A Closer Look - Outside

The front of the Define R2 is lined with a thin plastic film to protect it from scratches during packaging, making sure that you get a case without any blemishes. The unit makes a very good impression with a very smooth paint job, very edgy and straight looks.


While the door does employ aluminum it made of plastic. The metal sheet is placed unto the door itself to achieve the look. This is also the process through which Fractal Design is able to offer the Define R2 in three different color options, which only differ in this one plate. Fractal Design has chosen to make the door swing open from left to right and there is no way to switch things around. I consider this the incorrect way for a case as one would place the chassis to the right of one's workspace. Doing so would mean that the door gets in the way every time you want to access the drives. Turning the Define R2 over, we have an all black paint job. This extends to the interior of the case as well. As you can see, the PSU bay has to be mounted on the bottom of the chassis.


The main side panel has an opening for a 120 / 140 mm fan. This vent ships covered by a solid plastic part, which helps to encapsulate the noise emitted from the internal parts and does not allow for dust to enter. The downside of this may be a lack of fresh air and as a result thereof, higher internal temperatures. The other side is solid with no vents or openings of any sort.


Let us move our focus to the front of the chassis. Two thirds of the front are filled by two plastic doors, while the very top holds two 5.25 inch expansion bays. Fractal has included a 3.5 inch adapter so you can easily install a card reader or even a floppy drive if you wish to do so. Opening the two small doors gives you access to the front intake fans. One is included in the bottom one. All intake areas are covered by dust filters so you should not have to worry about buildup of the sorts within the case itself.


As mentioned before the PSU has to be mounted on the bottom. Above that are seven expansion bays. Fractal Design has closed them with white covers. This looks excellent and seeing these will let anyone know that this is a fractal chassis. There are two openings to route water cooling through beside the bottom two expansion bays. You will find a white bladed 120 mm exhaust fan in the very top in addition to two further holes for water cooling.


Fractal Design has placed a large power button on the top edge of the chassis. You will find the usual audio connectivity, a pair of USB 2.0 connectors and a single eSATA port to the left and right of the button. In the rear are two 120 / 140 mm openings for a water cooling setup or two additional fans. Fractal has provided covers for these as well, further sealing the case off. A filter has also been placed under the intake opening of the power supply, protecting the PSU from dust as well.