Fractal Design North Chassis Review

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Fractal Design North Review

This time we’re testing a mid-size ATX tower PC chassis, a Fractal Design North. The look is inspired by Scandinavian design, with bespoke details like brass (Charcoal), steel (Chalk) or a faux leather pull tab for easy access to the top of the chassis. It introduces fusion design and airflow engineering. Natural materials such as real walnut (Charcoal) or oak (Chalk) panels make this game case a stylish addition to the living space.

It is a mid-tower chassis with around 45 liters of volume. The looks are inspiring, with a front panel made of natural materials. Two 140 mm fans will be found in the bundle (both placed at the front). There are four chassis variants:

• Anthracite (black) with mesh panel
• Charcoal (black) with TG panel (which we got)
• Chalk (white) with mesh panel
• Chalk (white) with TG panel

The exact dimensions are 447×215×450 (L×W×H) in total; it’s 45.1 l in volume, so an average for this kind of chassis. The Nord supports up to ATX motherboards (and, of course, uATX and mini-ITX). There is no built-in ARGB controller. The weight is 7.6 kg and there is a tempered glass panel (in the TG version). According to the specs, there are three (two included) 3.5-inch carriers (which can also handle 2.5-inch) and two 2.5-inch drive carriers. On the front, you will find the following ports:

• USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C
• USB 3.0×2,
• HD audio ports
• power button

Now let’s take a look at the specs and features of this chassis, shall we? The Fractal Design North offers plenty of cooling options, supporting radiators up to 360mm at the front, 240mm at the top (with a maximum RAM height of 35mm), and 120mm at the rear (with the side support in the lowest position). You also get seven expansion slots. Up to three 120 or two 140mm fans can be mounted in the front (two 140mm Aspect PWM fans are pre-installed). Two 120 or 140 mm fans at the top can be used and one 120 mm fan at the rear. In the Mesh variant, it is also possible to mount 2x 120/140 mm using the supplied side support. There are also two fan filters (front and PSU). You can use CPU air coolers with a maximum height of 170mm (enough to fit all models), but it will only be 145mm with the fan mount. GPUs can be up to 355mm long with the front-mounted fan and 300mm with a 360mm front-mounted radiator. The PSU should be no larger than 255mm (usually enough for all units) with one HDD tray, but it’s only 155mm with two HDD trays. The price is $129.99 for all versions. Will it be worth it?

IntroductionSpecification and FeaturesShowcase of products – the packagingProduct Showcase – ExteriorProduct Showcase – ExteriorProduct Showcase – InteriorProduct Showcase – InteriorProduct Showcase – Interior, RearShowcase of products – constructionProduct showcase – the finished versionAcoustic and thermal performanceThermal performance – GPU/CPU temperaturesFinal words and conclusion

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