Does a bigger case actually run quieter if you’re using the same number of fans?

QuestionAsker · 07-25-2025, 02:00 PM

For my silent-focused, air-cooled music production PC I'm building:

I’m debating between two cases — the Fractal Define 7 and the Define 7 XL — and I keep seeing claims that the XL is quieter. But here’s where I’m confused…

If I’m using 140mm fans (which both cases support), the total number of fans I can install is the same in both. So wouldn’t the smaller Define 7 actually have better airflow (higher air pressure per volume), and therefore potentially run cooler and quieter at the same fan speeds?

Or is there something about the XL's larger internal space — more room for sound to dissipate, lower turbulence, etc. — that actually makes it quieter, even with the same fans?

Curious what others have experienced or measured here. Anyone done noise or thermal comparisons between the two with identical fan setups?

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SPECS / NOTE:

(air-cooled, trying to get it as quiet as possible at idle and light-usage. I don't mind higher noise / temps if I'm gaming or doing higher-intensive tasks... just need it as quiet as possible when recording with microphones and light usage)

07-25-2025, 02:00 PM	#1 (permalink)
QuestionAsker Groupie Join Date: Feb 2023 Posts: 8	Does a bigger case actually run quieter if you’re using the same number of fans? For my silent-focused, air-cooled music production PC I'm building: I’m debating between two cases — the Fractal Define 7 and the Define 7 XL — and I keep seeing claims that the XL is quieter. But here’s where I’m confused… If I’m using 140mm fans (which both cases support), the total number of fans I can install is the same in both. So wouldn’t the smaller Define 7 actually have better airflow (higher air pressure per volume), and therefore potentially run cooler and quieter at the same fan speeds? Or is there something about the XL's larger internal space — more room for sound to dissipate, lower turbulence, etc. — that actually makes it quieter, even with the same fans? Curious what others have experienced or measured here. Anyone done noise or thermal comparisons between the two with identical fan setups? ------------------- SPECS / NOTE: (air-cooled, trying to get it as quiet as possible at idle and light-usage. I don't mind higher noise / temps if I'm gaming or doing higher-intensive tasks... just need it as quiet as possible when recording with microphones and light usage)