Review: Fractal Design Define S2

Conclusion

The Fractal Design Define S2 is a modified take on one of the firm's best chassis to date, the Define R6. Favouring cooling over storage, the S2 jettisons the flexible storage options available to its sibling - the number of hard drive bays has been cut in half and the optical bay has been dropped altogether - to create a more open interior that is better suited to elaborate liquid-cooling loops.

What you end up with is ultimately a robust base for a high-end rig, and Fractal continues to add a good number of value adds, including sound-dampened panels, a hinged glass window, integrated fan hub, and now USB Type-C as standard.

Define S2 has plenty going for it, but there is room for improvement. The price tag, firstly, is a little too close to the Define R6 for comfort, and on a more subjective note, we reckon Fractal's signature aesthetic is starting to show its age.

Bottom line: Define S2 might not be the sexiest case on the market, but it's a worthwhile alternative to Define R6 if you're going to be using lots of liquid cooling.

Fractal Design Define S2

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The Fractal Design Define S2 chassis will be available to purchase from Scan Computers.

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