Front Bezel Window PC Case Mod Guide Fractal Design Define S2

Mnpctech's PC Case Modder, Bill Owen guides you through the steps in modifying your PC Front Bezel for a custom window or Modder's Mesh Grill. This is look is very popular tempered glass panel PC cases by brands that include Antec, Corsair, Lian Li, Thermaltake, NZXT, Phanteks, and Cooler Master. Bill uses Fractal Design's new Define S2 in this case mod guide. The only advantage to using the Define S2 is the factory opening in the factory bezel. You can use any PC case with basic flat bezel design, even an old beige PC tower.
This is mod is great for highlighting your programmable RGB or static LED cooling fans. This bezel case mod also allows you to relocate your cooling fans to the front of your PC chassis, inside your Fractal Design bezel. Bill also shows how you can use Modder's Mesh grill instead to help improve your PC airflow.
Materials Needed for Front PC Bezel Window Mod.
1x 1/8" thick 24" x 12" sheet of clear acrylic
1x 1/16" thiock sheet of 24" x 12" cast clear acrylic
1x 24" x 12" sheet of Round Modder's Mesh by Mnpctech
8x 6/32 thread x 1/2" long flat head socket head cap screws
Hand and Power Tools Needed for Front Bezel Window Case Mod.
*Measuring Square / Ruler
*Rotary Tool (Dremel) with cutting wheel
*Jigsaw with bimetal cutting blade
*Hand File
*Vertical or Band Saw
*Power Drill with 1/8" drill bit for plastics (mnpctech)
*SciGrip #4 Acrylic Cement
*Modeler or Hobbyist Paint Brush
*Scotchbrite Pad (Med) to scuff surface of PC bezel
*Cotton Towel to clean PC bezel after scuffing
*Rustoleum X2 Painters Touch Flat White for define S2 case.
#fractaldesign #pcmasterrace #DIY

[@NotFromConcentrate]

Thank you, Modfather, for teaching us. Because of your videos I am a modder!

[@RetroBerner]

Yep, ran into Bill's work back when I used to moderate over on the DFI-Street forums, Modfather indeed!

[@JimmysTheBestCop]

All hail NFC!!

[@albertlie]

Fractal Design should watch this video. This is absolutely genius.

[@MaxellAdGuy]

They did and really likes the idea, Thanks for watching and Have great day! Bill - www.mnpctech.com

[@whelmy]

looks like they are going to be releasing a Define S2 "Vision" which is the front door all in glass much like this.

[@ApexierGS]

I see a billowen / mnpctech vid, I press like! The YT algorithm has been hiding your channel, when I feel something missing in my life I manually search out your channel.

[@MaxellAdGuy]

Thank you, the YT algo has been hiding many great channels from their subs. I'm thankful we have fans like you!

[@shane250]

I'd love to see a case with mesh acrylic. So the acrylic is actually perforated (and filtered- of course). That would give you the best of both worlds...Design+Airflow+Transparency.

[@MaxellAdGuy]

yes, thats a good idea too

[@Aleph-Noll]

do you sell this? i would totally buy a modified front panel like this

[@MaxellAdGuy]

no, but all of the steps are in the video, Awesome post, Thank you! Bill at www.Mnpctech.com

[@Turok2]

For my case mod I've been working on and off this year, one thing I was stuck on was how to affix a roughly 360mm grill to the front while making it look nice and easy to clean for dust. Watching this video has solved that issue for me and I will go ahead and do like you've done here with the mesh front grill and add filters to my fans. Thank you for the video as well as your others!

[@MaxellAdGuy]

awesome, if you need anything from our Mnpctech.com mod store, use code MNFAN

[@ScaleCarModels]

Great mod for a great case Bill. I'm planning to purchase the S2 in white real soon to replace my R4. This mod is top of my list and will compliment my custom loop with front mounted rad. KUTGW!!!

[@MaxellAdGuy]

You'll love it, great case, I just subbed to your channel, too

[@crisstobale]

Que genial tu video, quiero hacer lo mismo, estoy aburrido del cristal templado. Pero no encuentro el tipo de malla que le instalaste. Saludos.

[@Cephalon_Shade]

yes! more mods to the case!

