Fractal Design Torrent PC Case Review

Peter Donnell / 3 years ago

Fractal Design is one of the best-known PC case designs in the world. While they may have some more affordable models under their banner, they’re certainly better known for their flagship cases, which often set market trends with their unique designs. Thankfully, it looks like today is no exception, with the new Fractal Design Torrent promising their usual mixture of high-end build quality, with a seemingly endless list of unique features, modular components, and extensive hardware configuration support. Of course, all this won’t come cheap, but those who’ve had the privilege of owning a top-end Fractal Case in the past will know, you get what you pay for.

Fractal Design Torrent

The Torrent, which let’s be honest is a frankly poor choice of name for a PC case. Just searching for some more information led my Google search to illegal download sites. Facepalm now, then let’s just get on with things. However, another meaning for the word torrent is “a violent, tumultuous, or overwhelming flow” and as Fractal Design say themselves, “The Torrent is a high-performance PC case designed entirely around the objective of delivering the highest possible airflow out-of-the-box with conflict-free support for high-end hardware with unconventionally large cooling solutions.” If that sounds like your type of PC case, then read on!

Features

There are many features here, in fact, there’s so many, I’m likely to miss a few in this review, it’s pretty crazy. There’s support for E-ATX/SSI-EEB motherboards. The front panel offers huge air vents, as well as two 180 x 38 mm Dynamic X2 PWM or Prisma ARGB PWM fans, which have been developed and released in tandem with the Torrent. Furthermore, another three 140 mm PWM fans come pre-installed in the base for a total of five. The Torrent also features support for the Flex B-20 Vertical Riser Bracket (available separately), allowing GPUs to be vertically mounted in a central position with excellent access to incoming air. You get a built-in fan hub, there are tempered glass panel options, there are recessed RGB strip mounts, a top-mounted PSU design, and so much more.

Open front grille and full-length base intake with 180 mm fan support
Newly developed 180 x 38 mm Dynamic X2 PWM and Prisma AL PWM ARGB fans leverage power, size, and thickness for greatly enhanced air-moving capacity
Streamlined open interior with extra headroom for components and cooling
Top mounted PSU compartment with aerodynamic shape and integrated ARGB effects (TG versions only)
Five PWM fans included—three 140 mm and two 180 mm
Both front and bottom panels support extra-thick radiators and push-pull fan configurations up to 420/360 mm
New Nexus 9P Slim PWM fan hub pre-installed
External Velcro tie-downs help manage the power cord and other cables on the rear exterior
Seamless tempered glass panels with bolt-free top-latching mechanism
Integrated ARGB lighting and Prisma ARGB fans use standard 5V RGB connectors for full software control on motherboards with addressable RGB support
Removable top bezel and cable guides with Velcro ties behind the motherboard plate
Two vibration-damped HDD trays and four dedicated SSD brackets included
Integrated support for water-cooling reservoirs on the motherboard tray
Seven bridgeless expansion slots ensure obstruction-free hookup
GPU support bracket included
Compatible with the Flex B-20 Vertical GPU Riser Bracket (sold separately)
Recessed channels along left and right underside edges of the base for adding LED strips