Fractal Design Meshify 2 Compact chassis review

PC Cases and Modding 227 Page 1 of 13 Published by

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Introduction

Fractal Design MESHIFY 2 COMPACT review
MESHIFY 2 is now COMPACT, but is it still capable?

This time, we’re taking a look at the Fractal Design MESHIFY 2 COMPACT, a mid-tower PC chassis with a mesh front design that supports good airflow. It focuses on flexibility and space-efficiency to maximize component and cooling support in a minimal space with a bold sense of style. The Meshify 2 family was introduced on the 11th of November 2020. That’s when the regular and XL versions were launched on the market. Now, it’s time for a more … compact one. What can we add here? This is a successor to the Fractal Design Meshify C, which we reviewed back in 2017. So, what’s new after almost 4 years?


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You won’t find any corner bolts on the TG panel anymore. They have been replaced with a seamless, top-latching design that looks better. It’s also easier to handle and more resistant to damage. You can fully remove the top panel to have better access to the interior from three sides. In the Meshify 2 Compact, you will find more space for the GPUs (360 vs 340 and 341 vs 315 with a front fan). This time, you’ll also receive a bundle of three Dynamic X2 fans (with 2 x 140 mm for the front instead of 1 x 120 mm, and 1 x 120 mm again at the back).

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The front fans are more accessible thanks to the tether-free bezel. Also, the front panel has been improved: the nylon filter is less restrictive, and it’s easier to remove it for cleaning or additional airflow. You’ll find a USB Type-C port there, as well. Three colour variants are available:

  • Black (with a solid panel/TG panel/Dark TG Panel)
  • Gray (TG)
  • White (TG)
 

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The dimensions are quite typical, given it’s a mid-tower chassis, at 424 x 210 x 475 mm (L x W x H). In total, it’s 42.3 l of volume. The Meshify 2 Compact supports ATX, uATX, and mini-ITX motherboards. The weight is 7.7 kg with a solid panel or 8.1 kg for the tempered glass version.  According to the specs, four 3.5”/2.5” drive brackets should be available, but in the package, you’ll find only two. There are also 4 mounts for the dedicated 2.5” brackets (again, 2 are included in the bundle). On the front, you will find the following ports:

  • USB 3.0 x 2,
  • USB 3.1 Type-C gen 2
  • HD audio ports
  • Reset and power buttons

You also get 7 expansion slots. The Fractal Design MESHIFY 2 COMPACT provides many cooling options, with support for radiators up to 360 mm at the front, 240 mm at the top, and 120 mm at the back and bottom (if you remove the HDD cage). It’s possible to mount up to three 120 or two 140 mm fans at the front (2 x 140 mm come pre-installed), two 120 or 140 mm fans at the top, as well as one 120 mm fan at the back (and it’s included as well). There are also 3 fan filters (front, bottom, and top). You can use CPU air coolers with a max height of 169 mm (enough to fit most models), and GPUs up to 360 mm in length (341 mm with the front fan installed). The PSU shouldn’t be longer than 165 mm (with a front fan and the HDD cage). The price is 109.99 USD and 99.99 (for a solid panel version) 108.99 EUR (Tempered Glass panel versions). Now, let’s check out the specs and features of this chassis, shall we?

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