Fractal Design Offers Type-C Panel and PCIe Riser to Define R6

Fractal Design has recently launched their latest generation Define R6 case. It sports the latest features one might would expect from a modern chassis. However, some note the lack of USB Type-C support. That is because Fractal Design actually intends to offer a replacement IO for users who want it.

Connect D1 USB 3.1 Type-C Upgrade

The Connect D1 is an upgrade kit which adds a USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C connector to the front IO. Users can take advantage of the 10Gbps transfer speeds with this installed. However, one would need a compatible motherboard. Users who wish for this upgrade would also have to wait a bit, as Fractal Design intends to release this sometime in Q1 2018. For now, they can either wait until a revision with a USB 3.1 is out, or buy the case now then upgrade the panel later.

The Connect D1 will also be available in matching colors to existing Define R6 cases. That means black, white and gunmetal gray. Each come with a 700mm USB cable length that uses a Key-A 20-pin USB Type-C connector.

PCIe Riser Option Will Be Available As Well

Another common feature which modders popularized and are now part of new cases is the PCIe riser. Fractal Design also intends to release the Flex VRC-25 upgrade kit which adds this option to the Define R6. There are actually dual vertical slots on the case already, plus mounting points for the riser card. It is only a matter of getting the kit on hand to install after. Like the Connect D1, users would have to wait until 2018, specifically sometime in late January for its release.

The Flex VRC-25 upgrade kit comes with a 210mm long black ribbon cable. It uses a patented shielded overlap cable structure for stability. The adapter also comes with a right-angle rigid PCB that installs with stand offs. This ensures the seat for the video card is properly in place and does not move around. This cable supports PCIe 16x, 8x, 4x, and 1x devices.