Test System

Assembly

Installing a fully size ATX motherboard poses no problem since there is plenty of space on three sides. There is a little rise to the right of the board, but you will still be able to connect everything on this side of the board without running into any problems. As the chassis is meant to be used for liquid-cooling, we also installed Fractal Design's own Kelvin S24 unit. Doing so had us move the 140 mm fan to the bottom, but users with a similar setup may want to put the cooling unit into the top to line the fan up with the one in the rear for an air funnel.


Installing a 3.5" drive is very easy. You simply detach the tray of your choice and mount the drive onto it with the screws Fractal Design supplies. The drive will sit on rubber rings as an anti-vibration measure. For utmost flexibility, you may also install a 2.5" drive onto each individual tray instead.


The smaller 2.5" trays function in a very similar manner as they allow you to add such a drive without it interfering with the interior. Once filled, simply put the drive back into place on the back of the motherboard tray.


Adding the power supply is also done by traditional means, with the use of the screws Fractal Design supplies. The noteworthy mention here is that little opening in the motherboard tray, right below the audio header, because it allows you to route the I/O cable perfectly without creating a cable mess.


With everything installed, the interior essentially looks empty. You may simply have to get used to the fact that the Define S lacks hard-drive cages. That said, not a single cable that does not have to be in sight is as Fractal has done an excellent job by putting routing holes right where they should be. All the cables on the backside are firmly held in place by Velcro strips, while some additional zip ties pin them down for good.

Finished Looks

Putting the solid side panel back onto the chassis was a breeze since there is plenty of room behind the motherboard tray. Once turned on, you are greeted by the blue power LED, which also lights up a ring around the power button.


Due to the large window, curious onlookers will be able to look at all the important hardware within, including those liquid-cooling components, which puts the spotlight on that large reservoir should one reside there. The rear makes a much more traditional impressions. Everything here is readily accessible and where it should be.


As the front does not have a drive bay, the image above shows a 240 mm liquid-cooling setup looks in action.