Fractal Design Pop: New entry-level case series in 3 sizes and 3 versions

After Fractal Design was already targeting the entry-level segment with a lite version of the Meshify 2, the Pop series is now followed by a whole series of cases that are intended to represent the manufacturer's new entry-level range. Fractal Design presents the series as standard, mini and XL variants.

3 variants in each size

< p class="p text-width">First, Fractal Design breaks down the new pop cases into three size variants. In addition to the pure size difference, the Mini, Standard and XL variants rely on different mainboard formats, so that the mini offshoot only allows the mITX and µATX format. The standard variant also allows the installation of ATX mainboards, while the XL offshoot also supports E-ATX mainboards up to 280 mm.

In order to cover every taste and housing preference, Fractal Design makes a distinction In addition to the three size variants, the concept also includes the housing versions Silent, Air and Air RGB. The diversity is crowned with 6 possible color variants and the choice between conventional or glass side parts.

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Fractal Design Pop Air Solid

Fractal Design Pop Air Solid (Image: Fractal Design)

Fractal Design Pop Air Solid ( Image: Fractal Design)

Fractal Design Pop Air Solid (Image: Fractal Design)

Fractal Design Pop Air Solid (Image: Fractal Design)

Fractal Design Pop Air RGB (Image: Fractal Design)

Fractal Design Pop Air RGB (Green) (Image: Fractal Design)

Fractal Design Pop Air RGB (Cyan) (Image: Fractal Design)

Fractal Design Pop Air RGB (Magenta) (Image: Fractal Design)

Fractal Design Pop Air RGB (Orange) (Image: Fractal Design)

The series in detail

Apart from the differences in the specifications associated with the different sizes, all three case variants are based on the same concept. The exterior doesn't have any striking features like the Fractal Torrent, for example, and is rather plain. The different housing versions look very similar. The biggest differences can be found on the front and the lid.

The insulated Silent version relies on a closed front part with side air inlets. In addition, there are no fan spaces in the lid. However, the latter are offered with the Air and Air RGB, and the closed front of these also gives way to a mesh braid. The difference between Air and Air RGB lies in the pre-assembled fans, which are colorfully illuminated on the Air RGB. On top of that, the Air RGB offers a lighting controller and a corresponding control button on the I/O panel.

Fractal Design Pop Mini Air RGB (Image: Fractal Design)

External 5.25″ bays

Despite the closed front, the Pop series offers two external 5.25″ bays for accommodating drives. These are hidden behind a magnetic screen in the lower front area.

Fractal Design Pop XL Air RGB (Image: Fractal Design)

The I/O panel installed on the upper front side offers 2 × USB 3.0 (USB 3.2 Gen 1) and two audio connections. USB-C is not used for cost reasons, instead Fractal Design offers the slot as a separate accessory (USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C). The Fractal Meshify Lite already experienced the same economy. There are also savings in drive recordings.

Inside, the Pop series relies on a two-chamber design and hides the power supply and some drives behind a panel. There are no vertical expansion slots in the main chamber for cost reasons.

The new series is now available in all versions. In addition to classic white or black, the middle offshoot Pop will also be available in the colors green, cyan, magenta and orange. A detailed model overview and the corresponding recommended prices can be found in the table below.

Fractal Design Pop Mini Fractal Design Pop Fractal Design Pop XL Mainboard format: Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX Chassis (L × W × H): 432 × 215 × 393 mm (36.50 liters)
Sound insulation variant 432 × 215 × 393 mm (36.50 liters)
Soundproofing, side window variant 432 × 215 × 393 mm (36.50 litres)
Side window 474 × 215 × 454 mm (46.22 litres)
Soundproofing variant 474 × 215 × 454 mm (46.22 litres)
Soundproofing, Side window variant 474 × 215 × 454 mm (46.22 liters) 522 × 230 × 520 mm (62.43 liters)
Soundproofing variant 522 × 230 × 520 mm (62.43 liters)
Soundproofing, side window variant 522 × 230 × 520 mm (62.43 liters)
Side window material: plastic, steel versionplastic, steel, glass plastic, steel versionplastic, steel, glass plastic, steel versionplastic, steel, glass Net weight: ? 6.80 kgvariant7.20 kg ? I/O ports/other: 2 × USB 3.0 (USB 3.2 Gen 1), HD audio variant 2 × USB 3.0 (USB 3.2 Gen 1), HD audio, RGB control 2 × USB 3.0 (USB 3.2 Gen 1), HD audio variant2 × USB 3.0 (USB 3.2 Gen 1), HD audio, RGB control 2 × USB 3.0 (USB 3.2 Gen 1), HD audio variant2 × USB 3.0 (USB 3.2 Gen 1), HD audio, RGB Control slots: 2 × 5.25" (external)
2 × 3.5″/2.5″ (internal)
4 × 2.5″ (internal)
Aperture for opt. 5.25″ drive 2 × 5.25″ (external)
3 × 3.5″/2.5″ (internal)
4 × 2.5" (internal)
Aperture for opt. 5.25″ drive 2 × 5.25″ (external)
4 × 3.5″/2.5″ (internal)
4 × 2.5" (internal)
Aperture for opt. 5.25″ drive expansion slots: 4 7 8 fans: front: 2 × 140/120 mm (2 × 120 mm included) and rear: 1 × 120 mm (1 × 120 mm included) variant front: 2 × 140/120mm (2 × 120mm included)
Rear: 1 × 120 mm (1 × 120 mm included)
Top: 1 × 140 mm or 2 × 120 mm (optional) Front: 2 × 140/120 mm (2 × 120 mm included)
Rear: 1 × 120 mm (1 × 120 mm included) variant front: 2 × 140/120 mm (2 × 120 mm included)
rear: 1 × 120 mm (1 × 120 mm included)
lid: 2 × 140 /120 mm (optional) front: 2 × 140 mm or 3 × 120 mm (3 × 120 mm included)
rear: 1 × 140/120 mm (1 × 120 mm included)
lid: 2 × 140 /120 mm (optional) dust filter: front, PSU variant cover, front, PSU front, PSU variant cover, front, PSU front, PSU variant cover, front, PSU Compatibility: CPU cooler: 170 mm
GPU: 340 mm – 365 mm
PSU: 150mm CPU cooler: 170mm
GPU: 380mm – 405mm
PSU: 170mm CPU cooler: 185mm
GPU: 455mm – 480mm
PSU: 205mm Price: –

ComputerBase has received information about this item from Fractal Design under NDA. The only requirement was the earliest possible publication date.