s space in the PSU chamber for either one 2.5-inch drive or one 3.5-inch spinning hard drive. I know M.2 drives are increasingly popular, and motherboards now often include ports for three or more, but I still would’ve liked to see more storage support here. For cooling, the Fractal Torrent ships with two front-mounted 180mm intake fans and three bottom-mounted 140mm intake fans. That’s five large fans for airflow, which is a big deal for anyone that’s investing in air cooling.
You will have gathered from our video that we have mixed feelings about the Fractal Design Torrent Compact. The simple explanation is that we are perfectly happy with cases such as the Lian Li O11 Dynamic EVO that rely on 120mm and 140mm fans and do not feel an immediate need for 180mm fans. When it comes to technical innovations, the main standouts include an inspiring layout, an open front grille and two 180 x 38 mm Dynamic PWM / Prisma ARGB PWM fans custom-made to achieve maximum air cooling while maintaining controlled noise levels. You can find the full statement from Fractal here , including support links and guides to disconnecting the hub. The original review follows below.
Streamlined open interior with extra headroom for components and support for E-ATX motherboards up to 274 mm in width
Like the company’s original Ion Platinum series (which we reviewed here), Fractal’s new Ion 2 Platinum lineup ships with 560W, 660W, 760W and 860W models and features ultra-bendable UltraFlex cables. These extra bendable cables are designed to simplify cable management, making Fractal’s latest PSUs incredibly easy to use across a broad range of cases/enclosures. Fractal Design Torrent cases allow you to install 180mm fans in the floor and front of the case and house the power supply in the roof so if – like us – you're not much fussed about that feature you may well be feeling a touch of meh.Removable top bezel and routing clips with velcro ties make for easy installation and cable management KitGuru says: If you fancy the looks of the quirky Torrent Compact you will need to accept its slightly unusual layout.
I won’t quite say that I have grown tired of companies taking the safe route by slapping a fine mesh front panel on cases. But I admire creativity, which is what Fractal has brought to airflow-focused cases. Not only does the front panel look good, but it also performs really well, without even adding an exhaust fan.While moving their PSU mounts to the top of the enclosure will be seen as a controversial decision, you will see for yourself that this choice has a huge impact on the Torrent’s airflow and cooling performance. On the other hand, if you love the look of the Torrent family you have to think that things are looking pretty darned great. The original Torrent is a large case, this Compact is medium sized and the Nano is fairly tiny so it seems that Fractal Design has covered all the bases. Simply put, the new models are powerhouses that let you enjoy airflow to a degree normally associated with larger cases, making Torrent an excellent choice for air cooling aficionados looking for a compact or nano case. Streamlined open interior provides plenty of breathing room for components and maximizes performance potential
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