Fractal Design Define XL R2 Review

1. Introduction2. Fractal Design Define XL R2: Packaging and Bundle3. Fractal Design Define XL R2: Exterior4. Fractal Design Define XL R2: Interior and Installation5. Testing Methodology and Performance6. Closing Thoughts7. View All Pages

Overall we are very impressed with what the Fractal Design Define XL R2 has to offer.  It's clear that Fractal Design are targeting a fairly small market with this case as it competes directly with their own Define R4 which is slightly smaller and cheaper and is therefore better suited to those who don't require the extra space.

We are particularly impressed with the acoustic performance of this case as it is extremely quiet under any situation, only registering above 30 dBA at the maximum fan setting.  The thermal performance is also commendable, although not as good as a handful of other cases in the same price sector which place a higher importance on airflow rather than acoustics.

The aesthetic design of the Define XL R2 is very minimalistic and is sure to fit in within most environments.  We imagine the only users that may be let down by the appearance are those who like cases with a visual impact that lets them show off to other users, whether it be at LAN parties or on the forums.

The Define XL R2 is priced at £105 from Ebuyer which makes it quite good value for money for those looking to house a large motherboard.  We would still opt for the R4 for most users though as it is around £30 cheaper and boasts an almost identical design and feature set.

Pros:

• Minimalist design.
• Impressive build quality.
• Near silent.

Cons:

• Define R4 offers better value for most users.

KitGuru says: Another impressive case from Fractal Design.

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