After looking at the Fractal Design Define S2, it should be apparent to the trained eye that the case takes the already great R6 as a base, but offers a new take built to offer the same type of layout and radiator/fan support we have come to expect after the introduction of the original Define S a few years ago.

Fractal Design is staying true to its roots by avoiding the whole RGB craze with their core chassis line, and it is great to see that the S2 is no exception. Another nice touch, and certainly worth the slight price upgrade from the R6, are the three 140 mm retail-grade fans within the case, and Fractal Design also kept the detail and quality of engineering of the R6. On top of that, the new 3.5" hard-drive cages don't simply look good, but also allow for some interesting cable routing. You now get a fully fledged USB-C port without having to shell out more money for an upgraded I/O panel.

On the interior, the S2 lacks the usual drive bays, so you have the utmost space for large GPUs, plenty of liquid or air cooling or even bigger E-ATX motherboards, without issue. Those who still want to show off their graphics card are free to buy a PCIe ribbon cable to do so.

Overall, the Fractal Design S2 takes everything that is awesome about the R6, refines many elements, and offers better fans and I/O, while targeting a more focused group of potential users, which all makes for an excellent chassis.