[@MaxellAdGuy]

Cool, we'll get on it and share it! Thanks for watching! Bill - www.mnpctech.com

[@mr.alepcxmod5615]

You áre a real modders. Helpfull videos. It's inspiration for me 😁💪🏻🔥✨

[@mandifalconer3580]

Great video. I just got this case and I love it. The thermals aren't horrible, but I know they could be better if the front wasn't blocked. Unfortunately, I hated the design of the Meshify. I just couldn't bring myself to hit that purchase button. This may be my first mod. I'm going to see if my neighbor, who has a plethora of tools, is willing to assist me. I love that I won't have to destroy my case in order to try this. If I don't like the results, I can go back to stock. The amount of detail in this is totally inspiring me to do my first case mod. Thank you again for the great video.

[@patrickbennett439]

Hello, id like to buy a product from you but your website seems to have a glitch, when i click email us, it does nothing. Whats your email? il be need a support for a radeon graphics card pretty soon as im about to build a pc. Thanks

[@gamertechlive1780]

Mesh is better than window. Its not full clear view but you can still see your fans inside the mesh.

[@alvarosilvar]

Excellent Mod! Terrific! Congrats!

[@ismaelnegroe1274]

Wow!! Amazing work, thank you for sharing, greetings from Mexico

[@Nixima81]

Glass window all day long and yes see how far you can push the S2.

[@MaxellAdGuy]

Thanks Jonny! we enjoy sharing these case mod ideas with you! Have great day! Bill - www.mnpctech.com

[@taipeitaiwan10]

You guys are damn creative. Please keep it up. I'm so bored of lots of same old cases and when I do see one, where air flow sucks, its nice to see a Mod.

[@MaxellAdGuy]

Cool, we'll get on it and share it! Thanks for watching! Bill - www.mnpctech.com

[@CarAudioInc]

I use to watch your videos back when I was 15. You've inspired me tremendously. Glad to see your still doing your thing man.

[@MaxellAdGuy]

thanks for watching! If you need anything elser for your PC, visit my store, mnpctech.com and use my DISCOUNT code, MNFAN at check out for 15% off your order.

[@seydaneen8970]

Hi Bill. i have a similar case in the Define R6 and I have a quick question about modding it a little. I would like to paint the black front of my white R6 to match with the rest of the case so I was wondering how you would go about doing that if you were going to attempt it? Do I just get some type of sandpaper to scuff the aluminum front a little and then just go with a paint / primer like you used in this video? Thanks for any help!

[@MaxellAdGuy]

that's correct Seyda! thanks for the question, You’re invited tonight to visit my store, mnpctech.com and use my DISCOUNT code, MNFAN at check out for 15% off your order!

[@Spacebug2003]

I like your work and the define s2. Did you even think about making the front design like the fractal design meshify ( the frame and the grill )?

[@MaxellAdGuy]

Not a fan of the Meshify design, sorry

[@lucianofz788]

O tought you gone damm finaly some Change allways the same contents with Linus,jayz2,bitwit, etc... "We build a new PC" Bla Bla. Thx for the comeback.

[@MaxellAdGuy]

Thanks dude! yea, I've been away for long time, but bringing more "Modding" videos back! Thanks for watching and Have great day! Bill - www.mnpctech.com

[@RuttagerTube]

What might be cool to see is if you guys can come up with a way to make a distribution plate without a cnc or laser cutter. I don't know if this would work but maybe cut the custom reservoir and coolant channels all the way through a piece of acrylic using a jig saw and then sandwich it between two pieces using acrylic cement. Then drill the threaded holes for the fittings. On the S2 you could even mount it directly to the slots used for reservoir mounts.

[@MaxellAdGuy]

Noted if we have space we can look into possibility. dangerden made their 5.25 reservoir bays with individual pieces or clear acrylic with cement and they all leaked, so machining acrylic is always best solution, but I understand not everyone has CNC.

[@jay-annoliveros5358]

what screw are you using?

[@l33t00r]

very nice! a pure dust filter mesh front, with 3 fans inside the cover, without glass or gigantic case dimensions. looking for this like 6 years now, of course still not on market ... as always 99% of current pc cases are just "temporary fashion" clones for the masses.

