How Much Does it Cost?
The Torrent Compact is actually a lot better priced than I was expecting. That being said, it uses significantly less raw material in its construction than the full-size Torrent, which is why it weighs about 10KG less too. As you can see, the price is a reflection of the premium nature of the case, but honestly, I think it’s a pretty sound investment for the level of features and build quality you get in return.
I loved the Fractal Design Torrent, it’s a big and bold statement of a PC case that really dominates the room. At around £200 though, it’s likely too expensive for some, as well as too big and too heavy. So it makes sense that the Compact should exist. The price is significantly more appealing, you still get those same high-end features that made the Torrent such a winner, and you get the same fantastic design too. Really you can’t lose with this.
Plus, with the Compact still supporting up to an E-ATX motherboard, massive graphics cards and tall CPU coolers with relative ease, it doesn’t feel like you’re having to compromise. Of course, I’m sure there are some of you who really do want an even bigger GPU, longer PSUs and just more room in general for some instance custom-loop behemoth, in which case, the Torrent is ideal. However, if you’re wanting to rock a “normal” high-end gaming graphics card, ATX motherboard, a large air cooler, and a few SSDs, then the Compact is certainly all you’ll ever need.
There are a lot of nice quality of life features built into this case. The fans are tremendous, offering impressive cooling potential that’s further enhanced by that extremely well ventilated front panel, as well as the full-length intake on the bottom of the case. The built-in fan hub is superb too, offering support for up to 9 4-pin PWM fans. Of course, there are two fans already in the case, so you could say an extra 7 fans. Either way, that’s a lot of cables that’ll be kept out of sight in your build!
The PSU shroud moved to the top looks great, and a nice break from the current convention of the bottom PSU shroud. It’s actually better in many ways, as you can quickly access the PSU area from the top panel to make changes, access the drive mounts, and that handy liquid filling point. There’s a lot of ventilation on the case too, but also some of the best quality dust filters on the market too. Everything is easy to open up, remove, clean and reassemble and that’s going to mean less downtime in the long run.
Overall, it’s the same Torrent I know and love, and despite the fact that almost every little detail of the case has been moved or tweaked to fit the new form factor, at the same time, it looks and feels very much the same. I think the Compact is a more sensible design for your typical high-end PC builder though, the ergonomics feel right, the price is more attractive, and it’s easily one of the coolest looking cases I’ve seen in years, as that front panel is gorgeous!
