Fractal Design Announces Arc Midi R2 with Solid Side Panel
In case windowed cases aren't your bag.
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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Jane McEntegart is a writer, editor, and marketing communications professional with 17 years of experience in the technology industry. She has written about a wide range of technology topics, including smartphones, tablets, and game consoles. Her articles have been published in Tom's Guide, Tom's Hardware, MobileSyrup, and Edge Up.
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unsivilaudio Are you sure this is new? Looks identical to the twin cases I have sitting on my desk.Reply
That said, I really like this case. It is a very solid design for the budget minded. -
therogerwilco Got a fractal design define XL case a year or so ago, still love it. Best design and quality of case I've seen in years. So anyone looking at Fractal cases, ya, they're worth it.Reply -
SchizoFrog Yes, it is new. You may have the ARC MINI (the R2 version comes with a window) but so far the ARC MIDI R2 is only available with a tinted window. There are also other updates with the layout too. This should be cheaper than the windowed version but will probably launch at the same price, so around the £70 mark.Reply
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SchizoFrog The Define R4 is a full ATX board not mATX, the mATX version is called the Define Mini and a windowed version is coming soon.Reply -
jerm1027 Reply11778654 said:How about the mATX Define R4 gets a windowed version?
Seriously. I've been on the lookout for a windowed mini tower case and the Obsidian 350D seems to be the only one on the market. While the case certainly isn't bad, I would prefer a windowed version of the Define Mini because my current rig sounds like a jet plane, -
SchizoFrog Why not just get the ARC MINI R2 then if you don't want to wait?Reply
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/fractal-design-arc-mini-r2-micro-atx-mini-itx-motherboard-compatibility