Fractal Design Pop Mini Air RGB Black TG Clear Tint PC Case User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of your Fractal Design Pop Mini Air RGB Black TG Clear Tint PC Case. Please read this guide thoroughly before beginning assembly to ensure proper setup and to maximize the performance and longevity of your computer chassis.

Image 1.1: The Fractal Design Pop Mini Air RGB Black TG Clear Tint PC Case, showcasing its tempered glass side panel and front mesh design with illuminated RGB fans.

2. Safety Information

• Always disconnect the power supply from the wall outlet before performing any installation or maintenance inside the PC case.
• Handle components with care to prevent damage from electrostatic discharge (ESD). Consider using an anti-static wrist strap.
• Be cautious of sharp edges inside the chassis.
• Do not obstruct ventilation openings. Ensure adequate airflow around the case.
• Keep the case away from liquids and excessive humidity.
• This product is intended for indoor use only.

3. Package Contents

Verify that all components listed below are present in your package.

Image 3.1: Exploded view illustrating the various components included with the Fractal Design Pop Mini Air case, such as panels, fans, drive trays, and accessories.

• Fractal Design Pop Mini Air RGB Black TG Clear Tint Chassis
• Tempered Glass Side Panel
• Solid Side Panel
• 3 x 120mm Aspect RGB Fans (pre-installed)
• Accessory Box (screws, cable ties, manual)
• Drive Trays for HDDs/SSDs
• 5.25" Drive Bay with Storage Drawer

4. Product Overview

The Fractal Design Pop Mini Air is a compact PC case designed for Micro ATX and Mini ITX motherboards, offering excellent airflow and aesthetic appeal.

4.1 Key Features

• Motherboard Compatibility: Accommodates mATX / Mini ITX Motherboards.
• Tempered Glass Side Panel: Easily mounted panel to showcase internal components.
• Storage Options: Supports up to two 3.5" HDDs and six 2.5" SSDs (or one HDD and five SSDs with one optical bay in use).
• Cooling: Includes three 120mm Aspect RGB fans and supports two additional fans for a total of five. Radiator support up to 240mm in the front, 240mm in the top, and 120mm in the rear.
• Front I/O: Features two USB 3.0 ports, audio jacks, power button, and an RGB control button. An optional USB-C port is available via a separate accessory.
• 5.25" Bays: Two concealed 5.25" bays with a storage drawer and magnetic cover.

Image 4.1: Internal layout of the Pop Mini Air case, showing the spacious interior for component installation.

Image 4.2: Detail of the front panel, revealing the concealed 5.25" drive bay with an integrated storage drawer.

5. Setup and Installation

5.1 Preparing the Case

1. Place the case on a flat, stable surface.
2. Remove the tempered glass side panel by unscrewing the captive thumbscrews at the rear and carefully pulling the panel away.
3. Remove the solid side panel by unscrewing the captive thumbscrews and sliding it backward.

Image 5.1: Rear-left view of the case with the solid side panel removed, illustrating the cable management area.

5.2 Motherboard Installation

1. Install the I/O shield (if not pre-attached to your motherboard) into the rear opening of the case.
2. Align your mATX or Mini ITX motherboard with the standoffs inside the case. Ensure all standoffs match the motherboard's mounting holes.
3. Secure the motherboard with the provided screws.

5.3 Power Supply Installation

1. Slide the power supply unit (PSU) into the dedicated compartment at the bottom rear of the case.
2. Secure the PSU to the rear of the case using screws.

5.4 Drive Installation (HDDs/SSDs/5.25" Devices)

• 2.5" SSDs: Mount SSDs onto the dedicated trays located behind the motherboard tray. Secure with screws.
• 3.5" HDDs: Install HDDs into the drive cage located beneath the PSU shroud.
• 5.25" Devices: Open the front panel's magnetic cover to access the 5.25" bays. Remove the storage drawer if installing an optical drive or other 5.25" device.

Image 5.2: Close-up of the rear side of the motherboard tray, highlighting the mounting locations for 2.5" solid-state drives.

5.5 Fan and Radiator Installation

• The case comes with three 120mm Aspect RGB fans pre-installed (two front, one rear).
• Additional fans can be installed at the top (up to two 120mm/140mm fans).
• Radiators can be mounted in the front (up to 240mm), top (up to 240mm), and rear (120mm). Refer to your radiator's manual for specific mounting instructions.

5.6 Cable Management and Front I/O Connections

1. Route all power cables from the PSU and data cables from drives to their respective components. Utilize the cable routing channels and tie-down points behind the motherboard tray.
2. Connect the front I/O cables (USB 3.0, audio, power switch, reset switch, power LED, HDD LED) to the corresponding headers on your motherboard. Consult your motherboard manual for header locations.
3. Connect the RGB fan cables to the integrated RGB controller or directly to your motherboard's ARGB header if preferred.
4. Optional USB-C: If you wish to utilize a front panel USB-C port, a separate accessory cable (not included) must be purchased from Fractal Design and connected to a compatible motherboard header.

Image 5.3: Close-up of the top I/O panel, featuring USB 3.0 ports, audio jacks, and the power button.

6. Operating the RGB Lighting

The Fractal Design Pop Mini Air features pre-installed Aspect RGB fans with an integrated controller.

• RGB Control Button: A dedicated button on the front I/O panel allows you to cycle through various pre-set RGB lighting effects and colors for the included fans.
• Motherboard Sync: If the RGB fans are connected to your motherboard's Addressable RGB (ARGB) header, you can control the lighting effects using your motherboard's software (e.g., ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light, Gigabyte RGB Fusion).

7. Maintenance

Regular maintenance helps ensure optimal performance and extends the lifespan of your PC components.

• Dust Filters: The Pop Mini Air case is equipped with removable dust filters on the front, top, and bottom (for the PSU intake). Regularly remove and clean these filters using compressed air or by washing them with water and allowing them to dry completely before reinstallation.
• Interior Cleaning: Periodically use compressed air to remove dust buildup from internal components such as fans, heatsinks, and graphics cards. Ensure the system is powered off and unplugged before cleaning.
• Exterior Cleaning: Wipe the exterior surfaces with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners or solvents.

8. Troubleshooting

8.1 System Not Powering On

• Ensure the power cable is securely connected to both the PSU and the wall outlet.
• Verify the PSU's power switch is in the "ON" position.
• Check all internal power connections, especially the 24-pin ATX and 8-pin CPU power cables to the motherboard.
• Confirm the front panel power switch cable is correctly connected to the motherboard's header.

8.2 Fans Not Spinning or RGB Not Working

• Check fan power cables are securely connected to the motherboard or fan controller.
• Verify RGB cables are properly connected to the integrated controller or motherboard ARGB header.
• If using the integrated RGB controller, press the RGB button on the front I/O to cycle through modes.
• If connected to the motherboard, ensure the motherboard's RGB software is installed and configured correctly.

8.3 Overheating Issues

• Ensure all case fans are spinning and oriented correctly for optimal airflow (front fans intake, rear/top fans exhaust).
• Clean all dust filters and internal components as described in the Maintenance section.
• Verify CPU cooler and GPU fans are functioning properly.
• Ensure no cables are obstructing airflow inside the case.

9. Specifications

Image 9.1: Diagram illustrating the external dimensions of the Fractal Design Pop Mini Air PC Case.

10. Warranty and Support

Fractal Design products are covered by a limited warranty. For detailed warranty terms and conditions, please refer to the official Fractal Design website or the warranty card included with your product.

For technical support, troubleshooting assistance, or to inquire about replacement parts, please visit the Fractal Design support portal or contact their customer service directly.

Official Website: www.fractal-design.com