By David Shields
Manufacturer: Fractal Design
Product Name: Meshify C Mini Dark TG
Model Number: FD-CA-MESH-C-MINI-TGD
UPC: 843276100117 EAN: 7340172700111
Price As Tested: $77.65 (Newegg/Amazon)Full Disclosure: The product sample used in this article has been provided by Fractal Design.
It’s no secret I’m a fan of Fractal Design’s Define series. Quiet, well built, and consistently improved upon with every iteration, I most recently reviewed the Define R6. As gamer’s taste’s in design change, Fractal has looked to get ahead of the curve with the Meshify series.
From Fractal Design’s product page: “Meshify strikes an aggressive pose in the Fractal Design lineup with unparalleled cooling performance and a defiant new look. Like diamond facets, the angular asymmetry of the Meshify C carves a space uniquely its own as a new dominant force in high-airflow design. Tempered glass completes the distinct, stealth-inspired aesthetic with exceptional style.”
The Meshify Mini C is a smaller mATX version of the mid-tower version, shaving 4 cm off the top and losing a little depth while retaining a similar price point. In this article for Benchmark Reviews, we’ll take an in-depth look at this offering from Fractal Design. How is it different from other chassis designs they offer, such as the Define Mini C? What does it offer to Micro-ATX builders? Why buy this over the similarly priced mid-tower equivalent?
First, some specifications:
| Model | Meshify C Mini – Dark TG |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Case Type | Micro-ATX |
| Case Material | Tempered Glass, Aluminum, Steel |
| M/B Compatibility | Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX |
| Expansion Slots | PCI-E x 5 |
| GPU Compatibility | Max 315mm with front fan mounted |
| Front Ports | 2 x USB 3.0 HD Audio |
| Internal Drive Bays | 2 x 3.5″/2.5 3 x 2.5″ |
| Front Fan | 2x 120 or 2x 140 1x Dynamic X2 GP-12 included |
| Top Fan | 2x 120/140 |
| Rear Fan | 1 x 120 1 x Dynamic X2 GP-14 included |
| Bottom Fan | 1 x 120 |
| Power Supply | ATX up to 175mm. |
| CPU Cooler Height | 172mm |
| Cable Routing Space | 15-35mm |
Like all Fractal Design products we’ve reviewed, the Meshify C Mini is well built with steel, aluminum, and plastic parts. Due to this build quality, the chassis is a hefty 6.28 kg. However it is rather large for an mATX case, coming in at 409 x 217 x 412 mm. The mid-tower variant is only slightly larger with dimensions of 409 x 217 x 453mm. At the time of this writing, the Meshify C Mini Dark TG was available online for $77.65 (Newegg/Amazon).
The front panel features the Meshify’s distinctive diamond pattern, behind which is a think dust filtering foam. If you want to remove the front filter for cleaning, you’ll have to slip your hand between the front panel and chassis and push it out. Much more difficult than the simple pull out versions found on a Define R6 or Mini. The front panel can mount a pair of 120mm fans or a trio of 140mm.
Because the goal of the Meshify is not silence, no “Moduvents” like those found on the Define series are included. Instead, the top panel features a wide vent that can accommodate a pair of 140mm/120mm fans, with a quality magnetic dust filter that covers the entire vent without gaps.
The bottom features a full length removable dust filter the covers both the PSU fan and the dual 120mm/140 fan mounts. Looking carefully, you can also see the screws that secure the internal 3.5″ drive bay. This dual bay must be removed if you plan to add a bottom fan or front fan in that spot. Also, its not possible to remove the front dust filter and difficult to remove the front panel itself without removing that bottom filter.
The rear panel has five expansions slots and a 120mm fan mount (one included). The side panel on the motherboard backplate has captive thumbscrews, while the tempered glass is removed by those ever annoying side screws. You’ll notice that despite that, the screw holes for a typical side panel are still present on the chassis.
The exterior of the Meshify Mini C is well built, with the generic boxy Fractal Design look that permeates so many of their case designs. The new diamond pattern on the front is a nice touch for added aesthetic flavor.
