Fractal Design Define S2 Vision RGB Case Review: Premium DIY PC Chassis

Name: Fractal Design Define S2 Vision RGB
Brand: Fractal

by Chris Ledenican — Monday, May 20, 2019, 12:00 PM EDT

Fractal Design Define S2 Vision RGB: Define Vision S2 Redefined

Page 1: Fractal Design Define S2 Vision RGB: Define Vision S2 Redefined

Fractal Design released it highly acclaimed Define S2 case a little over seven months ago and they are already back with a new iteration, the Fractal Design Define S2 Vision RGB. That's a mouthful, but even if the name doesn't exactly roll off the tongue, this DIY PC chassis is easy on the eyes.

The Fractal Vision S2 RGB takes everything that made the Define S2, and the Fractal R6 before it, great but it but now it brings RGB lighting and tempered glass panels into the mix. We aren't talking just a single tempered glass panel here, however. Fractal has literally surrounded the case with tempered glass. The front and side panels are all tempered glass, as is a portion of the top panel. These days it seems that no tempered glass case is complete without RGB lighting though, so Fractal Design has included its Prisma AL-Series ARGB fans for even more visual flare. If that's not your thing, so be it, but the option for big, colorful low noise fans is in here as well.

Fractal Design Define S2 Vision RGB Case

Other than the visual upgrades, very little has changed with this new iteration. Rather than reinventing the wheel, so to speak, Fractal just wanted to make a splash in the RGB-lighted case market, as well as offer a more premium build with more visual impact strapped in smoked glass.

We've listed all the specifications and features for the Fractal Define S2 RGB below. We'll of course take a deep dive into the exterior, interior, installation and cooling performance of the case, but before we do, we have some tech specs for detailed edification...

Fractal Design Define S2 Vision RGB Case

Specifications & Features

Specification	Define S2 Vision RGB
3.5"/2.5" Universal drive brackets	3
Dedicated 2.5" drive brackets	2 include, 5 positions total
Expansion slots	7 + 2 vertical
Motherboard Compatibility	EATX (up to 285 mm wide)/ ATX / mATX / ITX
Power supply type	ATX
Front ports	1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C, 2x USB 3.0, Audio
Total fan mounts	9 (6 + 3 with included bracket)
Front fan	3 x 120/140 mm (3 x Prisma AL-14 PWM ARGB included)
Top fan	3 x 120/140 mm (with cooling bracket installed)
Rear fan	1 x 120/140 mm (1 x Prisma AL-14 PWM ARGB included)
Bottom fan	2 x 120/140 mm
Dust filters	Bottom fan + PSU, front fans, top panel (with cooling bracket installed)
Front radiator	120/240/360 mm 140/280 mm
rear radiator	120 mm
Bottom radiator	120/240 mm, 140 mm
PSU max length	300 mm
GPU max length	Copper
CPU cooler max height	185 mm (7.28 inches)
Cable routing space	23 mm (0.90 inches)
Cable routing grommets	Yes
Fixed velcro straps	Yes
Tool-less push to lock	Both sides
Captive thumb screws	HDD brackets, SSD brackets
Left side panel	Dark tempered glass
Right side panel	Dark tempered glass
Additional lighting	400 mm AR-4020 ARGB strip with 20 LEDs
Dimensions	543 x 233 x 465 mm (21.37 x 9.17 x 18.30 inches)
Pricing	$239.99 USD MSRP, Currently $277 @ Amazon

The Fractal Define S2 Vision RGB is a premium case and as such it commands a premium. At the time of launch this case had a $239 MSRP, though even Fractal is selling it for much more on Amazon. That's a lot of green backs for a computer case, putting it up there with some elite competition such as the CORSAIR Obsidian 500D RGB SE and the Thermaltake Core P5. Fractal Design did however, release a cheaper version of this case; the Fractal Design Define S2 Blackout. It offers everything the RGB version we have for review here does, sans the RGB. So, if lighting isn't important to you then you can save some scratch and still have a visually eye-catching chassis.

$fractal define s2 rgb front$

The Fractal Define S2 Vision RGB maybe built on an older (R6) skeleton, but Fractal gave it one hell of a face lift. The only question is, is the face lift an updated aesthetic worth the asking price? Let's find out...