THE DEFINE XL R2 EXTERIOR

Design-wise the Define XL R2 is almost identical to its predecessor with the front plastic door standing out once again thanks to the brushed aluminum appearance (that's also why it's covered during transport).

The left side panel has space for a single 120/140mm intake fan but by default it's covered with Fractal Designs ModuVent noise-dampening material.

There are several tiny vents on both sides of the front fascia which provide air for the front intake fans.

The front door looks very nice and is one of the things other manufacturers have been using as well ever since Fractal Design did with their first PC Cases.

On the other side of the door Fractal Design has placed foam padding to reduce noise coming from the case.

The Define XL R2 features four 5.25" drive bays which can be easily removed via a clip placed on the right.

Fractal Design has also equipped the Define XL R2 with a 3-way fan controller which can regulate the speed of the fans by reducing/increasing the voltage (12V/7V/5V).

Two fan mounts are placed behind the perforated section right beneath the drive bays.

There's one 140mm intake fan present already and you can also add a second one.

You also have the ability to use two 120mm fans but unlike the 140mm which are held in place with plastic clips you will need to secure them with screws.

The on/off power LED is placed at the top of the front fascia and is visible even with the door closed.

Right above the power LED we see the top I/O which consists from the power on/off button, reset button, 2 USB 3.0 ports, 2 USB 2.0 ports and the typical headphones and microphone 3.5" ports.

Two more 120/140mm fan mounts are placed at the rear top of the case and just like the left side panel by default they are covered with ModuVent.

Moving at the rear of the case we see the usual fan mount, 9 PCI expansion slots and the PSU area.

Fractal Design has used a single 140mm exhaust fan at the rear which can be replaced with a 120/140mm fan.

The Define XL R2 sits ontop of 4 round rubber feet while a slide-out removable dust filter covers most of the bottom (here we also see the bottom 140mm fan).

I was surprised to see that Fractal Design used regular thumbscrews to keep both panels in place (rubber coated thumbscrews are a lot more ideal with such heavy panels).