- Joined
- Mar 17, 2010
Hello everyone,
I purchased the Fractal Design Define XL R2 last year, and so far am completely satisfied with 90% of its feature set. However, in the next 6 months I intend on upgrading all components within the case. I have discussed this on the forums over various topics of the build. This time I'm delving into the actual mods for the case to co-produce the vision I have for this build. It has actually been quite difficult to find many who 1) have this case and 2) Modded the case. For example I have come across <5 thus far, but they have given me some insight into what I would intend to produce and assisted in my mental vision of what needs done.
So, back to the original portion of why I created this topic! With this build I shall be adding a moderate(IMO) watercooling setup. The single loop I will create will consist of the following:
Swiftech MCP35x2 Pump
A. Front Panel Modification - Must be altered/replaced in order to accompany the 280mm Radiator+Fans.
The portion you are looking at is with the fan cage removed behind the front bezel. This area houses 2 x 120/140mm fans. Directly behind that are the removable HDD/SSD cages. As you can notice there is a recessed mounting bracket in the middle of this area. I must modify or replace this section with the correct alignment for the radiator to fit and be secured properly. I will also likely remove the front dust filter/fan housing in favor of an accompanying DEMCifilter.
B.Top Panel Modification - Must be altered/replaced in order to accompany the 480mm Radiator+Fans.
Obviously this is the top panel and front panel connections. The fan slots to the rear houses 2 x 120/140mm fans. I'm divided whether I should replace the front panel completely or simply modify to accompany the 420mm radiator. If I replace, the whole top panel will simply look better overall. Another idea I have contemplated is to introduce a similar solution as the ARC XL with the removable dust filter.
The largest difference I would add is an extended height on this to accompany an additional 25mm fan set for push/pull and an accompanying DEMCifilter.
C. Bottom Panel Modification - Must be altered in order to accompany a DEMCifilter.
Pretty simple really, all I will do for this is grind off the guides for the dust filter and add the DEMCifilter. If I were feeling ballsy I would replace the whole bottom panel with a version of my choosing.
D. Side Panel Modification - Must be altered in order to accompany a TBD design of window.
E. Rear Panel Modification(optional) - Must be altered/lowered in order to offset the area to allow additional radiator clearance.
I'm on the fence of with this idea, because it it a major overhaul of the entire rear panel and motherboard tray area. If I do this however it will open may additional options for other modifications(including more room behind the motherboard tray) for, whatever lol. If I proceed with this option, it would probably be best to completely remake the motherboard tray and rear panel as a whole. However I do not see any pre-made options that suit my preference, which unfortunately means completely custom fabrication.
I purchased the Fractal Design Define XL R2 last year, and so far am completely satisfied with 90% of its feature set. However, in the next 6 months I intend on upgrading all components within the case. I have discussed this on the forums over various topics of the build. This time I'm delving into the actual mods for the case to co-produce the vision I have for this build. It has actually been quite difficult to find many who 1) have this case and 2) Modded the case. For example I have come across <5 thus far, but they have given me some insight into what I would intend to produce and assisted in my mental vision of what needs done.
So, back to the original portion of why I created this topic! With this build I shall be adding a moderate(IMO) watercooling setup. The single loop I will create will consist of the following:
Swiftech MCP35x2 Pump
- Swiftech MCP35x2 Pump
- Alphacool NexXxoS Monsta 280mm
- Alphacool NexXxoS ST30/UT60 Full Copper 420mm
- Swiftech Maelstrom Dual Bay Reservoir
- TBD CPU Waterblock
- TBD GPU Waterblock
A. Front Panel Modification - Must be altered/replaced in order to accompany the 280mm Radiator+Fans.
The portion you are looking at is with the fan cage removed behind the front bezel. This area houses 2 x 120/140mm fans. Directly behind that are the removable HDD/SSD cages. As you can notice there is a recessed mounting bracket in the middle of this area. I must modify or replace this section with the correct alignment for the radiator to fit and be secured properly. I will also likely remove the front dust filter/fan housing in favor of an accompanying DEMCifilter.
B.Top Panel Modification - Must be altered/replaced in order to accompany the 480mm Radiator+Fans.
Obviously this is the top panel and front panel connections. The fan slots to the rear houses 2 x 120/140mm fans. I'm divided whether I should replace the front panel completely or simply modify to accompany the 420mm radiator. If I replace, the whole top panel will simply look better overall. Another idea I have contemplated is to introduce a similar solution as the ARC XL with the removable dust filter.

The largest difference I would add is an extended height on this to accompany an additional 25mm fan set for push/pull and an accompanying DEMCifilter.
C. Bottom Panel Modification - Must be altered in order to accompany a DEMCifilter.
Pretty simple really, all I will do for this is grind off the guides for the dust filter and add the DEMCifilter. If I were feeling ballsy I would replace the whole bottom panel with a version of my choosing.
D. Side Panel Modification - Must be altered in order to accompany a TBD design of window.
E. Rear Panel Modification(optional) - Must be altered/lowered in order to offset the area to allow additional radiator clearance.
I'm on the fence of with this idea, because it it a major overhaul of the entire rear panel and motherboard tray area. If I do this however it will open may additional options for other modifications(including more room behind the motherboard tray) for, whatever lol. If I proceed with this option, it would probably be best to completely remake the motherboard tray and rear panel as a whole. However I do not see any pre-made options that suit my preference, which unfortunately means completely custom fabrication.
So, what are the opinion of the community of this basic overview of my upcoming build? I am also open to suggestion or better ways to accomplish my goals. Keep in mind this is what I have planned thus far, and more may be added in the future as this is a work in progress.