My future project(Fractal Design Define XL R2)

[Maginus]

Hello everyone,

I purchased the Fractal Design Define XL R2 last year, and so far am completely satisfied with 90% of its feature set. However, in the next 6 months I intend on upgrading all components within the case. I have discussed this on the forums over various topics of the build. This time I'm delving into the actual mods for the case to co-produce the vision I have for this build. It has actually been quite difficult to find many who 1) have this case and 2) Modded the case. For example I have come across <5 thus far, but they have given me some insight into what I would intend to produce and assisted in my mental vision of what needs done.

So, back to the original portion of why I created this topic! With this build I shall be adding a moderate(IMO) watercooling setup. The single loop I will create will consist of the following:

Hardware:

1. Intel I5 4670K
2. TBD 1150 Skt Motherboard
3. 16GB(2x8) G.Skill DDR3-1600 - 2400
4. Radeon R9 290(non-x) or 2x Radeon R9 270X
5. Seasonic SS-760XP2 760W, 80+ PLATINUM
6. Fractal Design Define XLR2

Watercooling Loop:

1. Swiftech MCP35x2 Pump
2. Swiftech Maelstrom Dual Bay Reservoir
3. Alphacool NexXxoS Monsta 280mm
4. Alphacool NexXxoS ST30/UT60 Full Copper 420mm
5. TBD CPU/GPU Waterblocks
6. TBD 140mm Case Fans

This post does not include the other alterations I intend on doing, such as sleeving, paint. etc.
In order to accomplish this I must make some modifications to the case. This will be accompanied by pictures.

A. Front Panel Modification - Must be altered/replaced in order to accompany the 280mm Radiator+Fans.

The portion you are looking at is with the fan cage removed behind the front bezel. This area houses 2 x 120/140mm fans. Directly behind that are the removable HDD/SSD cages. As you can notice there is a recessed mounting bracket in the middle of this area. I must modify or replace this section with the correct alignment for the radiator to fit and be secured properly. I will also likely remove the front dust filter/fan housing in favor of an accompanying DEMCifilter.

B.Top Panel Modification - Must be altered/replaced in order to accompany the 480mm Radiator+Fans.

Obviously this is the top panel and front panel connections. The fan slots to the rear houses 2 x 120/140mm fans. I'm divided whether I should replace the front panel completely or simply modify to accompany the 420mm radiator. If I replace, the whole top panel will simply look better overall. Another idea I have contemplated is to introduce a similar solution as the ARC XL with the removable dust filter.

The largest difference I would add is an extended height on this to accompany an additional 25mm fan set for push/pull and an accompanying DEMCifilter.

C. Bottom Panel Modification - Must be altered in order to accompany a DEMCifilter.

Pretty simple really, all I will do for this is grind off the guides for the dust filter and add the DEMCifilter. If I were feeling ballsy I would replace the whole bottom panel with a version of my choosing.

D. Side Panel Modification - Must be altered in order to accompany a TBD design of window.

E. Rear Panel Modification(optional) - Must be altered/lowered in order to offset the area to allow additional radiator clearance.

I'm on the fence of with this idea, because it it a major overhaul of the entire rear panel and motherboard tray area. If I do this however it will open may additional options for other modifications(including more room behind the motherboard tray) for, whatever lol. If I proceed with this option, it would probably be best to completely remake the motherboard tray and rear panel as a whole. However I do not see any pre-made options that suit my preference, which unfortunately means completely custom fabrication.​

So, what are the opinion of the community of this basic overview of my upcoming build? I am also open to suggestion or better ways to accomplish my goals. Keep in mind this is what I have planned thus far, and more may be added in the future as this is a work in progress.

 

[mfenn]

It seems to me that you should probably start off with a different case that better fits your design. Once you're talking about custom fabricating a rear panel and motherboard tray, you've pretty much gotten rid of the last vestige of the original case.

For example, you could start off with this big PC-A76 and put the 420mm radiator in the front, it should fit perfectly over the 3 140mm fans. Then you can put the 280mm in the top towards the front. Though really, the single 420mm radiator is probably enough, that thing is massive.

 

[Maginus]

It seems to me that you should probably start off with a different case that better fits your design. Once you're talking about custom fabricating a rear panel and motherboard tray, you've pretty much gotten rid of the last vestige of the original case.

For example, you could start off with this big PC-A76 and put the 420mm radiator in the front, it should fit perfectly over the 3 140mm fans. Then you can put the 280mm in the top towards the front. Though really, the single 420mm radiator is probably enough, that thing is massive.

Well honestly I want a unique build, and that modification would be unique. Keep in mind that I'm still on the fence about doing the motherboard tray and rear panel. The top and front modifications are minor in comparison. I may perhaps include that into a "from scratch" build in the future after I complete this build.

 

[freedomofnow]

This might be a bit of a necro on the thread, but I'm extremely curious. I want to fit a 420 rad into my R2 XL aswell, and I am curious as to the thickness of the rad. I'm looking at the one from EK and it's 55mm, however the clearing from the top is 69mm, and then trying to fit a fan on top equals 80 in total. My concern then is that I won't be able to plug in the 8 pin cpu connector at the top. I see your intention was to even fit a 60mm rad, leaving even less room unless you somehow fit it outside the case, so I am extremely curious as to how this has gone for you!! Please update with pictures (and measurements )!

 

[Maginus]

Well my plans have been put on hold unfortunately, however after many many many measurements and thoughts; I have decided to offset the radiator mounting by 15-25mm from the original mounting position. Note: I will also need to remove the 5.25" drive cage in order to fit more than a 240mm radiator. Doing these mods will allow greater flexibility of radiator support. I may do an alternative which is more intensive which involves moving the mounting of the motherboard which would then of course give me more clearance. This is actually quite easy to accomplish as there's name replacement components that would work well with this idea.

As for clearance space(at stock), I measured exactly 70mm between the top edge of the motherboard and top panel. Which, unless offset, will reduce my capacity to 40mm Radiator + 25mm Fans(65mm total) to allow adequate clearance. Technically I could fit a 420mm Radiator but may run into slight clearance issues based on current mounting positions, however I do believe it would be possible after an additional cutout in the top panel was done. All i did to achieve this was to measure the cutouts and multiply by 3 on top of the case, which should leave around 70mm before you hit the front bezel. Finally, I have also considered re-manufacturing the top panel for allow additional height clearance and other options as well... although it may be more work then its worth.

Hope that helps you out.