Test System

Assembly

Adding a motherboard is done by traditional means, using the pre-installed spacers and included screws. There are plenty of cable-routing and hiding possibilities to keep the interior nice and clean.


You may add an SSD by using the specific mounting plate or one of the 3.5" drive trays. Both employ the same method of assembly, as the drive is secured to either with traditional screws. Once filled, simply put it back into the case and use the thumb screw to ensure it stays there.


The 3.5" drives are placed on the larger trays in the same fashion. As these units rest on rubber rings as an anti-vibration measure, Fractal Design has included special screws for this purpose.


Due to the shroud, you have to slide your power supply in through the opening in the back of the Define S2. Before doing so, simply mount the PSU frame to your unit, which then attaches to the case frame. There is plenty of space, which means you can easily use really powerful units without worry even when using potent liquid cooling.


With everything installed, the Fractal Design Define S2 sports a really clean look. All the cables are nicely grouped and routed, and the opening for the motherboard tray gives you unobstructed access to the CPU mounting bracket.

Finished Looks

With the side panel back in place, the Define S2 is a real beauty. The framing of the glass panel is perfect, and the metal covers to keep noise to a minimum and unsightly elements away from onlookers really do the job well.


Looking into the glass side panel is pretty weird, though in a good way. We have just become accustomed to tinted glass panels, so it does take some getting used to when you are presented with a clear variant instead. In the rear, everything is where you would usually find it, with the exception of the GPU since it is displaced to the vertical slots.