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- Nov 1, 1998
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FRONTPAGE Fractal Design Define XL R2 Case Review
- Thread starter Overclockers.com
- Start date
- Joined
- Apr 12, 2013
- Location
- Central US
It's a great case. I love mine.... It took an act of god (and a plasma cutter) to get the hole cut in the side panel to get the full view window installed, but it was well worth the trouble. It looks amazing, and offers full visibility to all of the goodies inside.
- Joined
- Oct 14, 2007
Strong & sturdy doesn't begin to describe it pinky33. This thing is insane. If you looked at the specs, its net weight (without a system!) is 16.4kb, or 36.2lbs. I don't know how much it weighs with all this stuff in it, but it's heavy enough that I consciously force myself to lift with my legs instead of my back. I'd wager 50lbs, easy.
Build quality is superb; the only thing that would make it better is if it were made of aluminum this thick, which would quadruple the price. My only complaint is the lack of foresight for a fan controller, which is easily remedied by pre-planning which controller to get.
Build quality is superb; the only thing that would make it better is if it were made of aluminum this thick, which would quadruple the price. My only complaint is the lack of foresight for a fan controller, which is easily remedied by pre-planning which controller to get.
- Joined
- Jul 5, 2013
- Location
- Sydney
Thanks for the review, I've just ordered mine after reading this! 
- Joined
- Oct 14, 2007
Yep, this is my daily and I love it. It's quiet as a mouse and does a great job. My only qualm is the HDDs get a little warm because the stock fans aren't so strong coming through a radiator. That's minor though and they're still well within operating range (~38°C).
- Joined
- Jul 5, 2013
- Location
- Sydney
Yeah it's definitely a great case for daily use, I have mine sit right beside me on the floor (at the moment) and don't hear a peep from it even when under load.
My only criticism is that the 3 stock fans aren't PWM if you wanted to run them off the motherboard for monitoring/control. But that's an easy fix.
I love this case, it's quiet and sleek.
My only criticism is that the 3 stock fans aren't PWM if you wanted to run them off the motherboard for monitoring/control. But that's an easy fix.
I love this case, it's quiet and sleek.
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- Joined
- Jul 27, 2007
I can't speak for this case specifically since I don't own it. However, I do own a Define R4 (artic white), node 304, and node 605. All three of these cases are amazing! Build quality, design, price, fit and finish. From top to bottom these are three of the best cases I have ever owned.
I was previously a Lian-li only guy. Fractal Design has changed that! I would suggest anyone "on the fence" about getting a Fractal Design... take the leap! You won't be disappointed!
-RYknow
I was previously a Lian-li only guy. Fractal Design has changed that! I would suggest anyone "on the fence" about getting a Fractal Design... take the leap! You won't be disappointed!
-RYknow
- Joined
- Oct 14, 2007
Yea, it's a massive case. Heavy too, isn't it?
I have started assembly on my new computer using this case. I think I found enough room to fit a 2x180 radiator inside with room for another radiator in the top if I need it. I haven't decided exactly which gpu's to use 7970's, 7950's, or sell some of the above to get a 290x. Tubing will be 1/2id x 3/4od black. I am unsure if I have enough room for the rive black, I am still debating whether to get it.
I really like the pass-thrus that keep the wires hidden. I have never had a high end enough case to have that.
I really like the pass-thrus that keep the wires hidden. I have never had a high end enough case to have that.
- Joined
- Oct 14, 2007
That radiator sure looks big in there!