[@MaxellAdGuy]

So true!!, Thank you for watching! Bill at www.mnpctech.com

[@kylieanneking2606]

Cooler Master Q300L, pure dust filter🙂 But the side panel is acrylic, hope they do a TG version of that case

[@AdrianTap]

great video in 2020!

[@coachaub377]

I am looking to change a glass front to a mesh front. This is useful.

[@MaxellAdGuy]

thanks for watching, have a great day!

[@alexvargas6180]

Any chance on these being sold online lien the original define a mesh panels?

[@MaxellAdGuy]

No, we cannot, this is why all of the steps are outlined in this video, have a great day! Bill - mnpctech.com/

[@smashbrown]

Looking at modifying the front of my phanteks enthoo primo into one big grill for more air, these videos may help, but if you did one specifically on that, well, just do it :)

[@_mighty_irie7495]

original +1

[@Aleph-Noll]

This is so cool

[@Aj-fc7cz]

Great vid Bill! Many options with both types of grill mods. Logo's for both types are a great idea......... BTW, great 3.0 mobo header extenders for tight case builds, loved the 3 I bought......

[@Moonscrafting]

mesh ftw

[@MaxellAdGuy]

agreed! Thank you for watching! Bill at www.mnpctech.com

[@CEnjoyer]

hi are you still producing the enthoo luxe clear side panel as it currently says out of stock on your website. Thanks ^-^

[@MaxellAdGuy]

No, sales dropped many months ago, sorry! Thanks for watching and Have great day! Bill - www.mnpctech.com

[@CEnjoyer]

@@MaxellAdGuy ahh thats truly disappointing. Thanks anyway!

[@totallynottrademarked5279]

I would love to see your take on the TT View 91!

[@MaxellAdGuy]

I don't review TT products after they were caught stealing CaseLabs design, Thanks for watching and Have great day! Bill - www.mnpctech.com

[@daniellongatti3935]

Where do I buy this lmao 2 lazy to do myself

[@MaxellAdGuy]

Not interested in making retail production, I have many other parts that will sell quicker, Bill at www.mnpctech.com

[@Stefan.Stefanov]

Can you make this mod on the 1st version, Define S? I want front panel with a mesh but I don't know how to do the mod.

[@lrojas26]

Thank you for the video. I personally would do the front mesh for better airflow. Would it be possible to order the mesh from the meshify c and cut it to your specs ti have that particular mesh on the S2?

[@beyond305]

if you put painters tape on the lines youre going to cut, the plexiglass will not melt and be so much easier to cut

[@MaxellAdGuy]

Cast Acrylic doesn't melt. Extruded Acrylic does melt, regardless if you tape or not. (btw, Plexiglas is a brand, not a type of acrylic)

[@beyond305]

@@MaxellAdGuy i didnt know there were different types, thanks for the info

[@bleederhead]

NICE

[@GertSterner]

What about a more caotic and organic design, like the inside of an animal/human with the heart and stuff.

[@MaxellAdGuy]

that would be wild, reminds me of GIGER... Have you done any case mods Gert? Thank you for your longtime support and watching! Bill - www.mnpctech.com

[@GertSterner]

Yes, a Giger inspired system would be something worth looking at. Unfortunately I have not done any modding lately. But if you have, please let us see! I regard you as the best modder there is.

[@GeorgeLovesV12]

What about s2 vision's blackout font panel 😎🤷

[@MaxellAdGuy]

their CEO watches my videos ;-)

[@GeorgeLovesV12]

I hope so I can buy that beautiful case in future... 👍🏻

[@nickrosetti9224]

Great mod man!!!! Just awesome!!!!!

[@MaxellAdGuy]

thanks for comment Nick, You’re invited tonight to visit my store, mnpctech.com and use my DISCOUNT code, MNFAN at check out for 15% off your order!

[@andersonkhotzecheng1084]

Can i order this in mnpc website?

[@MaxellAdGuy]

No, this is DIY Mod Guide, Thank you for watching, Bill at mnpctech.com/

[@firebird355ci]

Bill I have been missing your mod videos. I’m super happy to see you create this video. I’m really looking for ideas for my R6. So hopefully you will have some mod videos using an R6. Maybe a custom PSU shroud?!?

