Fractal Design adds a new chassis series to their portfolio – sharp edges, glass highlights and a lick of RGB. Can Vector RS find appeal?
Product on Review: Vector RS
Manufacturer & Sponsor: Fractal Design
Street Price: GBP: £170 USD: $180
The Define Series is known throughout the enthusiast market and really carved a name for Fractal Design, cementing their position in the computer chassis segment with strong emphasis placed on silence. However, rather than add yet another case to this range, today Fractal introduces a new lineup to their portfolio.
The Vector RS marks a change for Fractal by introducing a vibrant design to the mix. As its name suggests, Vector is all about sharp angles and striking lines. Tempered glass is featured heavily and a subtle but customisable ARGB strip stretches from the front of the chassis to the top.
Vector RS commands quite a hefty price-tag, is it worth your consideration? Let’s find out!
Fractal Design on their Vector RS
Sharp angles, uncompromising design and a no-nonsense attitude combine to create a case quite unlike any other. Just look at the expressive ARGB strip or the counter-angled air intakes designed to trap noise without restricting airflow, giving you a case that breathes like it’s open – but sounds like it’s closed.
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 Vector RS.
Thermal Performance Testing
Inside Vector RS we have three 140mm cooling fans configured in a push-pull configuration. This type of arrangement usually provides great results.
To discover the thermal performance of Vector RS 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
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
Vector RS boasts a plethora of noise reduction properties, thick panels and noise damping materials – as such the noise emitted from the chassis is definitely on the low side!
Conclusion
It’ll come as no surprise that Vector RS isn’t for everyone. It’s sheer size, feature-set and price-tag all indicate that we’re dealing with a high-end computer chassis.
Externally the design blends together a good balance of elegance while gently adding in some RGB lighting. It’s subtle, but effective. The ability to adjust the colours and animation effects using the R1 Adjust Controller is a brilliant idea!
Even though we’re dealing with a high-end enclosure, the standard of the build quality still blew us away. Construction is top-class and does not compromise on any level whatsoever. It isn’t just the chassis which benefits from solid production, HDD trays and elements like the solid side panel have a layer of high-quality noise reduction material and the panel itself features a push-to-lock mechanism to attach to the chassis without the need for screws.
Within Vector RS there is a spacious interior which can easily entertain a multitude of high-performance kit, including multiple radiators should you want to go down the water cooling route.
Admittedly the cooling on Vector RS isn’t spectacular but that is partly due to the design of the front panel. Despite being modified to allow intake, it still struggles to compete with an open/ventilated fascia which is understandable. However, on the flipside of this – low-noise is a particular forte of Vector RS’. The thick panels and low-noise materials all contribute to keeping noise leakage right down.
The price-tag for this case will exceed most budgets – coming in at GBP: £170 USD: $180. This is a spacious chassis, with features which could be deemed overkill for many. If you are in the market for a feature-packed enclosure that ticks most of the boxes then you can’t go far wrong with this.
A fresh series joins Fractal’s portfolio and we rather like it. Armed with exceptional build quality and oodles of features – the new Vector RS sure does tickle our fancy!
Pros
+ Appealing design
+ Excellent build quality
+ Top panel has fully interchangeable parts
+ Innovative filters
+ Good storage options
+ Cable management is easy
+ Includes RGB controller
+ Includes a PWM fan hub
+ Can house high-end kit
+ Fits different sized radiators
Cons
– Big price-tag
– Cooling performance isn’t great
+ Appealing design
+ Excellent build quality
+ Top panel has fully interchangeable parts
+ Innovative filters
+ Good storage options
+ Cable management is easy
+ Includes RGB controller
+ Includes a PWM fan hub
+ Can house high-end kit
+ Fits different sized radiators
Cons
– Big price-tag
– Cooling performance isn’t great
Click here for an explanation of our awards at Vortez.net.
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