Fractal Design Define S Tower Case

May 18, 2015 by Lawrence Lee

When people ask SPCR to recommend an ATX tower, we think immediately of Fractal Design's Define series. It hits all almost all the important case assets (for SPCR): no-nonsense aesthetics, modest size, reasonably good build quality, well-ventilated front panel, noise damping material, and built-in fan controller. The last two iterations, the Define R4 and R5, made 140 mm fan mounts standard on every side, and incorporated removable hard drive cages to improve graphics card compatibility. These two improvements increased its appeal to the lucrative gaming market but did so without tarnishing the underlying design.

The newest model, the Define S, hopes to gain traction with both budget users and watercooling enthusiasts. Physically, it looks just like the Define R5 with its recognizable ModuVent covers on the top of the case hiding each ceiling fan placement and numerous ventilation slits running down the sides of the front bezel. The physical dimensions are practically identical, as are the build materials. The Define S is a lower cost variant that lacks a fan controller and implements an interesting design twist. On the inside, all the drive cages and 5.25 inch bays have been taken out, so the front panel no longer functions as a door.

More importantly, this frees up the entire front portion of the case, allowing air to flow from up to three 140 mm fans, mostly unimpeded. 3.5 inch drives are mounted vertically on the right side of the case and there's only space for three drives rather than eight on the R5. In the space vacated by the drive cages, Fractal has included mounting points so the area can repurposed for installing a pump and reservoir. At launch, they are only offering the Define S in black for a MSRP of US$80 for the standard model and US$90 for the windowed version, $30 cheaper than the R5.

Unfortunately I don't have a picture of the retail box as it was too tightly hugged by the shipping box and extracting it wasn't worth the effort. In any event, there's nothing notable about the packaging. The side window is lined with a protective plastic covering on both sides, and it ships with a small accessory box and assembly guide. Fractal Design provides all the necessary and screws (save those for additional fans), a nut-driver for the brass standoffs, a handful of zip-ties, and reservoir mounting brackets.

Help support this site, buy from one of our affiliate retailers!

Search: All ProductsComputersPhotographyElectronicsSoftwareVideo GamesMoviesMusicBooksToysOfficeJewelry & WatchesApparelHealth & BeautyHome & GardenBabies & KidsFlowers & GourmetSporting GoodsMusical Instruments