Fractal Design Vector RS Blackout PC Case Review

Exterior

The Fractal Design Vector RS is a pretty big PC case. It’s not as big as some full-towers, but it’s clearly not a compact mid-tower either. It’s big, it’s fairly wide, it stands tall, and it looks aggressive as hell. The whole thing is built from robust looking and feeling steel, and finished with some massive cuts of tempered glass. For those eager to show off their sexy new PC hardware, that side panel will more than get the job done.

Tempered Glass

What I love about this case is how they’ve used the glass. The side panel has blacked out edges, so it masks the general frame and fittings of the case. Plus, the top of the case has an angled window that only covers 2/3 of the width. Even that has a thick border, again hiding the general frame and fittings.

The sloped design makes it a little easier to see inside too, at least I think so. Of course, you can’t put your phone and other junk on the top, as it’ll likely just slide off, so keep that in mind. It’s NOT the only top panel included with this case though, but we’ll get into that more last in the build.

More Tempered Glass

The front panel has a bold, very monolithic design to it. However, even that has tempered glass, see it? No!? It’s that dark black strip on the left. It’s completely blacked out, but it looks fantastic, adding a dark glossy shine that you just can’t do in plastic. Plus, it complements the other two windows very well indeed.

Airflow

Worried about airflow? I wouldn’t if I were you. There are massive vents down both sides of the front panel and underneath the case. Worried about dust? No issues here, the front panel pulls away, and you’ll find tight dust filters running down both sides that are easy to remove and clean.

Plus, with good airflow, the bottom dust filters will get all the air they need too.

Steel

The case is pretty heavy, and that’s no surprise given the size of some of the steel panels. The right side panel may not inspire with its matte black finish, but I think it looks pretty clean and tidy overall.

I love that Fractal Design kept the branding minimal too. The case is big and ominous, but still manages to be stylish and understated (but only a little), and the logo mimics that.

Control

The I/O panel is located on the top and right side of the case. It’s pretty straight forward really but has some nice perks. There’s blacked-out USB 3.0 ports and a very welcome USB Type-C.

Around the back, you can see that stealthy black paintwork covers all!

There’s a lovely Fractal Design 140mm fan pre-installed as the rear exhaust. However, it will accept a 120mm fitting if you desire it, and has elongated mounts for easy height adjustment; very handy for AIO and radiator installs.

Below that, you’ll find the usual seven expansion slots. However, there are two more to the right for an optional riser cable to side mounts a GPU. What I do love, is that they all feature reusable ventilated metal covers.

Finally, we have the PSU mount. It’s a removable mounting bracket, so you take that off, fit it to the PSU then install the whole thing in from the rear.