Review: Fractal Design Arc Midi R2

Final Thoughts and Rating

Fractal's developing a habit of refreshing its chassis without serving up significant upgrades or fresh new ideas. Like the award-winning Define series - which currently stands at revision four - the second-generation Arc Midi R2 revisits a tried-and-trusted design and adds a few small enhancements.

Save for the addition of a tinted side window - which you may or may not like - the R2 still looks a lot like its predecessor. You need to step inside to appreciate the upgrades, which include an integrated fan controller, modular drive bays and dedicated 2.5in SSD mounts that can't in their current form be accessed after installing a motherboard. Minor niggles aside, these are all welcome additions and, for the most part, they make the revised Arc Midi even better to build into.

For £75, this is a well constructed and easy to use chassis that accommodates high-end hardware in a tidy mid-tower frame. The problem, we reckon, is that the same description can be applied to the similarly-priced Define R4, which not only looks more attractive but is quieter in use. Fractal's two-pronged approach leaves the Arc Midi R2 serving a niche audience; it's worthy of consideration if you're intent on liquid cooling, but for everyone else the Define R4 is arguably more refined.

The Good

Easy to build into
Modular storage bays
Integrated fan controller
Good cable management
Plenty of room for radiators

The Bad

Not as quiet as the Define R4
SSD mounts aren't user friendly

HEXUS Rating

Fractal Design Arc Midi R2

HEXUS Awards

Fractal Design Arc Midi R2

HEXUS Where2Buy

The Fractal Design Arc Midi R2 chassis is available to purchase from Scan Computers*.

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