Fractal Design Vector RS Case Review

1. Introduction2. Fractal Design Vector RS: Exterior3. Fractal Design Vector RS: Interior4. System Installation5. Testing Methodology: Acoustics/Thermals6. Performance and Comparisons: Acoustics7. Performance and Comparisons: Thermals8. Closing Thoughts9. View All Pages

The modular design of the Fractal Design Vector RS should please all types of system builders. Having the option to configure a PC case to personal preference, is very appealing. In our opinion, the Vector RS will be a great choice for either a home server system, requiring multiple storage drives or a high-end liquid cooled gaming system.

The vast amount of options for radiator placement should make planning a high-end liquid cooling loop much easier. We often see cases lacking in certain areas, when preparing for liquid cooling. With options to place radiators in four locations in the Vector RS, this should not be an issue.

Having the choice to swap between a tempered glass or vented top panel is a feature we really like. Both panels accomplish the design objective – the glass top helps reduce noise slightly and the vented top improves cooling, especially when a top mounted radiator is installed.

With support for up to eleven HDDs and four SSD drives in the storage configuration, there should be no excuse for running out of storage space with the Vector RS. If you need to install more than four SSD drives, this can be catered for as the HDD cages can support either 3.5″ or 2.5″ drives.

For the first time, Fractal Design has added some RGB LED lighting in the Vector RS. For some, it may still be too little but for us it is just the perfect amount. The RGB has been implemented in a way that ensures their minimalist design approach isn't affected and if anything, the RGB lighting improves this.

Fractal Design's cases have usually represented a plain box shape in the past. However, for this case they have added some sharp angles and a good mixture of panel materials which give the case a more commanding stance and a nice contrast between the panels.

In terms of performance, the Vector RS excels here too. Acoustics are very good, the pre-installed Dynamic X2 GP-140 fans are extremely quiet even at high RPM. During testing, at idle, we could barely hear the system was running which is a huge plus for us.

Thermal performance seems impressive too. Using either a large air cooler or an All-In-One liquid cooler, the Vector RS keeps the system temperature well under control. With a full custom cooling loop installed, we would expect excellent results.

There are very few negatives to the Vector RS. For us, the only criticisms would be the lack of a rubber grommet on one of the bottom cable cut outs, as it seems strange to leave out just one and the glossy side to the front panel can become a fingerprint magnet. However, it’s not difficult to clean off.

The Vector RS is priced towards the upper end of mid-tier ATX cases. Currently, there is a lot of choice in this area. With features such as modular design, great storage and cooling options, a solid build quality and the pleasing aesthetics, we rank the Vector RS up there with the best.

If you are currently in the market for a case with great cooling performance, good looks and excellent acoustics for under £200, then put the Vector RS on your shortlist.

The Fractal Design Vector RS will be available from 18^th September and can be purchased for £179.99 at OCUK HERE

Pros:

• Excellent options for radiator installation.
• Huge Storage capacity.
• Clever modular design.
• Interchangeable top panels.
• RGB lighting.
• Great thermal and acoustic performance.
• Good cable management.

Cons:

• Front panel is a fingerprint magnet.
• Missing grommet on one cable cut out.

KitGuru says: An all round great case from Fractal Design. Improvements on an already solid design and now with added RGB!

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