“Balancing Size with Silence” is the motto for Fractal Design’s new Define Nano S, a case which continues the eternal struggle to fit all the features of a full ATX case into a compact ITX package. Essentially a scaled-down version of the Define S, the Nano model preserves the design philosophy of its larger sibling, but with a 203x412mm footprint.
The Nano S is part of Fractal’s “Define” line of cases, which are designed with silence in mind. Dense noise-damping panels (Fractal has used bitumen in the past, though it’s not stated if that is the case here) cover the front and the unwindowed side of the case—or, optionally, all three sides if you opt-out of the window. Another panel can be placed on the top (this is the “ModuVent” technology they refer to), although this blocks a considerable portion of the case’s potential airflow. Dust filters cover the front and bottom fans, and Fractal takes special care to point out that the bottom filter slides conveniently out of the front of the case—sounds like they’ve been paying attention to suggestions.
- Form Factor: ITX
- Bay Support: 2x3.5” HDD/SSD bays, 2x2.5” SSD only bays (up to 13mm thick)
- Front I/O: 2xUSB 3.0, 2x3.5mm audio, Power /reset +power LED, HDD LED
- Expansion slots: 2
- Graphics card max size: 315mm long
- Included cooling: 140mm front fan (fits 120 or 140mm), 120mm rear
- Optional cooling: 2x120 or 140mm top fans, 120mm bottom fan (bottom+front intakes filtered)
- Liquid cooling: 120/240mm or 140/280mm front (max width 147mm, max length 312mm), 120/240mm top (with max component height on mobo 35mm), 120mm bottom (max thickness 85mm, length 160mm)—pre-drilled holes and mounting brackets for pumps and reservoirs
- Dimensions: 203Wx344Hx412D with feet/protrusions
- CPU cooler clearance: 160mm
- MSRP: $70 ($65 with no window)
As is appropriate for a case designed to eliminate noise, there’s plenty of support for liquid cooling. The largest possible radiator size is 147x312mm, though customers are warned that “some radiators extend beyond the screw holes.” Interestingly, there are also pre-drilled holes for common pump variants, and adjustable brackets to allow reservoir mounting.
The Define Nano S will be available for a respectable $70, or for $5 less with no side window. We’ll try to get our hands on a review sample—keep an eye out for more coverage.
- Patrick Lathan.