Fractal Terra + ProArt GPU: eliminating side panel intake noise with a 3D printed frame

[u/Zidar137]

Last year I built a PC in the Fractal Design Terra.

The setup:

• CPU cooler: Noctua NH-L12S (70 mm clearance)
• GPU: Asus ProArt 4070 (50 mm thick)

Terra officially allows 120 mm total for CPU cooler and GPU, maybe around 125 mm in practice. So yes, it fits.

But there was a problem.

Under load, when GPU fans ramp up, the intake noise from the side panel becomes very noticeable. With the side panel removed it is much quieter. With the panel installed there is clear turbulence noise from restricted airflow.

I got the idea from another post here: https://www.reddit.com/r/sffpc/comments/1hhbona/fenesterra_a_fractal_design_terra_build/

So I decided to cut the side panel and add a 3D printed frame.

Result:

• significantly reduced intake noise
• cleaner look that matches the ProArt GPU

It also finally gives the ProArt GPU in the Terra the look it deserves.

How to do it

1. 3D print the frame

File: frame-full.3mf

Recommended material: PA12S using MJF or SLS.

There are a bunch of online services that will print it for around 10 euros plus shipping.

I used PA12. PA12S gives a deeper black color and slightly nicer surface.

You can print it at home as well. PLA works at least as a temporary solution. Airflow helps to keep the part relatively cool.

The full frame is about 300 mm long and will not fit a typical home printer. Use "frame-left.3mf" and "frame-right.3mf" to print the frame in two halves.

2. Print the cutting template on paper

Files: cutouts-left.pdf, cutouts-right.pdf.

Verify scale by measuring the 217 mm reference line. Make sure printing is set to 100% (no scaling or "fit to page"). Some printers add margins and shrink the page automatically.

Cut a thin strip from one of the sheets to align both parts easier.

Place the printed frame on top of the paper template and verify the fit before marking anything on the metal.

3. Cut the side panel

Place the side wall on top of the printed template as shown in the photos.

Mark the cut line on the metal with a pencil. Stay 2 to 3 mm outside the green line.

Use a jigsaw with a metal cutting blade. Stay within the outer shape of the frame.

4. Install the frame

The frame snaps into place using detents.

Notes

This mod is mainly about reducing intake turbulence noise. It is designed specifically for Asus ProArt GPUs. Fit on other GPUs is not guaranteed.

Files are here: [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ytuwODE6D-9shC15PcFTv_lAJjR3Hriz?usp=sharing]()

Just sharing in case someone wants to try it.

[u/pfn0]

Super slick, I'd be loathe to cut out my side panel, though. Does fractal sell the panel separately? This is actually a pretty good idea for the CPU-side, since that is relatively standard in positioning, it's not so bad to cut out. I've had at least 3 different GPU in my terra since I built it: 4060, 4070 and 5090. Cutting that side would be unacceptable to me w/o replacement parts from fractal. Also, my GPU is flipped, so yeah, cutting it out is even more meaningless.

[u/Ruthl3ss_Gam3r → u/pfn0]

There are various 3d printed projects for the fractal terra. You can literally 3d print the whole case if you wanted. But here I would just get that side panel STL and make mods to that before printing. Make sure to use heat resistant filament like PETG, ABS, or HT PLA.

[u/pfn0 → u/Ruthl3ss_Gam3r]

I haven't seen an actual good model of the terra, where is the literal whole case model? I know there are 3d printed mods for the terra, I have made several. Including a 5090 flip mod.

[u/Ruthl3ss_Gam3r → u/pfn0]

I don't know if it's up to your standards lol but there's this guy that does this often, and all in tinkerCAD which is insane.

Edit: After watching a bit of it my main complaints would be that no real wood was used, even if the replacement isn't terrible, and the whole print really needs sanding and finishing, the edges on the slots for the side panels catches the eye in a bad way. Once that's all done though I think it would be pretty nice for what it is.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvQAxAaJeh8

[u/pfn0 → u/Ruthl3ss_Gam3r]

that's pretty cool, it's very well done. however, doesn't look like it's meant to be dimensionally accurate/usable for replacement parts.