Swedish Fractal Design has delivered an awesome case in the shape of the ARC Mini R2. Compatibility with both mini ITX and micro ATX boards is a big plus. The numerous storage options, divided over two HDD cages, offering a total of 6 HDDs and or SSDs that can be fitted. An extra two SSDs can be mounted on the backside of the motherboard tray. The optical drive support is also a welcome feature, usually left out on smaller sized Cube shaped solutions.

Cooling wise the Fractal ARC Mini R2 is out of the box well equipped, offering great cooling capacity at a low noise level. The fan controller can even reduce the already low noise level even more; the front, top and bottom parts are all equipped with easily removable and cleanable dust filters. For those that want to go into water cooling this case is one of the more versatile solutions in its price range; the top of the case can house a 360 radiator, this after removal of the optical drive cage. After removal of the HDD cages, the front part can house a 240 radiator. No matter what you want to fit inside the Arc Mini R2, Fractal Design is providing you with multiple options.

Cable management is a breeze thanks to the numerous, well positioned and decently sized cutouts. A few extra mm of clearance between the motherboard tray and the side panel would have topped it all off. Since we are in the remark paragraph, why not include a few extra USB ports in the front I/O panel? Plus a slightly larger sized Reset button could make most of our lives a bit easier.

Fractal Design pulled it off, the circle is now complete. The ARC lineup comprises of three splendid cases, the here featured Mini R2, the Midi R2 and the soon to be tested XL version offer firstly splendid stylish aesthetics. Secondly their cooling performance and upgrade ability is awesome. Water cooling purists will adore the numerous possibilities. Even this little ARC Mini R2 case leaves close to no option open. Fractal Design has proven that mini doesn't necessarily mean cutbacks or sacrifices need to be made. The hardware compatibility, being it about graphics cards or processor air/liquid coolers, are second to none, plenty of storage possibilities, plus the addition of two optical storage bays really set this Mini R2 case aside from most storage limited Cube solutions. Best of all is that all this is offered at a very competitive price of around 75 euros.

Make sure you take a look at the Fractal Design ARC Mini R2 before starting your next mini ITX or micro ATX build !

PROS:

• High quality build
• Stylish & refined looks
• Good silent cooling performance out of the box
• Cooling upgrade potential
• Hardware compatibility
• Price

CONS:

• Miniscule reset button
• More front I/O USB ports plz

I wish to thank Federica from Fractal for the ARC Mini R2 sample

Sven from ASUS for the Maximus VI Gene board

Harry from Corsair for the Hydro H100i and 16GB Vengeance Pro kit