Fractal Design Define S2 review - Introduction

Fractal Design Define S2 review
2 Define Success?

We’re checking out the new Fractal Design Define S2, a mid-tower PC chassis, and the successor to the Define S, which we reviewed over three years ago, time is passing by quickly. The first things you’ll notice to have changed, are the appearance of the full-length PSU shroud, and the seamless tempered glass panel. Dust filtration has been improved, with a double-airflow nylon mesh used instead of plastic filters. Another important feature is the Nexus+ PWM Fan Hub that can manage up to three PWM fans and six 3-pin fans. Three Dynamic X2 140 mm fans come preinstalled, so you get one fan more than in the Define S.

It’s also possible to mount the GPU vertically, with an additional tp purchase PCI-Express card riser. The design of the front panel has been revised, with a brushed aluminum cover, an additional sound dampening system, and 15% more space for better airflow. A third-generation ModuVent cover dampens sound when installed, but you can safely remove it as there is a filtered exhaust vent underneath it. It’s also worth mentioning that a USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C port has been added to the front I/O panel, supporting fast charging and transfer speeds up to 10 Gbps. The case will house motherboards up to the E-ATX format (285 mm).

“The Define S2 is the latest leap forward in modular open-layout case design – an ingenious refinement of the zero-obstruction formula that established the Define S series as de facto standard for both silent and show-worthy high-performance systems. The S2 excels in cooling capability with nine total fan positions, pump/reservoir mounts, and support for complex multi-radiator water loops. The seamless tempered glass panel, concealed drive mounts, modular PSU shroud, and advanced cable management of the Define S2 make it especially ideal for those who value elegant aesthetics with the clean, professional look of a well-optimized build”.

The case is available in four variants:

• Black TG (black chassis, black aluminium front cover, white fan blades, black fan frames, blue-LED power/disk activity indicator, lightly tinted TG with a black frame, black drive brackets, and white expansion slot covers)
• Blackout TG (black chassis, black aluminium front cover, black fans, white-LED power/disk activity indicator, lighty tinted TG with black frame, black drive brackets, and black expansion slot covers)
• Gunmetal TG (gunmetal chassis, gunmetal aluminium front cover, black fans, white-LED power/disk activity indicator, lightly tinted TG with gunmetal border, black drive brackets, and black expansion slot covers)
• White TG (white chassis, black aluminium front cover, white fans, blue-LED power/disk activity indicator, clear TG with white frame, black drive brackets, black horizontal expansion slot covers, and white vertical expansion slot covers). 

  

Fractal Design provided us with the last variant, which will surely stand out from the crowd. Features of the Define S2 include:

• Modular, open-layout design
• Seamless tempered glass side panel
• Anodized aluminium front cover
• High-density industrial sound dampening
• USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C
• Massive water cooling support for radiators up to 420 mm (top), 360 mm (front) ,280 mm (base), and a 120 mm rear radiator
• Full-length PSU shroud with removable front cover
• Third-generation ModuVent™ top cover, offering a choice between sound-dampened steel or filtered ventilation
• Nexus+ PWM Smart Hub manages up to nine fans
• Nine 120/1400 mm fan positions
• Three Dynamic X2 140 mm fans preinstalled
• Five concealed drive mounts
• Included SATA power extension cable
• Removable top cooling bracket
• Dedicated fill port location
• Adjustable reservoir brackets
• Pre-drilled pump mount

The Fractal Design Define S2 is a rather small chassis considering the fact that it supports E-ATX motherboards up to 285 mm wide. It measures 543 × 233 × 465 mm (58.83 l) and weighs 11.6 kg. According to the specification, up to three 3.5” and two 2.5” drives or five 2.5” drives can be installed simultaneously.

On the front, you will find the following ports:

• USB 3.0 (2 x),
• USB 2.0 (2 x),
• USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C (1 x),
• 3.5 mm HD audio jacks

The Fractal Design Define S2 has many cooling options, with support for radiators up to 360 mm at the front, 420 mm on the top, 280 mm at the bottom and a 120 mm radiator in the rear. Dust filters have been installed at the front, on the top, and at the bottom. The Swedish manufacturer provides users with three Fractal Design Dynamic X2 140 mm fans.

Here are the specifications of the three included Dynamic X2 GP-14 fans:

• Dimensions – 140 x 140 x 25 mm
• Bearing – High-grade LLS (Long Life Sleeve)
• Rotational speed – 1000 rpm
• Sound level – 18.9 dBA
• Airflow – 68.4 CFM
• Static pressure – 0.71 mm H2O
• 100,000 hours MTBF
• 500 mm stealth ribbon cable, colour matched to the case

The Fractal Design Define S2 offers support for:

• Max CPU Cooler height of up to 185mm
• Max GPU Length of up to 440 mm
• Max PSU Length of up to 300 mm

The prices are the following: 

Lets check out this nice metal machinery in practice. Next page, please.