Fractal Design's Define S chassis allows you to mount three 120mm or two 140mm cooling fans directly behind the bezel. This feature allows more interior space for larger radiators or push-pull fan configurations. The bezel's ventilated sides provide sufficient airflow for the factory default fan locations configurations. Opening the front of the bezel will improve airflow even more.
 
This Fractal Design Define S PC build is for Farctal Design's event at 2015 Computex. The Define S Mid Tower Case is aimed at DIY liquid cooled PC enthusiasts looking for optimal space and value for their money. The Mod Zoo Staffers, Mosquito and Captain Curry Sauce give us a tour of the Define S and it’s variety of options for liquid loop layouts. $79.99 Retail for Non-Window version. $89.99 Retail for Window version, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtaB29ulk_A
Mnpctech is modifying the Define S from the video review for Fractal Design's Party Event at 2015 Computex. Mnpctech will be installing a custom liquid cooled gaming system for Fractal Design to give away after their event. All of the stages of this project will be documented on this webpage, so Bookmark it and check back often for updates! We're starting out with a Do-It-Yourself guide to modifying Fractal-Design Define S case bezel for additional airflow
 
Supplies & Tools Needed for this Case Mod:

1. 3M Scotch 233+ Green Professional Masking Tape, http://mnpctech.com/case-mods-gaming-pc-liquid-modding-custom-computer-mnpctech-overclock-cooling-fan-grills/3m-scotch-233-performance-green-masking-tape-roll.html
 

 
2. 12" Measuring Square and Pen or Pencil
 
3. Dremel or Rotary Tool with Reinforced Cutting Wheels, http://mnpctech.com/pc-mod-tools/cutting-wheels.html
 

 
4. Jigsaw with 18 TPI or higher Bi-Metal cutting blade
 
5. Hand File
 
6. Medium Grit Sandpaper or 3M Red Scotchbrite pads, http://mnpctech.com/case-mods-gaming-pc-liquid-modding-custom-computer-mnpctech-overclock-cooling-fan-grills/3m-scotchbrite-pads-sanding-buff-scuff-scotch/3m-scotchbrite-pads-en.html
 

 
7. One sheet of Mnpctech 24" x 12" Round Modder's Mesh Sheet, http://mnpctech.com/case-mods-gaming-pc-liquid-modding-custom-computer-mnpctech-overclock-cooling-fan-grills/modders-mesh-perforated-aluminum-steel-honeycomb-grill-intake-front-fan-slotted-diamond-round-hex
 

 
8. 3M ScotchWeld DP-190 Two Part Epoxy with Applicator Tip

9. Wire Clip or Tin Snip (Optional)
10. PETG Tube for PC Liquid Cooling. $.99 per 12" long tube, 1/2" OD x 3/8" ID PETG clear tube for Custom PC liquid cooling loops offers the same clear quality as standard Acrylic with an excellent impact strength and easy bend-ability.
PETG Clear Tube works with these 1/2" hard line compression fittings that include,
Alphacool HT 13mm OD hard tube
Monsoon Free Center Hardline Fitting - 3/8" ID x 1/2" OD
Monsoon Chain Gun Hardline Fitting - 3/8" ID x 1/2" OD
Primochill Ghost Hardline Fitting - 3/8" ID x 1/2" OD
Primochill Revolver Hardline Fitting - 3/8" ID x 1/2" OD

 

 
The Define S bezel is factory molded from ABS plastic, which is very durable and resilient to cracking. Removing a majority of the face plate didn't effect overall rigidity.

 
The backside of the bezel shows it's simplicity in design.
 

 
The first step is to cover the bezel with 3M Scotch 233+ Masking tape. This allows you to write measurements onto the bezel and protects it from being scratched by the Jigsaw.
 

 
Measure and mark off the portion of material you wish to remove. This cut-out will have 1" bordered frame of material remaining. Put on your Safety Glasses and use Rotary Tool with cutting wheel to make incision cuts in each corner. This will allow you to use a Jigsaw to make the long straight cuts efficiently.
 

 
Use Jigsaw with 18 TPI or higher Bi-Metal cutting blade to make the long cuts as straight as possible.
 

 
After finishing all of the cuts with the jigsaw, use a hand file and medium grit sand paper to clean and fix all of the edges.
 

 
Inspecting progress before moving onto the next stage.
 
[img=]ttps://mnpctech.com/images/companies/3/fractal_design_define_s_case_mod_mesh_bezel_grill_guide_watercool_radiator8.jpg[/img]
 

 
These are two of the multiple mounting pegs on the backside of the bezel. We've chosen to remove the inner facing base support of each peg with a Wire cutter, so the mesh can be cut as rectangular piece. This step isn't required if you cut the Modder's Mesh sheet to fit around each mounting peg.
 

