Fractal Design Define Nano S review

Introduction

Fractal Design Nano S
Bigger Than Small Yet So Much Smaller Than Big

Fractal Design released new Define Nano S series PC cases, we review one in an all black design. Fractal design obviously oozes style and build quality. For this release the focus is placed on the Nano, and it's to be found in the word already, Nano as in small. This chassis is intended to be used for Mini-ITX usage. Yet it can still house many components including a fully fetched graphics card. Not bad for something you place on a 15x15 motherboard, eh?

Fractal Design will release two SKUs based on the Define Nano S, a window version and one with a closed side panel.

Features 

• A Define Series ITX case designed for silent computing with sound dampening and ModuVent technology
• User-friendly construction with superior cable management and compatibility for full-size components
• Flexible storage options with room for up to 4 drives
• Accommodates a variety of radiator sizes and includes brackets for reservoir and pump mounting
• Features two Dynamic Series fans  1 GP-12 and 11 GP-14  with an adapter included for motherboards with limited fan headers
• Featuring an open interior allowing an unobstructed airflow path from the front of the case to the rear exhaust
• Easy-to-clean filters on the top and bottom, spanning the PSU position, with the bottom filter ejecting from the front for easy-access.

The Define Nano S is in specifications an ITX case and that means you can use only one form factor motherboard, Mini ITX at 15x15 cm. It has grown to be a very popular format as you can build a really tiny chassis yet include very high-end components. We've been explaining for a long time now that there are plenty Mini-ITX motherboards out there supporting the latest Core i7 processors and exquisite memory configurations. All that combined with a proper dedicated graphics card of course. Some chassis can house a full sized graphics card, others require a compatible small form factor card. The Nano S however will support graphics cards up to 315 mm in length with front fans mounted. The case includes two fans with both bottom and front intakes protected by easy-to-clean, removable dust filters. On the backside at the motherboard tray location you may house storage units (vertically positioned) which can hold two HDDs (3.5") and two SSDs (2.5") with plenty of room to spare.

Interestingly enough the Nano S can even house radiators for liquid cooling, obviously the choices are limited but you could fit something in the likes of a 140/280 mm rad (if not too thick) at the front intake and in the top something similar. We'll talk specific in terms of spacing later on though. It's a Fractal Design chassis, meaning it looks stylish but will also be sound dampened throughout the chassis. Pricing wise the product sits in the 69 USD / 75 EURO range. But have a peek at the product, and then let's move forward into the review.