[@MaxellAdGuy]

Thank you for your idea, We'll try to bring some new things to inspire you! Thanks for watching! Bill - www.mnpctech.com

[@RetroBerner]

This is dope, the possibilities are nearly endless; mesh, window or painted acrylic with vent cutouts.. etc. I am looking to get some better airflow into my Evolv ITX case. I usually just pop the bottom half of the front panel off when stressing the PC, but I am curious to see what you would come up with. Thanks Bill, great video as always.

[@MaxellAdGuy]

Many people have asked me to mod the Evolv, but I gave all of my review samples away. It would be the same steps as my NZXT H440 mod guide. Thanks for watching and Have great day! Bill - www.mnpctech.com

[@bradleymorris6981]

I don't have the S2, I have the Corsair Obsidian 650D but if I were to do something like this, I would cut out a piece of both mesh and a window and use which ever I felt like that day. I love how simple it is to remove the mesh/window.

[@MaxellAdGuy]

Awesome! Thanks for watching and Have great day! Bill - www.mnpctech.com

[@slacr9241]

Very nice video , just came across it today. I'd go for the mesh. Looks and functionality is ++ :). Flex water tubing sounds pretty cool. And what about a mesh side and top panel. Open air cases get the best cooling i heard. (i have a thermaltake P3 snow edition) So... mesh it up :), just my 2 cents. Keep it up, really enjoyed watching.

[@MaxellAdGuy]

Grreat ideas! Thanks for watching and Have great day! Bill - www.mnpctech.com

[@ryn5302]

always the mesh ^^ fantastic crafting sir owen ^^

[@loranpg9876]

Yes Bill, pursue the case. And do bring back the flexible tubing for water cooling. Yes, it could be creative by using different size fittings and tubing. Hard line tubing only can go so far and does get boring after awhile; in my opinion let this get truly creative with imagination.

[@MaxellAdGuy]

agreed, we want to try and share some mod ideas with you! Thank you and Have great day! Bill - www.mnpctech.com

[@Mixbag]

Grown up watching bills videos got me into pc modding. I dont really do it much no more :(

[@MaxellAdGuy]

understood, everyone's interests and lives do change, Mosquito are ready to do something new, and hope you can check back and watch! Thank you for your longtime support and watching! Bill - www.mnpctech.com

[@Boss-jb5pr]

What is that type of metal mesh called for air flow?

[@MaxellAdGuy]

Modder's Mesh. Thanks for watching!

[@Boss-jb5pr]

@@MaxellAdGuy OK thank you very much

[@gperme1993]

What's the ruler at 5:00?

[@MaxellAdGuy]

Mnpctech PC Mod Ruler & Reference Tool, 3 left here, mnpctech.com/pc-mod-tools/pc-mod-ruler/pc-modder-ruler-and-gauge.html

[@SuperBrownieB]

I just got the s2 and really thinking on doing this custom front. Have you guys tested for sound and heat? Compared to the original front

[@MaxellAdGuy]

No issues for us. You can dismantle your S2 bezel face plate and TEST difference for your system temps, just record temps with and without the bezel face plate. Thanks for watching! Bill - www.mnpctech.com

[@GENERALCHAOS13]

Yo Bro I'm still working on the Crossout Case mod with that Aluminum case feet and I finally decided to go AMD Ryzen build parts are coming sometime time next week Note to self don't do the rain natural Rust project it takes to long I'm buying the Iron paint kit

[@MaxellAdGuy]

sounds good Pablo! Thanks for watching and Have great day! Bill - www.mnpctech.com

[@NerdW0rk]

Love it! Once again Bill inspiring me and my quest of modding Fractal cases!

[@MaxellAdGuy]

Awesome &Thank you! we want to try and share some mod ideas with you! Have great day! Bill - www.mnpctech.com

[@xxxkrzysiek20]

You propably should sell this pre-made( drilled, glued) parts with mesh option. People would buy it.

[@MaxellAdGuy]

Maybe next year, Thanks for watching, mnpctech.com/

[@chaosdestroyerz]

Great mod idea! I want to do this mod to my define s2 case, but i don't have the space to do the mod myself, If it was being sold i would definitely buy one instantly! :/ Only difference i would do is put the large piece of cut acrylic in the front rather than against the bezel frame, so the mesh would go behind the arches on top and bottom after the acrylic has been painted.

