Fractal Design Define S2 Vision RGB Review

Fractal Design finally gives in to demand and presents an RGB computer case based on the Define S2. Is the Vision RGB a worthwhile RGB chassis?

Product on Review: Define S2 Vision RGB
Manufacturer & Sponsor: Fractal Design
Street Price: $239 USD – £224 GBP

The Define Series has been around for many years now and has been Fractal Design’s bread and butter. You could say that such a case series has carved out a name for the brand, allowing them to rise to prominence in the silent case arena.

Well, today marks the release of another addition to the Define Series – enter the Define S2 Vision RGB. It’s easy to see where this case borrows many of its characteristics, yes, this is a revision of last year’s Define S2.

The primary objective with Vision is to provide an all-encompassing view of the system configuration via tempered glass. However, glass isn’t the only additional feature!

Fractal Design on their Define S2 Vision

The Define S2 Vision was designed with the goal of bringing together beauty and function, and with its full tempered glass exterior, you’ll experience the radiance of your system from every angle. Be the center of attention with the Define S2 Vision RGB, or choose the Blackout edition for a more subtle yet equally eye-catching effect.

Technical Specifications

Below are the technical specifications surrounding the Define S2 Vision RGB.

Closer Look Video

For this review we’ve also created a YouTube video which highlights all of the key features, shows a full system install and identifies the good/bad points regarding this computer case. Click the video below or go to the Fractal Design Define S2 Vision RGB.

Thermal Performance Testing

Inside our Vision RGB we have four 140mm cooling fans which are in key locations. (Three front intakes, one rear exhaust). This type of arrangement usually delivers good results!

For this test, we will use the top panel with the glass pane.

To discover the thermal performance of Vision RGB we will record idle temperatures after 20 minutes from a cold boot. We will then stress the system and temperatures will again be monitored after 30 minutes have elapsed.

For the purpose of accurate analysis, the idle and load temperatures for CPU will be recorded and the range between idle and load will be calculated to determine how efficient cooling is.

NOTE: Ambient temperature is 20C

System Components

CPU Intel Pentium K G3258 @ 4GHz
Motherboard GIGABYTE Z87X-D3H
CPU Cooler Cooler Master Hyper 212 LED Turbo
Graphics NVIDIA GTX 1080 Ti
Memory 4GB Kingston HyperX DDR3
HDD Samsung Spinpoint 500GB SATA-II
PSU Corsair RM850

Noise

The Vision RGB has no problems with noise whatsoever. Due to the thick glass panels on all sides and PWM functionality on the cooling fans we’re able to comfortably manage sound emitted from within.

Conclusion

With strong emphasis on extravagant RGB lighting within the tech industry, it isn’t any wonder that Fractal Design has introduced a computer case which exudes and radiates deep colour tones.

In the Vision RGB, the company has taken the fundamentals of the Define S2 and improved on them – leaving no stone unturned. Versatile is the keyword which epitomises this case, because each of the features denotes flexibility. The top panels can be interchanged with the option to go with a glass panel or cooling bracket and airflow filter. The PSU shroud shields untamed and unsightly cabling while also being able to host SSDs, and water cooling components on the top section.

The combination of Adjust R1 RGB controller and Nexus 9P fan hub is significantly beneficial due to being able to attach up to nine cooling fans and adjust the RGB attributes at the click of a button. The R1 is particularly useful as it only requires one of the RGB cables to be connected (the others daisy chain) and has a magnetic backplate making it easy to fasten to the chassis.

The inclusion of four RGB cooling fans and a pre-installed RGB strip will appeal to users who have an affection for all things bright and beautiful. Manufacturers of cases don’t usually include an RGB fan for the rear exhaust, nor do they typically provide an RGB strip, so it’s nice to see Fractal Design stretching beyond what is the norm.

Taking Vision RGB into the thermal arena points to a case which is capable of presenting some good overall cooling performance. The result may not place this case at the top of the leaderboard for cooling but it still performs admirably considering most panels are closed off with glass.

Pricing is an area which may create a stumbling block for many – this case does have a plethora of features but at $239 USD – £224 GBP we wonder if Fractal Design has been overzealous with the MSRP. For the asking price we would have expected a PCI-Express riser cable to be included but this has to be purchased separately.

Advocates of the original Define S2 with an affection for extravagant lighting will love the Vision RGB. This case is the ideal enclosure to showcase the delights of any configuration to its full potential.

Pros
+ Available in RGB or Blackout version
+ Glass panels on all sides
+ Easy access to the top of case
+ Features USB 3.1 Gen2 port
+ Great build quality
+ Multiple storage options
+ Includes PWM fan hub
+ Includes RGB controller
+ Can house high-end kit
+ Flexible for liquid coolers
+ Good cooling performance
+ Interchangeable top panels
+ Easy to arrange cable management
+ Four RGB cooling fans and RGB strip included

Cons
– PCI-Express riser cable needs to be purchased separately
– Cost

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