Skip to content
sudopicks
esc

Fractal Design Meshify 3 (Black Solid) vs Fractal Design Terra

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 Terra at 5.6/10.

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

They score the same on space and compatibility.

The biggest difference is airflow and cooling, where the Fractal Design Meshify 3 (Black Solid) scores 8/10 to the Fractal Design Terra's 5/10.

Fractal Design Meshify 3 (Black Solid)

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 (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

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

Fractal Design Terra

Fractal Design Terra

5.6/10verdict: good, not the best

The Fractal Design Terra is for builders who want a compact, well-finished Mini-ITX system and are happy to choose their own cooling. It suits people planning a full-size graphics card in a 10.4-litre case with an SFX or SFX-L power supply. It is a poorer fit for anyone who wants a big radiator, lots of storage or a roomy, forgiving build.

Typically about £174.95 in the UK when we researched itSearch Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

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

Scores, criterion by criterion

CriterionWeightFractal Design Meshify 3 (Black Solid)Fractal Design Terra
Airflow and cooling30%8/105/10
Build and ease of building20%8/107/10
Space and compatibility20%6/106/10
Noise15%6/105/10
Value15%7/105/10
Overall7.2/105.6/10

Specifications

SpecFractal Design Meshify 3 (Black Solid)Fractal Design Terra
Case type (mid tower, Micro-ATX, small form factor…)ATX mid-towerSmall form factor case, 10.4 L (343 x 153 x 218 mm)
Motherboard sizes supported (E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX)E-ATX, ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITXMini-ITX
Maximum graphics card length (mm)349 mm322 mm maximum (drops to 200 mm if a 120 mm radiator is installed)
Maximum CPU cooler height (mm)173 mm77 mm maximum with spine set for CPU clearance; 48 mm when configured for maximum GPU length
Power supply type supported (ATX or SFX) and maximum PSU length (mm)ATX only, maximum PSU length 180 mmSFX and SFX-L, maximum length 130 mm
Radiator support (e.g. 360mm top, 280mm front)Front 280/360 mm; top 240/280 mm; rear 120 mmOne 120 mm side radiator slot
Fans included and fan mountsThree Momentum 14 included at front; front 3x 120/140 mm, top 2x 120/140 mm, rear 1x 120 mmNone included; one 120 mm bottom fan mount
Drive bays (3.5 and 2.5 inch)not listedTwo 2.5-inch mounts included; no 3.5-inch or 5.25-inch bays

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 Terra

  • + Premium anodised aluminium build, with a solid walnut front option
  • + Room for graphics cards up to 322 mm
  • + Owners describe the build as easy
  • − No fans or dust filters included
  • − Weak AIO support and tight clearance for CPU cooling
  • − Two 2.5-inch mounts and no 3.5-inch bays

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want a 240 mm or larger radiator for liquid cooling
  • Anyone needing 3.5-inch drive bays or lots of internal storage
  • Builders who want a cooler and fans included, or a roomy, forgiving case
Read the full Fractal Design Terra review ›

More comparisons

Compare all PC cases · Best PC cases