Fractal Design Meshify 3 (Black Solid) vs Fractal Design Pop Air

Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›

all judged against PC cases at a similar price

The Fractal Design Meshify 3 (Black Solid) scores 7.2/10 overall, ahead of the Fractal Design Pop Air at 6.5/10.

The Fractal Design Meshify 3 (Black Solid) leads on airflow and cooling, build and ease of building, noise and value.

The Fractal Design Pop Air leads on space and compatibility.

Fractal Design Meshify 3 (Black Solid)

7.2/10verdict: good, not the best

The Meshify 3 Black Solid is for builders who want a mesh-fronted ATX mid-tower with strong airflow and a plain steel-sided look. It suits air-cooled and radiator-cooled builds where cooling matters more than a glass window. It's best for people whose graphics card fits within 349 mm.

Typically about £124.90 in the UK when we researched itSearch Amazon UK

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Fractal Design Pop Air

6.5/10verdict: good, not the best

The Pop Air is for builders who want a mesh-fronted ATX mid-tower with room for large graphics cards and radiators. It suits people who plan to add or swap fans for better cooling. It is less suited to anyone who wants a quiet case or relies on the stock fans.

Typically about £80 in the UK when we researched itSearch Amazon UK

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Scores, criterion by criterion

Criterion	Weight	Fractal Design Meshify 3 (Black Solid)	Fractal Design Pop Air
Airflow and cooling	30%	8/10	6/10
Build and ease of building	20%	8/10	7/10
Space and compatibility	20%	6/10	8/10
Noise	15%	6/10	5/10
Value	15%	7/10	6/10
Overall		7.2/10	6.5/10

Specifications

Spec	Fractal Design Meshify 3 (Black Solid)	Fractal Design Pop Air
Case type (mid tower, Micro-ATX, small form factor…)	ATX mid-tower	Mid-tower ATX
Motherboard sizes supported (E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX)	E-ATX, ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITX	ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITX
Maximum graphics card length (mm)	349 mm	405 mm
Maximum CPU cooler height (mm)	173 mm	170 mm
Power supply type supported (ATX or SFX) and maximum PSU length (mm)	ATX only, maximum PSU length 180 mm	ATX only; PSU max length 170 mm
Radiator support (e.g. 360mm top, 280mm front)	Front 280/360 mm; top 240/280 mm; rear 120 mm	Top 120, 240 mm; front 120, 240, 280 mm; rear 120 mm
Fans included and fan mounts	Three Momentum 14 included at front; front 3x 120/140 mm, top 2x 120/140 mm, rear 1x 120 mm	Front 2x 120/140 mm; top 2x 120/140 mm; rear 1x 120 mm; included 2x Aspect 12 (front), 1x Aspect 12 (rear)
Drive bays (3.5 and 2.5 inch)	not listed	2x dedicated 2.5" mounts; 3x combined 3.5"/2.5" mounts; 2x 5.25" mounts

Strengths and weaknesses

Fractal Design Meshify 3 (Black Solid)

+ Mesh front with GPU air guide and three fans fitted
+ Tool-less panels and captive thumbscrews ease building
+ Front, top and rear radiator mounts with brackets included
− 349 mm GPU length limit draws owner complaints
− Front radiator makes power cable routing harder
− PSU bay is ATX only, maximum 180 mm long

Skip it if:

Buyers with a graphics card longer than 349 mm
Anyone who wants a glass side panel to show off parts
Builders using a non-ATX power supply or one longer than 180 mm

Read the full Fractal Design Meshify 3 (Black Solid) review ›

Fractal Design Pop Air

+ Honeycomb mesh front with dust filter
+ Fits 405 mm GPUs and 280 mm front radiator
+ Cable ties and pass-through holes ready to use
− Included fans criticised for weak airflow
− Only 19 mm of cable routing space
− RGB fans measured at 39 dBA at 85% power

Skip it if:

Buyers who want a quiet build without changing the stock fans
Anyone who needs a PSU longer than 170 mm
Builders who want lots of cable routing space behind the tray

Read the full Fractal Design Pop Air review ›

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