 
Use medium sand paper to smooth over the surface after cutting the one side of each peg base.
 

 
The Define S bezel's new intake grill will be cut from a 24" x 12" sheet, http://mnpctech.com/case-mods-gaming-pc-liquid-modding-custom-computer-mnpctech-overclock-cooling-fan-grills/modders-mesh-perforated-aluminum-steel-honeycomb-grill-intake-front-fan-slotted-diamond-round-hex
 
This material is 22 gauge perforated plain steel. 5/32" holes 3/16" staggered centers. 33 holes per square inch.
 

 
It's great for creating custom fan guards, grills, and cooling vents like this. It does need to be painted or clear coated otherwise it is a bare steel and will oxidize over time.
 

 
The mesh grill will be attached with 3M Scotch Weld DP-190 two part epoxy with mixture applicator attachment.
 

 
Place bezel on it's face. Apply the epoxy with it's applicator over the mesh overlapping the back of the bezel. It will ooze and sink into the individual holes of the mesh.
 

 
Use c-clamps or spring loaded clamps to hold the mesh in position as it cures for 24 hours.
 

 
Place some heavy objects on the mesh. This will prevent the mesh from bowing or warping as the DP-190 epoxy during it's 24 hour cure time.
 

 

 
The bezel will be ready to handle 24 hours after the epoxied mesh has cured.
 
 
 

Bill always has something cool up his sleeve. Looking good Bill.

We've gotta see the billet SSD covers, right?

The window to see the SSD's is cool, and the covers look awesome. That paint though... Damn, I love it.

mnpctech
Thank you bro! unfortunately the camera doesn't do it justice... I want to do more of these Flat Kandy finishes in the future

Camera's never quite do any paint job justice. But knowing House of Kolor's color's I know it awesome. Hmmm, wonder if the wife is up for a road trip to Mn... Probably not, but you don't know until you try right. Then I could see it in person.

@John, she could shop at Mall of America while we do some Moddin!
 
@Luca, Thank you for kind words
 
970 GTXs with EK waterblocks and back plates. I'm utilizing two Hardware labs 360 GTS Stealth Radiators with XSPC Photon Res, D5 waterpump, EK cpu block. My 1st MB choice was EVGA Classified, but couldn't reach Jacob in time for the event 

Thanks again for watching rjohnson11!

Dude... Bill... as always AMAZING!!!

This build rocks!

Just save it for another day Jon... I also have many of these "future builds" 
 
Glad you liked the results guys. I want to add that I was really impressed with these new high static pressure fans from Fractal Design. The HP-120s are Quiet with Fluid Dynamic Bearings, rubber mounts to reduce vibration. 31.7 dBA @ 61.4 CFM with long sleeved PWM connectors




 
 
 

Very nice!

Sweet looking build..Great job...
Maybe someone here could help me with my first PC build.
I sure hope someone reads this....I wanted to run Quad SLI Titan X but I'm not sure which of the Titan X to purchase. 
These are the components I have so far for my build:
128GB Corsair Dominator Platinum Series DDR4
Asus X99 Deluxe Mobo
Coolmaster Cosmos II Full-Tower Case (If you have a better case in mind let me know)
EVGA Super Nova 1600 watt T2 Power Supply
I7 5960X 
4 x Samsung 850 Evo 1TB SSD's 
My hopes are to build one Insane Ultimate PC. If you can give any information on what I need to get or to change it would be very helpful. I was hoping to build something like this but much much better.

Star-Lord
Sweet looking build..Great job...
Maybe someone here could help me with my first PC build.
I sure hope someone reads this....I wanted to run Quad SLI Titan X but I'm not sure which of the Titan X to purchase. 
These are the components I have so far for my build:
128GB Corsair Dominator Platinum Series DDR4
Asus X99 Deluxe Mobo
Coolmaster Cosmos II Full-Tower Case (If you have a better case in mind let me know)
EVGA Super Nova 1600 watt T2 Power Supply
I7 5960X 
4 x Samsung 850 Evo 1TB SSD's 
My hopes are to build one Insane Ultimate PC. If you can give any information on what I need to get or to change it would be very helpful. I was hoping to build something like this but much much better.

You need to make a new thread as that is the best way to get attention.

My Tristellar limited edition case is set for release by Deepcool this Fall. CPU Magazine published a detailed article about the case in this month's issue. You can read the Digital edition free here, http://www.computerpoweru...er/CP____1507__/ 
 

 

 

 

rjohnson11
This build rocks!

+1  Nice and clean. Love the Blue color too.