A Closer Look - Outside

Taking a look at the chassis for the first time, it looks like a smaller version of the Define S. You will find the same clean lines and faux-brushed aluminum look for the front and the understated side panels' white elements, which were sprinkled about an otherwise black color scheme.


As with all Define cases, the front is completely solid and lacks external drive bays. You will not find any large company logos either as this enables system integrators to build full PCs with these without distracting from their own brand. In the rear, everything is where one would expect it to be in a traditional mini-ITX chassis.


The Define Nano S is available with a solid panel or a window. We got the windowed version for review, which has its window embedded into the metal panel in such a way as to hide any mounting elements. The panel on the other side is completely solid, lacking openings or air vents.


In the rear, the bottom is intended for a fully sized ATX PSU, with two sets of mounting holes for utmost compatibility. Above that are the two expansion slots for the motherboard, each protected with a reusable white cover - a signature design element from Fractal Design. At the very top, you will find a 120mm fan-mounting possibility. Fractal Design pre-installed a retail-grade cooling unit there and set it to push air out through the back of the chassis.


Just like with the Define S, Fractal Design allows you to install fans or a radiator in the ceiling. To keep the noise insulation for those who do not require such cooling elements in the ceiling, there is a cover that seals that opening up quite nicely. There are mounting holes for two 120mm or 140mm fans or - at most - a 240mm radiator. You will find a basic set of I/O consisting of two USB 3.0, the usual pair of audio plugs, and the power and reset buttons at the front.


Putting the case on its side reveals the dust filter for the PSU and fan mounting spots there. Simply pull the plastic filter out through the front of the chassis to clean it.