Question 1

How big of a CPU fan can this case fit? I'm looking at getting a Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO, but not sure if it'll fit in this case.

Accepted Answer

Yes, It will fit if you do know include the fan on the side panel.  I would recommend a different CPU fan that lays flat instead of standing vertical over the CPU.

This case was recommended to me by a Cooler Master service representative because of the addiotional space without sizing up to a taller full tower case.  I am currently running 7 fans including the 2 fans with the Cooler master 240m Neptune Liquid cooler. If space for addiotional cooling is important to you, this is case is an excellent choice.

Question 2

What are the exact differences between FD-CA-DEF-R5-BKO and FD-CA-DEF-R5-BK models besides the price?

Accepted Answer

I believe the main difference (perhaps the only difference) is that the black model has the white trim inside the case (drive trays, fans, and such) and the blackout is completely, totally black inside and out.

Question 3

Are the 8 x 3.5" hard drives bays easy to use? I'm looking for all 8 bays to come ready for drives, and with tool less insertion. Any drawbacks you see with them? Thanks!

Accepted Answer

Yes, they are easy to use but you do have to mount the drives to the sleds with four vibration dampening screws.  The sleds can then be put in place without tools.  Vibration dampening is important when you have so many drives all spinning on top of one another. Only wish mine held 2 more drives!

Question 4

How big of a cpu fan can this hold? I want to get a dark rock pro 3, would that fit?

Accepted Answer

Check the manufacture's page: (warranty tab for link, Newegg wouldn't let me paste it here)

Front: 2 – 120/140 mm fans (included is 1 all-black Fractal Design Dynamic GP14 fan, 1000 RPM speed)
Rear: 1 – 120/140 mm fan (included is 1 all-black Fractal Design Dynamic GP14 fan, 1000 RPM speed)
Top: 3 - 120/140 mm fan (not included)
Bottom: 2 – 120/140 mm fan (not included)
Side: 1 – 120/140 mm fan (not included)

The Fractal Design fans were very good, but not great. I replaced all of them with Noctua NF-A14 PWM (2 front, 1 bottom, 1 back, no side or top) and now it is practically silent. I had to modify them so they would fit in the front compartment with the rubber sound dampeners, but it wasn't too hard and was worth the minor trouble.

Question 5

How big of a graphics card can this hold?

Accepted Answer

I own two of these.  I do not use them for gaming, but I just wanted a very sturdy case.  This is "full size", I cannot imagine a graphics card, or double wide graphics card, that would NOT fit in here.

Question 6

Are the drive sleds made of plastic?

Accepted Answer

No, they are made of metal.  For the Blackout case, they are painted flat black.

Question 7

can it fit a msi 970 gaming motherboard?

Accepted Answer

Yes, any Micro ATX, ATX, or Mini-ITX will fit in this case. Most boards are ATX.
You just have to watch out for extended ATX mostly, but the boards will clearly state their size.

Question 8

I see specs say largest motherboard is ATX, anyone using larger motherboard than ATX in this case. I like the removable HDD bays This could make room. Any owners think it's possible to fit a larger mainboard than ATX in case?

Accepted Answer

The HDD bays (and expansion bays) can be removed, which would accommodate the width of the board; however, the length is still going to be a problem.  All of the connections that are at the bottom would be inaccessible with a standard power supply with a mobo that is longer than an ATX.  You would need to rework the location of the Power Supply in order to accommodate this arrangement (which would leave a gaping hole in your case limiting the noise reduction benefits).

Questions & Answers