Fractal Design Define S2 Vision Review

  

Up Close:  Exterior

Here at OC3D we love practically everything about glass paneled cases.  did you notice that we said practically everything?  That’s because there are two things that drive us nuts about them, and not in a good way.  The first is Photographing them.  Not a problem for you if you’re an end user, but a real buttock ache if you’re a reviewer and are trying to get great shots of them as opposed to all the things they’re reflecting, which, if you’re not careful often includes yourself.  The second thing that irritates the rectum is their propensity to show finger marks.  Again, not a biggy once your case is built and operational, as a quick wipe down with a glass cloth will have it sparkling, but a major headache if you’re moving it around to get lots of pictures. 

Rant over, let’s take a moment to drink in the simple elegance of the S2 Vision.  We have to admit, these pics really don’t do it justice, but we sure the video will show it in all it’s splendour

  

 

As you can see, the Vision Blackout differs from the standard Blackout in that the roof, front and right hand side panel are also tempered glass.  Better make sure that cabling is neat and tidy, because it’s all going to be on show.

  

 

We’re real fans of this smoked glass roof panel.  Image the interior of the case all lit up and being able to look down from above, like an aerial view of a PC Manhattan.  “But what about cooling”?, we hear you say.  “In the tech spec you said you could put fans and rads in the roof, but surely with the glass there won’t be any air”?  Basically, stop getting your panties in a twist, and read on.

  

 

Talking of ventilation, although the front panel is solid glass, there are full length filtered vented panels down either side of the front panel which should be more than able to provide the required ventilation.  Granted, this is not an high airflow case, but if you want that then you’ll be more inclined to look at the Meshify.  And just in case you’re wondering, once the front panel has been removed, these slim filters can actually be detached from the front and hoovered or blown through.

  

 

 

The front I/O is a very subtle affair, sporting a pair of both USB2 and USB3 sockets, as well as a type C