Fractal Design Define XL R2 Black Pearl Chassis Review – Full-Tower Nearly Perfected

FINAL WORDS AND CONCLUSION

Alas we are at the end of the review and the Fractal Design Define XL R2 is looking like a real winner. The case has a lot going for it, but it did take a few tries for Fractal Design to reach this point. A large chassis with intricate design features – such as a swivel door and soundproofing material – alongside a plethora of design methods propels the Define XL R2 in the hard-to-perfect full-tower chassis segment.

There are a few concerns here and there however, especially the $125 price. For a full-tower case this is pretty decent, but the main attraction of the Define XL R2 is its minimalistic design, which may not be for those looking for more – especially those wanting a flashy exterior. Additions of an eSATA port, extra fan controllers, and lengthier rubber feet would have been appreciate as well, but those are very minor concerns.

Built like a truck, it is quite heavy, but it is also very sturdy. The brushed aluminum finish looks great in both the black pearl and titanium gray versions; the soundproof layer  and Silent Series R2 fans provide exceptional noise and thermal performance respectively;  and finally, the copious amounts of space and design options truly make the $125 Fractal Design Define XL R2 worth the premium for any builder and any user.