[@MaxellAdGuy]

Great ideas! Thanks for watching and Have great day! Bill - www.mnpctech.com

[@christopherjames9843]

Beautiful. Much better than the original design. I wish I had better machining and art skills.

[@MaxellAdGuy]

No machining involved with this mod, just dremel, jigsaw, and vertical saw. Is there anyone you know who can help you? Thanks for watching and Have great day! Bill - www.mnpctech.com

[@ronniecason9807]

Honestly I think I would do both since my PC is water cooled and I would compare the fluid thermals to see it I was getting enough air flow from the side with the window in place and if now then I would just use the mesh. Either way though I think they both look amazing.

[@MaxellAdGuy]

100% agreed, Thanks for watching and Have great day! Bill - www.mnpctech.com

[@gregbalth]

What I like most about this mod is that it is non distructive as the actual case isn't drilled or cut into. I'd pick the mesh as I want high airflow and don't really like how glas looks.

[@MaxellAdGuy]

Thanks for your feedback and watching and Have great day! Bill - www.mnpctech.com

[@thewop0628]

Mesh. Hands down

[@MaxellAdGuy]

Thank you! we want to try and share some mod ideas with you! Have great day! Bill - www.mnpctech.com

[@raymondgetman3073]

Great straight forward instruction. Always love your videos. I think would go with window but looks good both ways.

[@MaxellAdGuy]

Thank you Raymond! Have a great day! Bill - www.mnpctech.com

[@ModBoxCol]

It’s been a while since the last mod guide... happy to watch it again!

[@MaxellAdGuy]

Hows it going Modbox Labs?, Any new builds or projects? I'll check out yr channel, Bill - www.mnpctech.com

[@ApexierGS]

Great timing for this video, I am going to do this to a closed front bezel case by diypc case, cuz triple front fans intakes.

[@MaxellAdGuy]

Awesome! Thanks for watching! Bill - www.mnpctech.com

[@sofabiru6852]

😷😁

[@RetroAdventure]

Beautiful as always! And you know what...I just might cut a hole in my front bezel lol

[@MaxellAdGuy]

Awesome, have fun!!!

[@ccgert]

More Mods plz.

[@MaxellAdGuy]

Will do, Thanks for watching and Have great day! Bill - www.mnpctech.com

[@Dagger_Hashimoto]

Hey Bill, glad to see you posting videos man. Hopefully you post more case mods videos. 👍

[@MaxellAdGuy]

I'm gonna do my best to bring you more modding content, Thanks for watching and Have great day! Bill - www.mnpctech.com

[@xeromist]

I like this idea. I have an old Antec 900 that might work for this.

[@MaxellAdGuy]

Awesome! we plan to share more case mod ideas with you! Have great day! Bill - www.mnpctech.com

[@Doobie3010]

Btw,the Mesh looks far better,imo.

[@miguelmartinez-ew9hv]

Both mods look good. Great idea stacking the acrylic. Good knowledge. thanks

[@MaxellAdGuy]

Thank you!! we'll plan some more mods to share with this case, Thanks for watching! Bill - www.mnpctech.com

[@beanstalker3292]

Modfather.... All hail!!

[@oldmanian]

Really great video and great mod. You guys should sell a kit.

[@MaxellAdGuy]

Thank you! we want to try and share some mod ideas with you! Have great day! Bill - www.mnpctech.com

[@jedanjedini7811]

Would double sided tape be good replacement for the screws?

[@MaxellAdGuy]

give it a try, have a good day Bill - mnpctech.com/

[@jeiciaa8347]

perfect.

[@MaxellAdGuy]

thanks for watching! If you need anything elser for your PC, visit my store, mnpctech.com and use my DISCOUNT code, MNFAN at check out for 15% off your order.

[@delta9k]

I like and would do the mesh front. Awesome mod thanks for the ideas and plan.

[@MaxellAdGuy]

Hows it going delta, Any new builds or projects? Thanks for watching and Have great day! Bill - www.mnpctech.com

[@alexandrutanase5466]

the modfather ,do 1 for the phanteks evolv too,a mesh front idea.

