Fractal Design North - Genuine Walnut Wood Front - Mesh Side Panels - Two 140mm Aspect PWM Fans Included - Type C USB - ATX Airflow Mid Tower PC Gaming Case,Charcoal Black
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AI Verdict
This is an ATX mid-tower case with a walnut wood front and mesh side panels, designed for users prioritizing aesthetics and air cooling.
This case offers a distinct aesthetic with its genuine wood front and mesh side panels, providing good airflow for air-cooled systems and GPUs up to 355mm. However, its mid-tower size can lead to tight clearances for larger components like 360mm AIOs with long GPUs, and some users report issues with build quality details like screws and panel flex.
If you need more internal space for larger GPUs (over 355mm), multiple 3.5" HDDs, or extensive custom water cooling, look for a full-tower ATX case.
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Pros
- Genuine walnut wood front panel offers a distinct, non-gamer aesthetic.
- Includes two 140mm Aspect PWM fans for front intake.
- Mesh side panel option enhances GPU cooling with an included fan bracket.
- Supports GPUs up to 355 mm, or 300 mm with a 360 mm front radiator.
- Intuitive interior layout with well-designed cable management features.
- Dust filters are easily removable and effective.
Cons
- Side panel thumb screws are difficult to use.
- Limited space for 140mm fans at the top due to CPU power cable interference.
- Some parts of the case exhibit flex, and screws are reported as low quality.
- Tight clearance for large GPUs, especially with the side fan bracket installed.
- Only two 3.5" HDD mounts are included, despite three possible positions.
Dimension Scores
The open front and mesh side panel design, combined with two 140mm Aspect PWM fans, provides effective airflow for air-cooled systems.
The included 140mm Aspect PWM fans are reported as quiet, and the case generally offers a silent operation.
While some users find it well-built, others report issues with panel flex, low-quality screws, and tight USB ports.
The interior layout is designed for intuitive cable management, with dedicated space behind the motherboard tray and included cable tidies.
Best For
- PC builders seeking a unique, furniture-like aesthetic in their living space.
- Air-cooled systems requiring efficient front-to-back airflow.
- Users with GPUs up to 300mm who want to utilize a 360mm front radiator.
- Enthusiasts who appreciate easily removable dust filters for maintenance.
Not Recommended For
- Builders with very long GPUs (over 355mm) or those planning a 360mm AIO with a GPU over 300mm.
- Users who frequently move their PC, as the top panel slides off easily.
- Custom water-cooling loops due to limited internal space.
Watch Out For
- Fitting 140mm fans at the top can be difficult or impossible due to interference with the CPU power cable.
- The case only includes two 3.5" HDD mounts, even though there are three potential mounting positions at the bottom.
- Mounting 140mm fans on the side bracket can cause the side panel to bulge slightly.
- The top panel slides off with minimal effort, which can be inconvenient if you lean on the case.
- Front USB ports are reported as very tight, raising concerns about breaking them.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B09V878FXQ |
| Brand | Fractal Design |
| Color | Charcoal Black |
| Series | North Charcoal Black |
| Material | Metal |
| Case Type | Mid Tower |
| Department | mens |
| Model Name | North Charcoal Black |
| Item Weight | 20.9 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Fractal Design |
| Cooling Method | Air |
| Flash Memory Size | 256 GB |
| Item model number | FD-C-NOR1C-01 |
| Product Dimensions | 17.6 x 8.46 x 18.46 inches |
| Computer Memory Type | DIMM |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 17.6 x 8.46 x 18.46 inches |
| Number of USB 2.0 Ports | 1 |
| Motherboard Compatability | ATX |
| Power Supply Mounting Type | Mid Tower |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Gaming |
| Standing screen display size | 1 |
What Buyers Say
Many users are drawn to the Fractal Design North for its unique aesthetic, featuring a genuine walnut wood front panel that stands out from typical "gamer" cases. While the airflow is generally praised, especially with the mesh side panel, some builders find the internal space restrictive for larger components like long GPUs or 360mm AIOs. There are recurring complaints about the quality of the included screws and some panel flex, which can detract from the premium feel. The side panel thumb screws are also a common point of frustration due to their difficulty of use.
“Man, this case looks so good on my desk, but those side panel screws are a nightmare and I swear the top just falls off if I breathe on it wrong, but my GPU temps are actually pretty chill.”
Common Praise
- The genuine walnut wood front panel provides a distinct, non-gamer aesthetic.
- Effective airflow through the open front and mesh side panels keeps components cool.
- Included 140mm Aspect PWM fans operate quietly.
- Intuitive interior layout makes building relatively straightforward.
- Easily removable and effective dust filters simplify maintenance.
Common Complaints
- Side panel thumb screws are difficult to grip and turn.
- Tight clearance for 140mm fans at the top due to CPU power cable interference.
- Reported instances of flimsy parts, panel flex, and low-quality screws.
- Front USB ports are excessively tight, raising concerns about damage.
- The top panel slides off very easily, sometimes unintentionally.
Ownership Tips
- The mesh side panel version often includes a fan bracket that can significantly improve GPU temperatures.
- The included 140mm fans are quiet enough that many users don't immediately feel the need to replace them.
- The compact nature means you might need to remove front fans to install a long GPU.
- HDD noise can be noticeable, even with the included vibration absorbers.
- Cable management space behind the motherboard tray, while present, can be tight for larger bundles or RGB hubs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Fractal Design North come with fans?
Yes, it includes two 140mm Aspect PWM fans pre-installed in the front for intake. It does not include an exhaust fan.
Can I fit a large GPU in this case?
The case supports GPUs up to 355 mm in length. If you install a 360 mm front radiator, the GPU length is limited to 300 mm.
Is the wood on the front panel real?
Yes, the front panel features genuine walnut wood.
How is the airflow?
The case is designed for natural ventilation with an open front and mesh side panels, providing good airflow, especially with the mesh side panel version.
Can I install a liquid cooler?
Yes, it supports radiators up to 240mm at the top and up to 360mm in the front. Custom water cooling loops are generally not recommended due to space constraints.
Are there dust filters?
Yes, the case includes easily removable and effective dust filters.
Buying Guide
When picking a PC case, you're balancing airflow, component compatibility, and how it looks in your space. For a mid-tower like this, you need to check if your graphics card and CPU cooler (especially if it's a large air cooler or an AIO) will actually fit without forcing anything. Good airflow means your components stay cooler and perform better, but sometimes that comes at the expense of noise or aesthetics.
Compatible Motherboard (ATX)
This tells you the size of the main circuit board your computer uses. ATX is a common, mid-size standard, meaning it fits most typical desktop builds, but not the smallest mini-ITX or largest E-ATX boards.
Max GPU Length (355 mm)
This is the longest graphics card you can put in the case. Graphics cards are getting longer, so if you have a high-end card, you need to make sure its length in millimeters is less than or equal to this number, especially if you plan on a front radiator.
Cooling Method (Air)
This case is primarily designed for air cooling, meaning it's optimized for fans moving air through it. While it supports liquid coolers (AIOs), its design prioritizes natural air circulation over extensive custom liquid cooling setups.
Fan Size (140mm)
This refers to the diameter of the fans included or supported. Larger fans (like 140mm) generally move more air at lower RPMs, which can result in quieter operation compared to smaller 120mm fans for the same airflow.
Alternatives
If you need more internal volume for larger custom liquid cooling setups, multiple 3.5" storage drives, or GPUs exceeding 355mm, look for a full-tower case with greater radiator and component clearance.
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