Fractal Design
Case
Fractal Design North ATX Mid Tower Case
MSRP:
$139
Technical Specifications
Manufacturer
Fractal Design
Type
ATX Mid Tower
MSRP
$139
Color
Black
Power Supply
None
Side Panel
Mesh
Power Supply Shroud
Yes
Front Panel Usb
USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
Motherboard Form Factor
ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITX
Maximum Video Card Length
300 mm / 11.811" With Drive Cages, 355 mm / 13.976" Without Drive Cages
Drive Bays
Internal 3 5: 2 • Internal 2 5: 2
Dimensions
Metric: 447 mm x 215 mm x 469 mm • Imperial: 17.598" x 8.465" x 18.465"
Volume
Metric: 45.073 L • Imperial: 1.592 ft³
Avoid For
Workstation builds needing extensive storage or multi-GPU support, Custom water cooling projects requiring three or more large radiators, Portable setups or LAN rigs where weight and glass panels are a concern
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Unique front panel with real wood accents for premium aesthetics
- Excellent airflow due to mesh panels and front intake design
- Compact footprint for an ATX case, suitable for most desk setups
- Quality build materials including steel frame and tempered glass side
- Supports large GPUs and tall CPU coolers
- Tool-less drive bays and removable panels for easy building and upgrades
- Integrated fan controller for optimizing cooling and noise
Cons
- Limited radiator space compared to larger cases, restricting some custom water cooling setups
- Wood front panel may show wear or discoloration with heavy use
- Tempered glass side panel can increase noise and attract fingerprints
- Fewer drive bays than competitors for extensive storage builds
Community Insights
- Users overwhelmingly praise the North for its stylish, Scandinavian-inspired design, especially the real wood front panel (available in walnut or oak) and brass or steel accents. Many community members highlight how the case blends seamlessly into home or office environments, making it a favorite for those seeking a “furniture-like” PC case that stands out from typical gaming chassis.
- The North is often discussed for balancing aesthetics with performance. Its open front panel design and mesh ventilation provide good airflow, while the sound-dampening construction and quality fans keep noise levels low. Enthusiasts note that even with high-end components, the North maintains competitive thermals without being loud.
Frequently Asked Questions
What radiator and fan support does the Fractal Design North offer?
The North supports up to a 360mm radiator at the front, a 240mm radiator at the top, and up to six 120mm or four 140mm fans, making it suitable for both air and liquid cooling setups.
Does the North support large GPUs and E-ATX motherboards?
Yes, the case supports GPUs up to 355mm in length with front fans installed (up to 300mm with a front radiator) and motherboards up to ATX size. E-ATX motherboards are supported up to 285mm wide, though cable management space may be reduced with wider boards.
Performance Guide & Use Cases
Best For
Style-focused gaming builds where aesthetics are a priority
Air-cooled systems needing high airflow for stable performance
Compact ATX builds requiring support for full-sized GPUs and coolers
Living room or office PCs where the case design blends with furniture
Single-GPU setups and standard storage needs
Potential Bottlenecks
Potential airflow bottleneck if front panel is blocked or intake fans are omitted
Storage expansion may be limited for users needing multiple HDDs/SSDs
Radiator thickness and length restrictions for advanced water cooling loops
Overkill Scenarios
Basic office PCs or entry-level builds that do not leverage premium design or airflow features
Systems without discrete graphics cards or requiring only minimal cooling
Users uninterested in aesthetics or hardware showcasing
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