[section_title title=Closer Look: Exterior]

Closer Look: Exterior

Fractal Design are known for clean and simplistic designs and the Define S is no exception to this rule.  The Define S is available in black and white, with windowed and non-windowed versions both on the market; the model up for review today is the black windowed edition.  As you can see below, the window is rather large and through the window on the right-hand side, there are no unsightly drive bays which we will talk about on the next page.

The front I/O can be found on the top panel of the case and consists of a headphone port, microphone port (both 3.5mm), a small reset switch, a larger majestic looking power switch and 2 x USB 3.0 ports; nothing over the top, just simple things!

The Define S does have side ventilation at the front as this chassis features a solid front cover; no drive bays = no optical drives are supporedt, although not many people use them these days anyway!

One very interesting feature about the Define S is the inclusion of the tool-less ModuVent fan slot covers which do 1 of 2 things.  Firstly, they can be removed and allow for fans to be installed in the top as exhausts (not to mention radiators), this adds a new dimension to the cooling performance of the chassis.  Secondly the plastic covers can be left on to aid in silent operation, no air flow coming from the top = less noise overall and covering the vents, allows the Define S to do this.

Supporting the case is 4 x rubber stands which prevent the case from being damaged, preventing damage from your surface and also allows for airflow to come under the case; handy for power supplies which usually use the bottom vents to suck air in to aid in cooling.  Also featured is a removable dust filter which stretches for the majority of the case to prevent dust from forming inside the case.

Even though the front panel is solid and air is circulated in via the 2 side vents, the front panel is still removable to allow access to the section of the case.  This is handy for changing fan configuration or when installing radiators; radiators up to a size of 360mm are compatible in the front whereas the top supports radiators up to 420mm maximum.