Final Words & Conclusion
Final Words & Conclusion
In theory, the Fractal Design Define S2 Vision RGB doesn’t differ 'that' much from the regular Define S2. The design and shape are very similar, but this time the Swedish company went full "glass ON" and launched their first RGB chassis as well. A total of four tinted, tempered glass panels make the case compatible with the most visible (pun intended) of current PC market trends. If you prefer, you can still buy a version with traditional fans and no LED strip, called "Blackout". The regular Define S2 had already been better than its predecessor, but Fractal Design still managed to get rid of some of the flaws that made it into that model.
This round you receive four instead of three 140 mm fans (the difference is the additional one at the front) in two variants – Prisma AL-14 PWM Addressable RGB fan in the RGB version, and Dynamic X2 GP-14 PWM for the Blackout version. The fan hub has been upgraded, and instead of up to three PWM fans and six 3-pin fans, it can now manage up to nine 4-pin (PWM) fans. Both versions of the case feature an improved front panel design with concealed fan rails, which creates a clean, unobstructed view of the front fans. You can still mount the GPU vertically if you like, using an additional PCI-Express riser (sold separately), and there is also a new system of storage brackets in place, so you can fit even five 2.5” drives. Liquid cooling fans will be happy with the dedicated fill-port, removable top cooling bracket (you need to change the default tempered glass panel first), and support for radiators up to 360 mm. The last feature that I would like to mention is the USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C port included on the front I/O panel, which supports fast charging and transfer speeds up to 10 Gbps.
Aesthetics
Looks are always a subjective matter. The design of the new Define S2 is somewhat traditional, but with a bling factor that is in line with the current market trend. Black is the only available color variant, so the only choice you get is whether to go RGB or not. You get four tempered glass panels in both versions.
Features
The Define S2 provides enough space even for high-end components. The side panels are secured with thumbscrews (this time only for transport) on the back of the case, but after unpacking you can safely rely only on the “Push-to-lock latching mechanism instead. The PSU shroud is the standard in many cases nowadays, and it allows to hide cables coming out of the power supply unit more conveniently, but this time the front extension is made of metal instead of plastic and secured with screws. This new solution is much more reliable and versatile. The PSU installation process is nothing revolutionary, and a bracket inserted from the rear of the chassis is used for this purpose. The maximum PSU length is 300 mm. The Define S2 will house air coolers of up to 185 mm in height. If you want to install liquid cooling, you can fit a combo of radiators of up to 360 (top) + 360 mm (front) + 240 (bottom), and also a 120 mm unit at the back. Graphics cards can measure up to 440 mm. Dust filters are located at the bottom (spanning the entire length of the chassis), on the front, and on the top exhaust (unless you decided to keep the default tempered glass panel), and they’re easily removable. Even E-ATX form factor motherboards (up to 285 mm wide) will fit, and the cut-out for the cooler’s backplate is huge, so there shouldn’t be any interference during installation.
The Verdict
The Fractal Design Define S2 Vision RGB receives a “Top Pick” award, so it’s even better than the regular S2. This new revision has upgraded the design even more. It’s a relatively small case for the features that it offers. You can use E-ATX motherboards up to 285 mm wide, 360 + 360 + 240 mm radiators (very good, but this is the only aspect that’s worse than in the regular Define S2), and 185 mm air coolers. As for mass storage, there are three universal 2.5”/3.5” drive bays (which are fully enclosed with vibration dampening rubber grommets) and two dedicated 2.5” drive mounts, which can be placed in five positions. Another good thing about the new Define S2 is the number of USB ports on the I/O panel. You get 2x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0, and 1x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C port, which is still not the industry standard in this segment of the market. As for the features, we can’t forget about the Nexus 9P PWM Fan Hub that manages up to nine PWM fans (vs. three 4-pin plus six 3-pin fans in regular S2). Instead of three Dynamic X2 140 mm fans, you now get four of them in the Blackout version or four Prisma AL-14 ARGB fans in the RGB version. The “push-to-lock latching mechanism” is a really nice addition, as it eliminates the need for using thumbscrews to secure the side panels (except in transport). You’ll find that SATA power extension cables have been included in the package this time as well and that the GPU can be mounted vertically, but to do that you need to buy a Flex VRC-25 PCI-e riser (unfortunately not included). The new Define S2 Vision provides similar thermals and acoustic performance as the regular S2, so there is nothing to complain about. One potential flaw (if we can even call it that) is the 23 mm clearance for cables behind the motherboard. Even just 2 mm would have been more than appreciated. It’s good that you can decide whether you want to go Full RGB (by buying the RGB version) or not (then there’s Blackout available). The prices of the Define S2 Vision RGB: 239.99 USD/224.99 GBP/254.99 EUR, and 189.99 USD/179.99 GBP/199.99 EUR for Define S2 Vision Blackout, are steep, but perhaps justified when considering what the Define S2 Vision brings to the table compared with the regular S2. But that is, of course, your call to make.
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