Overview
The Fractal North is a mid-tower PC case that stands out for its unique wooden design and great performance. Launched in late 2022, it combines a classic aesthetic with practical features & is particularly attractive for those looking to build a system blending in minimalist environments (Sorry ARGB)
Unboxing
Upon unboxing the Fractal North, users are greeted with a well-packaged product that includes all necessary accessories for assembly. The case is available in two color options: Chalk White with oak accents and Charcoal Black with walnut accents. The packaging is sturdy, Fractal went one step further and customized the inner packaging with it’s logo. Initial impressions highlight the premium feel of the wooden panels and the overall clean design.
Specifications & Clearance
- Dimensions: 447 x 215 x 469 mm (L X W X H)
- Net Weight: 7.7 kg
- Motherboard Support: ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX (Edit: North XL for EATX)
- Expansion Slots: 7
- Drive Bays: 2x 3.5″/2.5″ internal bays
- Radiator Support: Front: up to 360mm; Top: up to 240mm, Rear: up to 120mm
- Fan Mounts 3x 120mm/2x 140mm front, 2x 120/140mm roof, 2x 120/140mm side, 1x 120mm rear, 1x 80mm rear (Total 8 x 120 mm or 6 x 140 mm in Mesh & 6 x 120 mm or 4 x 140 mm in TG)
- Clearances: Max CPU cooler height: 17 cm (14.5 with Fan Bracket); GPU up to 355 mm, or up to 300 mm with a 360 mm front radiator
- Material: Steel chassis with wood paneling and mesh/tempered glass options
I/O
- 1x USB Type-C 3.1 Gen 2 port (Thankyou)
- 2x USB 3.0 Type-A ports
- 1x headphone jack
- 1x microphone jack
Build XP & Cable Management
Build experience was good, the The top panel is removable with a leather tab. The side panels can be removed using thumb screws. The case includes multiple cutouts for cable routing & the bottom chamber provides ample space for tucking away excess cables\
Durability and Longevity
The materials used in the Fractal North suggest a long lifespan under normal use. The case is backed by a 2-year warranty, which is standard in the industry.
Comparisons with Similar Models
When compared to other mid-tower cases, the Fractal North holds its own, particularly against models like the NZXT H510 and Corsair 4000D. Here’s a brief comparison:
| Feature | Fractal North | NZXT H510 | Corsair 4000D |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $130 | $80 | $90 |
| Motherboard Support | ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX | ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX | ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX |
| Max GPU Length | 36 cm | 38 cm | 36 cm |
| Cooling Options | Up to 360mm front | Up to 280mm front | Up to 360mm front |
| Aesthetic | Wood and mesh | Minimalist glass | Mesh front |
Noise & Thermals
With full load to our RTX 3070 GPU & CPU, it was loud. So not the most silent case out there.
The thermals on the other hand were better, with both CPU and GPU under 70 degrees (Ambient temperature is 32 Celsius)
Conclusion
The Fractal North is a good PC case. The appeal is mostly for minimalist setups and blending this case into the environment, where ARGB or gamery cases are not preferred. The price point ($130) is also decent.
