Page 1: Fractal Design Meshify 2 XL: Particularly large and airy

So far, Fractal Design has only offered its Airflow models from the Meshify series as manageable midi towers. An XL model was missing – but only to this day. The newly unveiled Meshify 2 XL should be particularly generous as well as cool optimally.

Originally, Fractal Design became known with the Silent models from the Define series. The construction with a closed and soundproofed door is good for the acoustics, but it stands in the way of maximum airflow. The company already responded to the demand for an Airflow model 2017 with the Meshify C. In addition to the mesh front, this ATX case was also the first newly developed fractal design model to offer a glass side panel. The successor followed 2017 with the Meshify S2. This model became bigger, more versatile, more modern and more expensive. Just one year later, the next generation is coming onto the market – and this time with two models. The Meshify 2 follows in the footsteps of the Meshify S2. Fractal Design streamlines the naming scheme, but also risks confusion. The Meshify 2 is now also being accompanied by a larger sibling – the Meshify 2 XL.

This XL model is a novelty for the Meshify range – that is but not that the case was completely redesigned. Because there is already an XL model in the current Define 7 series – and the interior of the Define 7 XL has simply been largely adopted. Nevertheless, both housings are fundamentally different. Because while the Define 7 XL was consistently designed as a silent housing, the Meshify 2 XL is just as consistently designed as a high-airflow model. Silent measures such as the closed and insulated front or the lockable lid are not found. But there is a lot of mesh that gives hope for high cooling performance.

Fractal Design offers the Meshify 2 XL in two versions: With a slightly or heavily tinted glass side panel. The recommended retail price for Meshify 2 XL Black TG Light Tint and Meshify 2 XL Black TG Dark Tint is 181, 99 Euro indicated. For comparison: The RRP for the Define 7 XL with glass side panel was 219, 99 Euro, so almost 40 Euro higher.

Fractal Design includes the Meshify 2 XL Instructions, warranty information, pre-sorted assembly material, cable ties, cleaning cloth and two drive brackets.

Before we start the actual test, here are the key data of the housing in tabular form:

Key data:
Designation:	Fractal Design Meshify 2 XL
Material:	Steel, tempered glass, plastic
Dimensions:	240 x 566 x 604 mm (W x H x D)
Form factor:	E-ATX / ATX / mATX / ITX / EE-ATX / SSI-CEB / SSI-EEB
Drives:	6 + 2 3.5 / 2.5 inches (internal, 18 maximum), 2x 2.5 inches (internal, five positions)
Fan:	4x 120 / 3x 140 mm (front, 2x 140 mm pre-installed), 1x 120 / 140 mm (back wall, 1x 140 mm pre-installed), 4x 100 / 3x 140 mm (cover, optional), 2x 120 / 140 mm (bottom, optional)
Radiators (maximum according to the manufacturer):	Front: 480 / 420 mm, cover: 480 / 420 mm, back wall: 120 mm, bottom: 240 / 280 mm
CPU cooler height (maximum according to manufacturer):	18, 5 cm
Graphics card length (maximum according to manufacturer):	52, 4 cm (with front fan)
Weight:	16, 64 kg
Price:	181, 99 Euro (RRP)