Fractal ARC MINI R2 Computer Case Review

Cases & PSU/Cases by leeghoofd @ 2014-04-02

Swedish case manufacturer Fractal Design, know for its stylish, high quality, yet affordable cases surprised friend and foe at the last CeBIT 2014 Messe. Their latest creation the Node 804, again a stunning looking and no frills design, might be one of the hot selling case products once it will hit the retail shelves; however till then we have to be happy with the current line up and review some of their more common looking enclosures. Today we review the micro ITX/ATX compatible ARC Mini R2, a mini sized tower case with tremendous storage and cooling capacity.

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A Closer Look Contd.

The ARC Mini R2 has room for two 5.25" drives, even though optical drive market is slowly being abandoned by most drive manufacturers it still remains a requirement to install most software.

 

 

 

 

The front bezel is alike the Corsair Obsidian series (clickable), two gentle pushes allow fast and easy access to the front dust filter and the Silent Series 120mm R2 Fan. Even though this is a mini case, there's still room for an optional second 120mm Fan to enhance the ventilation. Two other Fans are included: one Silent Series R2 120mm to expel the heat in the back; a 140mm version is used to avoid that any heat remains trapped in the upper part of the case.

 

 

 

All Fans are part of the Silent Series, equipped with a hydraulic bearing, for good airflow yet at a minimalistic noise level. Another touch of class are the sleeved Fan cables. The black and white accents are carried through the fans too. Did we already mention Fractal cases look classy?

 

Specifications Silent Series R2 120 Fan:

  • 1200rpm +/-10%
  • Maximum Air Flow: 40.6 CFM
  • Noise Level: 15dBA
  • Number of Blades: 11
  • 3 pin Fan Header
  • Sleeved cable +/- 50cm in length

 

Specifications Silent Series R2 140 Fan:

  • 1000rpm +/-10%
  • Maximum Air Flow: 66CFM
  • Noise Level: 18.5dBA
  • Number of Blades: 11
  • 3 pin Fan Header
  • Sleeved cable +/- 50cm in length

 

 

 

The top part is easily removable after unscrewing two thumbscrews, allowing easy access to the off-centered radiator. The picture shows the ARC Mini R2 with the CORSAIR H100i radiator installed; the ARC Mini R2 also supports 280mm and 360 radiators in the top.

 

 

 

The power supply rests on four small rubber dampers, to absorb any vibrations, this while being protected by an easy removable and cleanable bottom dust filter. The ARC Mini R2 rests on four oversized rubber feet.

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