It’s been almost a year since Fractal Design first introduced us to the Arc Midi R2 case. Now, 10 months on from the introduction of the original, Fractal Design is launching a new version with a solid side panel.
The solid side panel replaces the windowed panel on the last version. Other than the solid side panel, you’re looking at the same 230x460x515mm (WxHxD) package as before, with support for ATX, Micro ATX, and Mini ATX mother boards. The case is compatible with ATX PSUs up to 170mm deep when using the bottom fan location (when not using this fan location longer PSUs - up to 270 mm deep - can be used), and CPU coolers up to 180mm in height. Graphics cards of up to 290mm in length can be installed alongside the top HDD cage. With the top cage removed, there's room for graphics cards up to 430mm in length.
Dimensions aside, you’re looking at three Silent Series R2 fans (with integrated fan controller), eight HDD cases split in a 5+3 configuration and rotatable and removable, support for an additional 2 x 2.5-inch drives behind the mono, 7 + 1 expansion slots, eight fan positions (one more than the original model), filtered fan slots in the front, to, bottom and side panel, 26 mm of space for cable routing behind the motherboard plate, and thick rubber grommets on all holes on the motherboard plate.
As far as water cooling is concerned, you’re looking at 240 mm radiators (thick and slim) up front when the HDD cases are repositioned or removed, 240mm radiators on top (again, thick and slim), and 120mm radiators on the bottom and rear.
Pricing is not yet available nor did Fractal mention when this bad boy would be available.
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