Fractal Terra Mini-ITX Case Review: Build Quality, Thermals, Acoustics, & Cable Management

This review and benchmark of the Fractal Terra (Jade) Mini-ITX case looks at the build quality, the ease-of-installation features, cable management, and design qualities of the new small form factor (SFF) case from Fractal. We also deploy our hemi-anechoic acoustic testing chamber for some initial numbers, run thermal benchmarks and comparisons, and talk about what kind of build makes the most sense with this case. The closest competitors would come from Formd and the DAN Case A4-H2O. We are working on the DAN Case ITX review next!



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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - The Fractal Terra ITX Review
03:00 - Excellent Ease of Installation & Alternatives
04:12 - ITX Reviews Background Information | The Pain in the Ass Factor
05:30 - Ease-of-Installation & Component Clearance
08:29 - Size Comparison vs. ITX Cases & Dimensions
09:13 - Fan Discussion
09:38 - Build Quality, Fit & Finish
14:19 - Video Card Fitment & Clearance
15:38 - PSU Support
17:11 - Test Methodology
18:47 - Acoustic Testing
20:09 - Peer Review from ISO Labs
22:08 - Frequency Spectrum Plot
21:22 - Noise Levels (A vs. B)
24:58 - Thermal Testing
25:25 - GPU Thermals
29:19 - Conclusion & Excellent Build Quality

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Host, Writing, Test Lead: Steve Burke
Writing, Testing: Jeremy Clayton
Video: Vitalii Makhnovets

QC conducted by team above in addition to the team below:
QC: Patrick Lathan (GN), Aristeidis Bitziopoulos (Cybenetics, 3rd Party for Acoustics), Mike Chin (Consulting, 3rd Party for Acoustics)

[GamersNexus]

We're excited to do more work on these! The DAN Case is next -- but what's after that? What ITX cases do you all find most interesting? We're wide open to suggestions!

[jaredmulconry]

I wasn't expecting the Adobe Audition portion to be so effective at showing the noise characteristics. That really highlights the vibration induced.

I am so ready for more of this super detailed analysis.

[BBlueBBasterd]

Didn't really realise until now how tricky small case reviews are, massively impressed with the displayed methodology tho and I'm curious to see more of these reviews to see how you end up comparing cases to each other.
Also props for the peer review stuff and hiring experts to invite constructive criticism. This is why you guys are industry leaders. Good shit, love to see it!

[SteveTheSuperSanchez]

As an Audio Engineer it makes me happy to see this level of testing on sound. I watched the video on the chamber and was excited to see the upcoming tests.

[Ingeneering]

The PITA Factor is what I wish reviewers would have done years ago when ITX started becoming a thing. So glad to see GN taking the lead on this since it could save people hours of research trying to compare the buildability for different cases before spending more hours confirming that the selected components actually fit in the case which can't be avoided. Great coverage and consumer advice, as usual!

[Satook]

Steve said the key word, proactive. Rather than only addressing issues as the errors accumulate and become egregious.

I know the LTT stuff is overworked at this point but the sections on Testing methodology, Acoustic testing and the ISO Labs peer review showcases how to do this stuff well.
Get knowledgable, experienced people involved to help level up your own skills AND double check and improve your work.

Thanks again Steve (and GN in general) for showing the best way to get accurate, informed and always-improving test results.
Just awesome to see!

[RandomPedestrian]

I cannot tell you how excited I am that not only is GN getting into ITX reviews, but that you’re also tailoring the tests to account for how ITX is different from a regular full tower build. Testing different cooling configurations is a HUGE help for those researching or building an SFF PC, and a lot of reviewers aren’t nearly as thorough when it comes to the objective testing portion. Thanks for the hard work you put into everything!

[rdiznfriends]

IVE BEEN WATING FOR U GUYS TO DO ITX REVIEWS FOR SO LONG. ITX cases/builds are my guilty pleasure and seeing you guys apply that quality of work to the products in this space is so exciting

[kraxen]

never really watched your channel before the video about ltt, and i have to say, this is a whole another level of professionalism, and attention to detail and quality. i'm extremly impressed, and i subscribed.

[jonlaw]

Your noise analysis is truly next level! Home audio is my biggest hobby and its great to see a reviewer who really understands these things.

[jackjohnson]

Built my first PC in 2017 and now im back looking at all the new tech to build a new one, happy to see steve and GN still killing it after all these years your video's helped my out a TON back in the day.

[trenttech]

You have been always my go to for tech reviews always go in depth and throughout testing Keep up the good work!

[jeggo]

Love these reviews. I'm eventually going to build a new computer after 6 years, and am really wanting a small form factor build.

[SerxRox]

The amount of data gathered and explained to us in a technical yet simple way to understand for the average user is just insane... Dozens of mini itx computers that i've assembled over the years and i'm still on the hype train for new small form factor hardware. This review is on a whole new level... Thanks for your hard work and the passion you put on it!

[Cloud]

Absolutely love the direction this channel keeps heading.

The indepth dedication and pursuit to testing, never ceases to amaze me!

[jonyu]

20:09 is why I trust GN. It is not enough for them to tell me why I should trust their data -- they prove it. You continue to raise the bar in this space. Thanks for the hard work GN team.

[J--Dubs]

The acoustic measuring was really interesting. I'm also glad that you included the visual representation of the noise frequencies.

[shobz]

Would be great to see you guys review the Formed T1! It's amazing to see just how much testing you guys put in to see optimal performance where you can for an ITX case. Looking forward to the next case review 👍

[bingyang]

As a long time viewer who only builds ITX systems, I never thought I'd see the day when you brought your expertise and testing rigor to this niche hobby! The fan noise analysis was exceptional. Would love to see a collab with Optimum Tech one day! Would be great to see your take on the CM NR200 as the "mass market" ITX case

[jnssmnsn]

Thank you so much for doing proper ITX case reviews. I've been looking into building a new pc with a small case as the current one is so damn big.