Fractal Design Define XL R2 Case Review

The Top, Bottom, and Rear Panels

The top panel of the Fractal Design Define XL R2 is meshed, supporting the installation of two 120 mm or two 140 mm fans. The openings for these fans come closed in the same fashion as the mesh available on the left panel and previously discussed. According to the manufacturer, the top panel supports 240 mm and 280 mm radiators, as long as they are up to 2.7” (68 mm) thick.

Figure 10: Top panel

The case comes with two USB 3.0 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, and the traditional audio jacks located on the front portion of the top panel. The USB 3.0 ports use an internal connector.

Figure 11: Buttons and connectors

The bottom panel of the Fractal Design Define XL R2 has a single air filter that covers both the power supply and the bottom fans.

Figure 12: Bottom panel

The rear panel and the interior of the Fractal Design Define XL R2 are painted in black.

On the Fractal Design Define XL R2, th
e power supply is installed at the bottom of the case.

The product comes with a 140 mm fan installed on its rear panel (Fractal Design Silent Series R2, 1,000 rpm, 66 cfm, 18.5 dBA). This fan can be replaced with a 120 mm model, meaning that you can replace it with a 120 mm or a 140 mm radiator.

There are nine expansion slots, another improvement over the original Define XL, which had seven slots. Slot covers are meshed and painted white.

Figure 13: Rear panel

Let’s now take a look inside the Fractal Design Define XL R2.