Fractal Design
Case
Fractal Design North ATX Mid Tower Case
MSRP:
$129
Technical Specifications
Manufacturer
Fractal Design
Type
ATX Mid Tower
MSRP
$129
Color
White
Power Supply
None
Side Panel
Tempered Glass
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
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Premium materials including real wood panels for an elegant aesthetic
- Excellent airflow due to mesh front and top panels
- Good compatibility with large GPUs and high-end components
- Support for multiple cooling options (up to 240mm/360mm radiators, multiple fans)
- Modern front I/O including USB-C
- Tool-less drive installation for ease of use
- Removable side panels for better access during building
Cons
- Wood panels may be susceptible to scratches or humidity damage over time
- Limited space for extremely large radiators in front/top simultaneously
- No built-in RGB lighting (may not appeal to users seeking highly customizable lighting)
- Cable management space is adequate but not exceptional compared to some competitors
- No PSU shroud for fully hiding power supply and cables
Community Insights
- Users frequently praise the North for its elegant, furniture-inspired look, featuring real wood front panels (walnut or oak) and brass or steel accents. Many highlight how the case blends seamlessly into living spaces, making it popular among those who want their PC to look stylish and unobtrusive in home or office environments.
- Another common discussion point is the North’s impressive balance of airflow and acoustics. The open, mesh front panel and included high-quality fans provide strong cooling performance, while the case remains relatively quiet—even with powerful hardware. Enthusiasts often compare its thermal and noise characteristics favorably to other premium cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Fractal Design North support a 360mm AIO radiator?
No, it officially supports 240mm AIOs in the front and up to 240mm on the top (depending on motherboard clearance). A 360mm radiator will not fit.
Is the Fractal Design North good for airflow-focused builds?
Yes, particularly the Mesh version. With the right fan setup, it performs very well thermally—especially considering it’s also a design-focused case. The Wood version is still decent but slightly warmer due to lower front intake.
Performance Guide & Use Cases
Best For
Elegant gaming builds prioritizing aesthetics and airflow
Premium workstation setups where visual appeal and component cooling are both important
Home office builds where the case will be visible and design matters
Air-cooled or moderate liquid-cooled systems with standard radiator sizes
Potential Bottlenecks
Using very thick front radiators with long GPUs can result in fitment issues
Building with excessively large power supplies may make cable management more difficult
Limited space for additional storage drives if multiple radiators and long GPUs are installed
Overkill Scenarios
Basic office PC or low-power builds where airflow and aesthetics are not priorities
Systems built without dedicated GPUs or custom cooling setups
Avoid For
Extreme water-cooling builds needing multiple large radiators and reservoirs
Budget builds where aesthetic premium is not needed and cost savings are a priority
Environments with high humidity or risk of wood panel damage
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