Fractal Design Array R2 Mini-ITX PC Case Cases and Cooling   Page 1

Reviewer: RWL Staff Article Publish Date: 12/4/2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

 

 

 

 

 

    With increased demand for HTPC and NAS systems it comes as little surprise that PC case manufacturers have enriched their mini case lines with new models to cover just about every user out there from basic to enthusiast. Personally i am not much into HTPC systems, although i did think of building one in the past just because i wanted a small server/download system, but i can also relate to people for wanting to have a single system and a single Plasma or LCD screen for both their multimedia and gaming needs instead of two, not only because of the extra cost but also because of the extra space needed. Fractal Design is a rather new company in the field of PC cases but we have seen their products here before and i have to say that for a new company they have managed to surpass others that count two and even three times their years.

 

 

 

 

    The concept of Fractal Design is to provide products with an extraordinary design level, without compromising the important factors of quality, functionality and pricing. The computer of today has come to play a central role in most people’s home, creating a demand for appealing design of the computer itself and its accessories. Our main product areas are computer enclosures, power supplies, cooling, external storage and Media Center-products, such as Home Theatre-enclosures, keyboards and remote controls. All Fractal Design products have been thoroughly designed, tested and specified in our Swedish head quarter. The well-known ideas of Scandinavian design can be found through all of our products; a minimalistic but yet striking design - less is more. Our vision is to have a constant, healthy growth together with our partners worldwide. Our goal is to be widely recognized for our designed products and to have them available in all major market regions within EU and US. We should be a good alternative to the already established retail brands of today. It's of great importance for us that our partners understand the values of Fractal Design, therefore we are putting great effort into choosing the right partners from the start. We will work actively to maintain sales territories and profitable business for our partners. In the competitive market of today, it's not enough to just provide excellent products. Regular and well planned marketing activities in close cooperation with the channel and the available media are keypoints to succeed. We are well experienced in marketing brands in the IT business, and we will use this to create efficient marketing tools – to gain a bigger market share and good earning possibilities for our channel.

 

 

 

 

    A year ago Fractal Design launched the Array Mini-ITX case which got quite a few positive reviews and comments by people around the world. Personally i really liked its design and build quality which does not really surprise me since Lian-Li was behind the manufacturing of the Array case. Now a few months later Fractal Design removed the original Array from their product line and launched the Array R2 Mini-ITX case which we have here with us today. Since we have been amongst the first to cooperate with Fractal Design many of you that have bought the original Array case have asked us as to what differences these two cases have aside their size which is clearly displayed on the shipping box. To that end today we will also put both cases next to each other in order to see what the real and sole difference between them is.