Page 2 - Physical Look - Outside
The last Fractal Design case I reviewed, the North Momentum Edition, was our first experience with Fractal Design integrating wood into their enclosures. Thankfully, it was not the last, as they have done it again on our Summit Ambience Blackout TG. Our Blackout edition uses an FSC-certified oak wood finished in black. As such, you can see the wood grain texture on the trim that circles around the front. However, it also means the wood element does not really stand out compared to the rest of the black case. Fractal Design has stated this enclosure combines a Scandinavian design with cooling potential. This cooling design is seen in the front panel, which is completely perforated with small holes that double as air intake filtration. While this is not as fine as mesh, it should do for most environments. The top is also filled with many small holes to ensure airflow from front-to-back and bottom-to-top. Otherwise, our Summit unit comes with a tempered glass side panel, but a solid panel option is also available, as are black and white versions with naturally colored oak and walnut trims.
In terms of materials, the Fractal Design Summit Ambience Blackout TG uses steel, tempered glass, and oak. Everything feels sturdy and put together well. There is no flexing in the side panels. These materials together translate into a case weighing just over 10kg. This is understandable given its larger size than some other Fractal Design cases and the use of heavier materials. With dimensions of 492mm in length, 229mm in width, and 515mm in height, it may look like a near-square case. However, on closer inspection, you can see the top and bottom a convex curvature. Otherwise, this is a typical size for a mid-tower ATX case, sitting in between Fractal Design standard and XL case variants. However, the Summit only comes in one size.
At the top, we have all the user-facing I/O on the Fractal Design Summit Ambience Blackout TG. They are all in a single row. From the left, we have a single combination jack for headphones and microphone, USB 3.1 Type-A port, circular power button, another USB 3.1 Type-A port, and a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port. Within the power button is a small white LED that glows subtly when the power is on. Otherwise, there is no reset button. From this angle, you can also see the wood trim and texture that is on the entire front ring, which adds a bit of a change compared to what would be a standard plastic finish. Behind the wood trim, there is a mesh panel that curves out. It provides airflow through the top region, especially if you have top mounted cooling components like fans or radiators. This panel slides on and off with a fabric pull tab at the back for easy access.
On the back side of the Fractal Design Summit Ambience Blackout TG, there is a solid steel panel with no ventilation holes here. At the back, there is a large opening at the top for the motherboard I/O. To the left and below, there are three Velcro straps that can be pulled out to help organize cables coming out of your motherboard. You can also use them inside, as you will see. To the right, there is a whole section of elongated holes for airflow. You can mount a 120mm fan here too. Underneath, there are seven expansion slots, which are all perforated for more airflow. They hold to the case with thumbscrews. These are accessible outside the Summit, but there is a plastic shroud cover for protection. The slots are bridgeless with no metal frame between each slot. Finally, at the bottom, there is a removable bracket with an opening for an ATX-sized power supply.
At the bottom, the Fractal Design Summit Ambience Blackout TG has one or two more things to note. In the middle, there is a plastic frame with fine mesh lining this area. This covers the power supply intake and is removable from the back. It sits on metal guides to stay securely in place. There is a foot in each corner to raise the rest of the case up. Each foot is made of the same wood material, which is black oak in our case. They have rubber on each end to keep the whole box in place and reduce vibrations transmitted between the case and the surface it sits upon. With feet attached, there is a clearance of about 25mm under the Summit Ambience Blackout TG, allowing for sufficient air intake.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. Physical Look - Outside
3. Physical Look - Inside
4. Installation and Conclusion
