Fractal Design Core 3300 Mid-Tower Chassis Review

Exterior

The left side of the Fractal Design Core 3300 features a thick metal panel which is held in place by a pair of thumb screws at the back. There’s a single fan mount cut into the side which supports an optional 120/140mm fan.

The right side panel is another thick metal panel with two thumb screws. The top and sides of the chassis are treated to a powder black finish that gives the Core 3300 an understated and stealthy appearance.

The front panel is made of plastic, but it has been given a premium quality finish thanks to a brushed aluminium effect. There are two strips of ventilation that run the full height of the front panel; one on each side of the chassis.

Around the back you’ll find a little extra ventilation across the top, a 140/120mm fan mount with a 140mm fan pre-installed and seven ventilated expansion slots.

The top panel has room for two 120/140mm fans or a 240/280mm radiator. Unfortunately no dust filters here, so if you’re not using these mounts, I’d advise you pick up some filters from your retailer of choice.

The front panel is well equipped, with all of the usual features and Fractal Design have taken the smart move of dropping the USB 2.0 ports in favour of USB 3.0.

The bottom of the chassis features four hard plastic feet to provide extra airflow to that huge slide out dust filter.

The slide-out and washable filter covers the PSU air intake and the bottom 120/140mm fan mount.