[@MaxellAdGuy]

Same steps, Thanks for watching and Have great day! Bill - www.mnpctech.com

[@dandel351]

I think the clear panel looks cool, but I would put it some sort of trim panel so that all you can see is the fan discs and nothing else. If total airflow was needed I would just use standard fans and your mesh mod with a removable fine mesh filter. As far as the liquid cooling loop goes I would love to see what polished copper tube would look like I don't think I've seen anyone try that yet. With the soft tube I guess some non standard fittings of some sort might make the build stand out a bit. Cheers!

[@MaxellAdGuy]

Thank you for your feedback!! we'll do our best to create some ideas with you! Have great day! Bill - www.mnpctech.com

[@dandel351]

Thanks for the reply Bill and team. I'll keep my eye out for your next video. Have an Awesome day!!

[@Zaegen]

Very nice mod! Definitely interested to see more mods to the Define S2!

[@MaxellAdGuy]

NOTED!! we'll get on creating more and sharing with you Thanks for watching! Bill - www.mnpctech.com

[@1038994]

Thank you for giving me a modified idea of this for my case

[@MaxellAdGuy]

Thanks for watching! Bill - www.mnpctech.com

[@Doobie3010]

Another simple,easy,elegant mod-that looks 100% class.Superb stuff Bill.

[@MaxellAdGuy]

Thank you GGG for watching and Have great day! Bill - www.mnpctech.com

[@Doobie3010]

You too man,keep on modding!

[@shannonoshea644]

Just found you're channel bill and it's awesome even the video where you did the turbine mod it was really cool it would be cool to see some of those mod techniques make a come back

[@MaxellAdGuy]

Thank you! we're going to share our S2 mods as video series for you! Have great day! Bill - www.mnpctech.com

[@shannonoshea644]

@@MaxellAdGuy you're welome bill thanks for taking the time to reply and that sounds awesome cant wait to check it out you have a great day too

[@ElimRawne]

Paul's Hardware send me here and I'm glad I came!

[@MaxellAdGuy]

Thanks for coming, If you need any custom PC mod products, goto my store, www.mnpctech.com and use code, MNFAN for 15% off. Best I can do at this time

[@efboy]

I would do the front mesh grill👍🏼

[@MaxellAdGuy]

good choice! Thanks for watching, mnpctech.com/

[@Esperian]

Turned out wonderful, Bill !

[@MaxellAdGuy]

Thank you Audrey! we'll do some more mods with this case, Thanks for watching! Bill - www.mnpctech.com

[@Yalka_Arc]

True Legend, Mod Legend...

[@MaxellAdGuy]

Thank you! we want to try and share some mod ideas with you! Have great day! Bill - www.mnpctech.com

[@Kcimor78]

What fans are those? are they painted? the frame i mean

[@MaxellAdGuy]

In-Win Polaris RGB fans, I painted the legs white, Thanks for watching! Bill - www.mnpctech.com

[@Kcimor78]

@@MaxellAdGuy thanks 👍👍

[@tulliobellia3104]

Bravo... semplice e bello Bravo

[@MaxellAdGuy]

Thanks for watching! Bill - www.mnpctech.com

[@maximo4742]

Air flow...Mesh

[@MaxellAdGuy]

100% agreed, Thanks for watching and Have great day! Bill - www.mnpctech.com

[@Permafrost_13]

love your work dude!

[@MaxellAdGuy]

Thank you!! we'll plan some more mods to share with this case, Thanks for watching! Bill - www.mnpctech.com

[@MosquitoMade]

Good Stuff!

[@MaxellAdGuy]

We've GOT MORE work ahead for Us!

[@1983zezito]

nice mod

[@MaxellAdGuy]

Thanks Jose for watching! Bill - www.mnpctech.com

[@Boxkid351]

so just to answer your question to mesh or window. air cooling I would go with a window Water cooling would end up being mesh. airflow becomes more of an issue with a radiator on front panels from my experience.

[@MaxellAdGuy]

100% agreed, Thanks for watching and Have great day! Bill - www.mnpctech.com

[@scottkailey1]

I used soft tube and right angle fittings to get nice clean runs in my build. I have no desire to use hard tube.

[@MaxellAdGuy]

that's awesome Scott! Thanks for watching & Have great day! Bill - www.mnpctech.com

[@MiamiMillionaire]

and where is the floppy drive?

[@MaxellAdGuy]

Maybe the next video series, "Mod like it's 1999" Thanks for watching and Have great day! Bill - www.mnpctech.com