Couple problems regarding define R4 after new build

[braveheart0707]

just build a new rig with the define r4, there are couple problems i want to get some 2 cents on

1) when i connect the included two fans to the included fan controller in R4, the fans worked fine at 12v mode, but when i turn it down to 7V mode, the computer would freeze, shutting down monitor however mobo and fans are still running, just that the system is not responsive. any ideas?

2) if i look at the noise dampening pads at the top very carefully, i can see that its not 100% sticking to the top of the grill, thus there are tiny air holes at the side of the noise dampening pads, is your define r4 the same way? i mean it sticks to it pretty well, and the air holes are quite tiny.

Thanks~

 

[braveheart0707]

nobody?

 

[hans030390]

I can't say I've experienced the same issues. I think yours might be defective and need to be swapped.

 

[lehtv]

1) sounds very weird, how could a fan controller cause the whole system to freeze? Can you repeat that or did it happen just once?

2) can't say I've noticed any air holes worth mentioning

Have you contacted Fractal yet?

 

[Carson Dyle]

I assume the fans are still spinning at 7V? It sounds as though the system is overheating when the fans are spinning slowly. If you're not using it, remove the middle drive cage and have the front fan in the top position to maximize airflow. Make sure your cables are neatly arranged. Consider adding a third fan in the bottom front position and additional fans, if necessary.

 

[Alan G]

What are the system specifications? We can't tell if there is a heat issue without knowing what you are running. I have an Arc Midi R2 and can run my system at the 5V setting when the room is cool. Even during the summer I don't need to bump it up past the 7V setting (but I'm not a gamer and have only played Metro Last Light which I got for free with my NVIDIA GPU; even playing it the system really never got all that warm). If it is a defective fan control switch contact Fractal, they are very responsive and will replace the part right away.

 

[lehtv]

I assume the fans are still spinning at 7V? It sounds as though the system is overheating when the fans are spinning slowly. If you're not using it, remove the middle drive cage and have the front fan in the top position to maximize airflow. Make sure your cables are neatly arranged. Consider adding a third fan in the bottom front position and additional fans, if necessary.

Lack of case cooling is not a likely cause, as the Define R4 is decent enough for almost any system. There has to be an issue elsewhere in his setup. What he's describing sounds like PSU overheating

 

[Charlie98]

I don't think it's overheating either, unless he just has an absurd mismatch of components.

As far as the voids in the sound damping material, just use some superglue to reattach the material. My Define Mini has the same problem, I'm not too worried about it. I use 3M Super 88 adhesive on stuff like that.

I think Fractal had a bad batch of cases where the damping material fell off the panels, if this is the case, let them know and they will make it right.

 

[braveheart0707]

I think Fractal had a bad batch of cases where the damping material fell off the panels, if this is the case, let them know and they will make it right.

really? my top panel somehow is not flat, the venting holes part can be pushed down and up a bit....



and guys its not overheating for sure, the freeze happens immediately happens when i turn the switch to 7V, not likely that any system can go from stable to overheat is 1 sec right?

 

[Rezist]

My top panel is actually slightly concaved in the middle, it just looks like it's sagging a bit you have to go eye level to notice it. My pads are 100% covering the holes.

The voltage issue is an odd one, If I was you I'd disconnect the power from the controller and reconnect, it sounds like your shorting to ground when you move the switch, could be an issue with the fractal switch I guess it's only resistors after all if I'm correct.

 

[braveheart0707]

but mine isn't just concaved, i can actually push the concaved part in and out, is yours this way too?

 

[Rezist]

Well I meant across the entire top panel, from one corner to the other, very slightly concaved, mine is probably not the same as yours.

 

[nitrousninja]

The fan controller sounds like a short or something. I'd disconnect and reconnect everything attached to it and make sure all of the connections are good and see if that helps including the connector to the switch inside the front panel.

It could be the power supply or the molex connector itself. If there's a short getting back to the power supply it could cause the system to go wonky.


Good luck!