The interior is roomy for an mATX case. 172mm of CPU cooler space, 315mm GPU space, and full size ATX power supply up to 175mm. No real surprise given the dimension more closely resemble a mid-tower. No obstructions to either front or top airflow maximizes cooling potential. The shroud is not seamless, it has perforations over the PSU and a removable panel over the HDD bracket/fan mount. The official specs say only dual fans can fit up front, but by removing the cage and the panel over it three will fit.
Behind the motherboard has done a good job of offering cable routing space. The motherboard cutout is 177mm long and 137mm tall. Of course, the SSD tray covers most of it, so you’ll have to remove it before adding any CPU cooler backplates. Management space under the shroud is limited as well if you still have the HDD cage and a PSU installed.
The front panel cannot be detached completely, as the front IO wires are connected to it. This makes installing front fans less user friendly.
As mentioned before, one 120mm fan is included, with the option to add an additional two 120mm fans or up to two 140mm, if you remove the 3.5 inch drive bay.
At the front you have this excellent cable routing space with angled grommets. At its deepest point, the Meshify Mini C offers 35mm of cable space, and 15mm at the shallowest. Fractal Design velcro straps are included pre-installed.
The front panel features standard audio connectors, power/reset, and USB 3.0. Again, the I/O cables are connected to the front panel so it’s not possible to remove it completely to access the front panels.
If you remove the lower hard drive bay your ‘re left with these three 2.5″ brackets behind the motherboard. Without the hard drive cage this is the only mounting point available.
Fractal Design took the base Define Mini C and ported it to the Meshify lineup, changing out the front and top panel designs but little else. With that in mind, how do you decide which you’d like? While the Meshify C focuses on unobstructed airflow, the Define is all about silence. Less panel modifications and sound dampening material also mean the Meshify is nearly $16 cheaper. It’s also cheaper than the base Meshify mid-tower.
But, is the minimal size difference worth it when you lose out on additional features? I often say choosing a chassis is a personal choice, but in this case, I don’t think it’s ever been truer.
I do like the Meshify Mini – C. It’s another quality design from Fractal with a striking aesthetic. But it doesn’t innovate or stand out from the crowd.
While the Meshify Mini C does support water cooling. its focus is air cooling. And with the open fronts and top, there’s little doubt it will perform well.
Tempered glass combined with angled grommets and PSU shroud combine yet again to provide a clean build. That being said, if you remove the hard drive cage under the shroud, you’ll have a gaping hole in that continuous finish.
If there’s one thing Fractal Design has always stood for, its build quality. Steel, aluminum, a bit of plastic, and tempered glass round out a hefty but sturdy chassis.
Functionally, it’s hard to find a serious complaint. When you build in Micro-ATX, even a larger MATX case such a this, you expect some compromises. The front, with the pop out instead of pull out dust filter, soldered in cables, and HDD cage blocking fan mounts, could use a little work. But the cable management and hardware options are top notch.
At the time of this article, the Meshify Mini C is on sale for $77.65 (Newegg/Amazon). Popular options in this price range include the NZXT S340, Phanteks Eclipse 400, and multiple iterations from Corsair’s Carbide series. Many of these mid-towers are only slightly larger while boasting more features. Its not fantastic value for the features, but it does shave off that little extra bit of size for the space deprived.
Would I buy the Meshify Mini C? Quite possibly, if I was building an mATX system while maintaining a smaller footprint. There are not many quality mATX options in it’s price range, so it does fulfill a nice little niche. If you don’t mind the compromises between this and a small mid-tower, and do love that Fractal Design build quality, it is a worthy choice.
+ Excellent build quality.
+ mATX contender within its price bracket.
+ Expansion options are good for mATX.
+ Large for an mATX chassis.
+ Questionable design choices in the name of reducing size.
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Performance: 9.00
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Appearance: 9.50
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Construction: 9.50
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Functionality: 8.50
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Value: 8.00
