PC cases from Fractal Design’s Pop Air lineup are now arriving with the number “2” (Pop 2 Air). In addition to maintaining attractive pricing, this brings a modernized interior, new features, and new Aspect fans. Yes, this series is not ending and will continue, including Pop 2 Air cases with an “X” suffix. Fractal Design bases these fans on the proven aerodynamic impeller design of the Momentum (RGB) fans.
Taking things step by step, starting from the ground up, the “fresh” Pop 2 Air cases conceptually fall into what most would classify as the mid-tower category. Dimensions are 481 × 215 × 462 mm (roughly 48 liters). Motherboard support spans from ATX—which is the official maximum—down through Micro ATX to Mini-ITX.
Graphics cards can be genuinely long, up to 416 mm, a length not even exceeded by non-reference GeForce RTX 5090 models. From that perspective, there’s ample room, including support for tower CPU coolers up to 170 mm tall. Alternatively, liquid cooling solutions—traditionally AIO units—have mounting positions at the top (the case ceiling) and at the rear, with the primary focus on the top. This area supports radiators up to 360 mm. Larger units are not supported. And, interestingly, neither are smaller ones—if by smaller we mean models using 140 mm fans. These are not accounted for. The reasons are not entirely clear, but that’s how it is—Fractal Design’s datasheets list support only for radiators using 120 mm fans (360 mm, 240 mm, and 2×120 mm. The latter is mentioned twice because this format can be mounted both at the top and at the rear of the case).
The included fans are Aspect 12X, or Aspect 12X RGB. They are notable for their 3-pin connectors (meaning no PWM speed control), but also for a shape that closely “copies” the Momentum fans. This is very likely a good thing, as testing has shown just how high the “cooling efficiency” of this design can be. In the case of the Aspect 12X (RGB) fans, a cheaper material (PBT?) is used for the impeller construction, but this goes hand in hand with the lower overall price at which the Pop 2 Air cases are sold.
As is customary with Fractal Design, multiple variants are available: three with tempered glass side panels (Black TG, Black TG RGB, and White TG RGB) and one (Black Solid) with a solid steel side panel. One variant (White TG RGB) also features a white exterior. The front panel is always perforated, and Fractal Design places increased emphasis in its documentation on airflow and thus overall effective cooling of the components installed in the case.
Suggested retail pricing falls in the range of 90–100 USD, with RGB variants featuring lighting elements priced higher. There may not necessarily be a price difference between steel and tempered glass side panels. As always, however, final pricing will be determined by the market and individual retailers. Fractal Design itself does not differentiate between them in this regard.
English translation and edit by Jozef Dudáš
