Fractal Design Define r4

goodguy90 wrote: ↑I've pretty much decided on this case for my build and it's come down to choosing between the non windowed and windowed case. My concerns include noise dampening and cooling. Is the windowed version significantly worse at retaining noise? And would the absence of the side fan on the windowed version adversely affect cooling?

Windowed cases generally have less sound dampening. Windows (glass or plastic) reflect more sound waves.

walker2238 wrote: ↑Windowed cases generally have less sound dampening. Windows (glass or plastic) reflect more sound waves.

How much of a difference between the two versions? And what about cooling?

goodguy90 wrote: ↑How much of a difference between the two versions? And what about cooling?

The slightly less sound dampening material will be negligible on both noise and cooling. What matters are the components you'll be using. The graphics card, CPU cooler, extra fans... those are parts that will be making the most noise. If you want to be able to look into your case and show off your computer grab the windowed version, otherwise just get the regular one if the case will be tucked under your desk.

goodguy90 wrote: ↑How much of a difference between the two versions? And what about cooling?

I'm not familiar with them. I was just saying that glass and plastic are very reflective surfaces. Metal isn't good either.

Like av3n says things like fans will determine how noisy your PC will be.