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 is 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 R3 in three different color options, just as was the case with the R2. On top of that you also have the option for going with the all white version. 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 R3 over, we have an all black paint job with the signature white mainboard expansion slot covers. These now have air vents - an improvement over the solid ones of the Define R2. 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. Fractal Design mentions that the paint job has been improved with the new version of the Define. I have to agree, having seen both the R2 and R3 versions - good stuff!


Another obvious improvement are the two external drive bay covers. These can now be taken out easily due to the plastic locking mechanism. While this works well, It does make a somewhat fragile impressions so I do not know how many times you can remove and replace the covers before the all-plastic locks decide to stop snapping into place properly. While this is certainly a big step in the right direction, other brands have managed a better, more resilient system like that. If you look closely the Define R3 now has a little reset button to the right of the top hard drive door, something that was missing from the R2. These doors do not seem to have been changed and still work just as well as on the previous version of the Define.


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, which now feature air vents. This looks excellent and seeing these will let anyone know that this is a Fractal Design 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. I think it would have been appropriate to add a single USB 3.0 connector to this chassis as the time seems right for such a feature with a lot of competitors doing so already. Towards 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.