Fractal Design Define S2 Vision RGB review - Introduction

Fractal Design Define S2 Vision RGB review
To Define a true RGB Vision?

Introduction

This round we’re checking out the Fractal Design Define S2 Vision, a mid-tower PC chassis, as well as a new variant of the Define S2, which we reviewed in October 2018. It’s quite surprising to see a new version so soon, just slightly more than half a year later, so we’re going to find out what has changed.

“The Define S2 Vision was designed with the goal of bringing together beauty and function, starting with a modified rendition of the advanced open-layout S2 chassis, encasing it in a full tempered glass exterior, and offering a choice in powerful PWM cooling with Dynamic X2 or Prisma ARGB preinstalled. The Define S2 Vision RGB comes packed with four 140 mm Prisma AL-14 PWM ARGB fans, Prisma ARGB LED Strip, and the Adjust R1 RGB Controller. Those seeking a more understated look may opt instead for the Blackout version with Dynamic X2 PWM fans, offering equally impressive airflow and the same polished aesthetic without RGB LEDs or accessories. Both versions feature an improved front panel design with concealed fan rails for a clean, unobstructed view of the front fans. A fully interchangeable top panel allows users to switch between the preinstalled tempered glass panel or the included top cooling bracket for additional fan and radiator support. Define S2 Vision also introduces Fractal Design’s new three alternative SSD locations, and pass-through holes for radiators in the base. Details make all the difference in a system that’s built to show, and Define S2 Vision aims to satisfy detail oriented builders who take pride in showing their work”.

The new chassis is available in two variants:

• Define S2 Vision RGB  (Black chassis, ARGB LED fans, ARGB LED strip, White LED power/disk activity indicator, Dark tinted TG with black border, Black drive brackets, Black expansion slot covers)
• Define S2 Vision Blackout  (Black chassis, Black fans, White LED power/disk activity indicator, Dark tinted TG with black border, Black drive brackets, Black expansion slot covers)

So, as you can see, the main differences between them are ARGB fans and a LED strip. Fractal Design provided us with the first variant for this review. The key features of the Define S2 Vision include:

Define S2 Vision RGB:

• Four Prisma AL-14 PWM Addressable RGB fans
• Prisma AR-4020 ARGB magnetic LED strip
• Asus Aura, Gigabyte Fusion, MSI Mystic Light, ASRock Polychrome support
• Adjust R1 RGB controller included

Define S2 Vision Blackout:

• Four Dynamic X2 GP-14 PWM 140 mm fans

Both versions:

• Full tempered glass exterior
• Bolt-free tinted TG panels with push-to-lock latching
• Extensive water cooling support for up 360 mm front, 360 mm top, and 240 mm bottom radiators
• Nine 120/140 mm fan positions
• USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C
• Nexus 9P fan hub control, up to nine PWM devices
• Interchangeable TG and ventilated top panels with removable cooling bracket
• Dedicated fill port location
• Adjustable pump/reservoir brackets
• Ventilated PSU shroud with removable front cover and additional pump/reservoir/SSD mounting positions
• Three vibration-damped 3.5” HDD mounts
• Two SSD brackets included with five available mounting positions
• Support for Flex VRC-25 Vertical GPU Riser (sold separately)

The Fractal Design Define S2 Vision 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), which is exactly the same as the regular S2, and weighs 12.1 kg (half a kg more). According to the specification, it’s fitted with three universal 3.5”/2.5” drive mounts, so two 3.5” drives or five 2.5” drives can be installed simultaneously. Below, you can find a brief side-by-side comparison of the Define S2 and Define S2 Vision:

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 Vision has many cooling options, with support for radiators up to 360 mm at the front, 360 mm on the top, 240 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 four Prisma AL-14 ARGB PWM fans from the Vision RGB edition:

• Dimensions – 140 x 140 x 25 mm
• Bearing – High-grade LLS (Long Life Sleeve)
• LED type: Addressable RGB
• Rotational speed – 500-1700 rpm
• Sound level – 34.1 dBA
• Airflow – 103.85 CFM
• Static pressure – 1.32 mm H2O
• Max rated input current: 0.18A fan/ 0.30A LED
• Input Voltage: 12V fan/ 5V LED
• 100,000 hours MTBF
• Six individually addressable hub-mounted RGB LEDs
• Specially designed fan blades and outer ring produce a uniform glow
• High-quality synthetic rubber vibration-dampening corners
• PWM control with a wide speed range
• Asus AURA, Gigabyte Fusion, MSI Mystic Light, ASRock Polychrome support
• Chainable RGB cables simplify wiring and make the most of available connections
• Trip Wire technology increases blade efficiency and decreases noise
• Aerodynamic stator with embedded wiring reduces turbulence
• Black sleeved power cables

And for the Blackout edition, there are four Dynamic X2 GP-14 fans:

• Dimensions – 140 x 140 x 25 mm
• Bearing – High-grade LLS (Long Life Sleeve)
• Rotational speed – 500-1700 rpm
• Sound level – 33.7 dBA
• Airflow – 105.9 CFM
• Static pressure – 1.95 mm H2O
• Actual input power: 1.7W
• Max rated input current: 0.25A
• 100,000 hours MTBF
• PWM support with wide speed adjustment range
• Counter-balanced magnet reduces axial tension on the bearing
• Optimized fan geometry balances airflow and static pressure
• Aerodynamic stator with embedded wiring reduces turbulence
• Notched blade edges eliminate fan hum
• Trip Wire technology increases blade efficiency and decreases noise

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 as follows: 

Well crap, that's a lot of specs. Let’s check out this nice piece of technology and casing. Next page, please.