Fractal Design Define S2 Vision RGB review
To Define a true RGB Vision?
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:
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:
Define S2 Vision Blackout:
Both versions:
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:
Define S2 |
Define S2 Vision |
TG left side panel |
Tinted TG left, right, top and front panels |
Top converts between sound damping and filtered ventilation |
Top converts between TG cover and filtered ventilation |
Interior-mounted front fans; fan rails flush with case exterior |
New recessed exterior front fan mount design, concealed fan rails |
Three Dynamic X2 fans preinstalled |
Four Dynamic X2 PWM or Prisma ARGB PWM fans preinstalled |
Mounting locations for 2 SSDs on the PSU shroud |
Tubing pass-through holes and mounting locations for up to 3 SSDs or a reservoir on the PSU shroud |
Nexus+ fan hub with three PWM and six 3-pin connectors |
Nexus 9P fan hub with nine PWM connectors |
360/280 front, 360/420 top, and 240/280 bottom radiator support |
360/280 front, 360/280 top, and 240/140 bottom radiator support |
Available RGB version with Prisma ARGHB PWM fans, ARGB LED strip, and Adjust R1 RGB controller |
On the front, you will find the following ports:
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.
Case material |
Steel, Tempered Glass |
Motherboard compatibility |
E-ATX (up to 285 mm), ATX, MicroATX, Mini-ITX |
Power Supply type |
ATX |
External 5.25” drive bays |
0 |
2.5”/3.5” universal drive mounts |
3 |
Dedicated 2.5” drive mounts |
2 included, 5 total positions |
Expansion slots |
7 + 2 vertical |
Front ports |
1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C |
Total fan mounts |
9 |
Fan positions |
|
Dust filters |
|
Radiators |
|
Max PSU length |
300 mm |
Max GPU length |
440 mm |
Max CPU cooler height |
185 mm |
Cable routing space |
23 mm |
Cable routing grommets/Fixed Velcro straps |
Yes |
Tool-less push-to-lock |
Both side panels |
Left/Right side panels |
Dark tint tempered glass |
Additional Lighting |
RGB: 400 mm AR-4020 ARGB strip with 20 LEDs |
Case dimensions (LxWxH) |
543 x 233 x 465 mm |
Case dimensions without feet/protrusions/screws |
535 x 233 x 448 mm |
Left side panel |
Tempered glass |
Right side panel |
Industrial sound-dampened steel |
Cable routing grommets |
Yes |
Fixed Velcro straps |
Yes |
Captive thumbscrews |
HDD brackets, SSD brackets |
Net weight |
12.1 kg |
Package dimensions |
535 x 325 x 650 mm |
Package weight |
14.8 kg |
Here are the specifications of the four Prisma AL-14 ARGB PWM fans from the Vision RGB edition:
And for the Blackout edition, there are four Dynamic X2 GP-14 fans:
The Fractal Design Define S2 offers support for:
The prices are as follows:
MSRP |
USD |
GBP |
EURO |
SEK |
RMB |
YEN |
Define S2 Vision RGB |
239.99 |
224.99 |
254.99 |
2799 |
1999 |
29900 |
Define S2 Vision Blackout |
189.99 |
179.99 |
199.99 |
2199 |
1549 |
23900 |
Well crap, that's a lot of specs. Let’s check out this nice piece of technology and casing. Next page, please.