Fractal Design appear to be a company that are very careful with their implementations and changes on new models. As we found with the Define R4, the preference is to make small changes here and there to improve a predecessor. We have to admit this is a noble method to undertake, the brand has made a lasting impression on the industry so far and are well known for bringing to market a touch of elegance and minimalism.

Although XL R2 is quite similar to other cases within the Define series, we aren’t discouraged from saying this case looks fantastic. Discreet styling is prevalent here and can be appreciated by both enthusiasts and gamers alike. The focus with XL R2 is undoubtedly silence and minimalism and just from an initial look at the outer workings of this case will highlight this fact. Fractal Design have equipped the case with noise insulation material on the front and sides to limit noise leakage, the side panels, whilst quite obviously add to the weight of this case also reinforce this noise reduction – they are both thick and very robust.

From our experience with XL R2 we are quite confident this case oozes top notch build quality. The engineering of parts and overall layout hasn’t been ‘slap dash’ but it’s quite apparent that care has been taken to deliver a premium product here.



As we have witnessed, XL R2 can house a plethora of different high-end hardware stretching from ATX to XL-ATX and E-ATX, supporting big CPU coolers, long graphics cards and even an assortment of water-cooling radiators for avid cooling devotees.

Being priced just over the £100 mark means that XL R2 will be certain to get a ‘look in’. Finding a case of this stature for this price is actually quite a difficult task. Earlier this week we reviewed Thermaltake’s Armor Revo Gene which is a mid-tower, without many of XL R2’s features, quality and finesse yet costs over £120. This just highlights how much of a no-brainer XL R2 really is.

We’ve been thoroughly impressed by XL R2, it doesn’t shy away from the minimalism which the Define series is notorious for and brings with it excellent build quality and near silence guaranteed. Within, is a platform which is well suited to sustaining a myriad of different hardware and all of this comes at an attractive price-point. Well done Fractal Design!