Fractal Design North Charcoal Black Tempered Glass Dark - Genuine Walnut Wood Front - Glass Side Panel - Two 140mm Aspect PWM Fans Included - Type C USB - ATX Airflow Mid Tower PC Gaming Case
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AI Verdict
This metal ATX mid-tower case with a walnut front and glass side panel is for builders prioritizing aesthetics and air cooling with GPUs up to 355mm.
This case delivers on its promise of combining a unique aesthetic with functional airflow, featuring a genuine walnut front and two 140mm fans for effective air cooling. It accommodates ATX motherboards and GPUs up to 355mm, making it suitable for many gaming builds.
If you need more internal space for larger radiators or more storage drives, look for cases with "full tower" dimensions or specific "XL" versions.
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Pros
- Real walnut front panel and metal construction provide a premium aesthetic.
- Open front design and two included 140mm Aspect PWM fans deliver effective airflow.
- Supports ATX, mATX, and ITX motherboards, and GPUs up to 355mm without a front radiator.
- Intuitive interior layout and tool-less side panels simplify component installation.
- Dedicated cable management area behind the motherboard wall helps organize wires.
Cons
- Installing 3.5" HDDs is cumbersome and requires screws, unlike older cases with tool-less trays.
- The top panel slides off easily if bumped, lacking a secure locking mechanism.
- Mounting 140mm fans on the side bracket can cause the tempered glass side panel to bulge slightly.
- Top radiator installation limits RAM height to under 35mm.
- The front fan bracket is non-removable, making fan swaps difficult.
Dimension Scores
The open front and two included 140mm fans provide effective airflow for air-cooled systems.
While the included fans are PWM, some users report the front mesh design can be "loud at the same time" with stock fans at full speed.
Features a full metal construction with genuine walnut, described by users as "robust" and "incredibly well-built".
Offers a designated area behind the motherboard and "ample space" for routing, though some users note fewer Velcro straps than older Fractal cases.
Best For
- PC builders wanting a case with a distinctive, furniture-like aesthetic.
- Air-cooled systems needing unrestricted front airflow.
- Users with GPUs up to 355mm who appreciate a clean, wood-accented build.
Not Recommended For
- Builders who frequently swap front fans due to the non-removable bracket.
- Users requiring extensive 3.5" HDD support or tool-less drive installation.
- Setups with tall RAM modules combined with a top-mounted radiator.
Watch Out For
- Installing 3.5" HDDs is "a real pain" and not tool-less, unlike some older cases.
- The side fan bracket's cutouts are optimized for 120mm fans; using 140mm fans can cause the side panel to "slightly bulge" around its midpoint.
- Top-mounting a radiator requires RAM modules to be less than 35mm tall to avoid clearance issues.
- The front fan bracket is fixed, making it difficult to remove or replace the two included 140mm fans.
- The panel around the I/O and left front side is described as "somewhat inferior and scratches if you're not careful".
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B09V8HNWW9 |
| Brand | Fractal Design |
| Color | Charcoal Black TG Dark |
| Series | North Charcoal Black TG Dark |
| Fan Size | 140 Millimeters |
| Material | Metal |
| Case Type | Mid Tower |
| Department | mens |
| Model Name | North Charcoal Black TG Dark |
| Item Weight | 20.9 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Fractal Design |
| Cooling Method | Air |
| Flash Memory Size | 8 GB |
| Item model number | FD-C-NOR1C-02 |
| 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 |
| Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 2 |
| Motherboard Compatability | ATX |
| Power Supply Mounting Type | Mid Tower |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Gaming |
What Buyers Say
Many users are drawn to the North for its unique aesthetic, especially the real walnut front panel, which stands out from typical gaming cases. The case is frequently praised for its robust metal construction and the ease with which components can be installed. However, some builders found the 3.5" HDD installation process cumbersome, lacking the tool-less design of previous cases. The fixed front fan bracket also makes swapping the pre-installed 140mm fans a "huge pain" for those wanting custom fan setups.
“Man, this case looks so good on my desk, the wood is legit. But seriously, trying to get my old hard drive in there was a nightmare, and swapping those front fans? Forget about it, what a pain.”
Common Praise
- The genuine walnut front panel and overall design elevate the PC's appearance.
- The metal construction and materials feel premium and durable.
- The open front and pre-installed 140mm fans provide effective cooling performance.
- Building inside the case is straightforward with an intuitive layout.
- The dedicated space behind the motherboard simplifies cable routing.
Common Complaints
- Installing 3.5" hard drives is a fiddly process requiring screws.
- The top panel can slide off too easily if accidentally bumped.
- Using 140mm fans on the side bracket can cause the glass panel to bulge slightly.
- The front fan bracket is non-removable, complicating fan replacement.
- The front mesh, while aiding airflow, can contribute to noise with stock fans at high RPMs.
Ownership Tips
- The tempered glass side panel is a fingerprint magnet, requiring frequent cleaning.
- The integrated tab for the top panel is handy, but the panel itself feels less secure than expected.
- The included 140mm fans are decent, but if you want truly silent operation, you'll likely replace them.
- Dust can accumulate on the front mesh, requiring regular dusting to maintain aesthetics and airflow.
- The USB-C port on the front is a convenient addition for modern peripherals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Fractal Design North come with fans?
Yes, it includes two 140mm Aspect PWM fans pre-installed in the front.
What size GPUs can fit in this case?
You can fit a GPU up to 355mm long, or up to 300mm if you install a 360mm radiator in the front.
Is the side panel glass or mesh?
This specific model, "Charcoal Black Tempered Glass Dark," comes with a dark tinted tempered glass side panel. Other versions with a mesh side panel are also available.
Can I install a liquid cooler (AIO) in this case?
Yes, it supports radiators up to 240mm at the top (with RAM clearance considerations) and up to 360mm in the front.
How many hard drives can I install?
The case includes two dedicated 2.5" mounts and two combined 3.5"/2.5" mounts. Users report that installing 3.5" drives can be cumbersome.
Does it have a USB-C port on the front?
Yes, the case includes a Type-C USB port on the front I/O.
Buying Guide
When picking a PC case, you're balancing how it looks, how well it keeps your parts cool, and how easy it is to build in. For air cooling, a case with an open front and good fan mounts is key. Think about your GPU length and if you plan on using a big liquid cooler, as these dictate what cases will fit your components.
Compatible (ATX/mATX/ITX)
This tells you what size motherboard will fit. ATX is standard for most gaming PCs, mATX is smaller, and ITX is for tiny builds. This case supports all three, giving you flexibility.
GPU Length (355mm)
This is the maximum length of your graphics card that will physically fit inside the case. If your GPU is longer than 355mm, it won't fit unless you remove a front radiator.
Cooling Method (Air)
This case is designed primarily for air cooling, meaning it moves air efficiently with fans. While it supports some liquid coolers, its core design prioritizes airflow for traditional fan setups.
Fan Size (140mm)
This refers to the diameter of the fans the case comes with and often supports. Larger fans generally move more air at lower RPMs, which can mean quieter operation.
Alternatives
If this case doesn't offer enough space for multiple large radiators or more than two 3.5" hard drives, look for cases described as "full tower" or "high airflow" with explicit support for multiple 360mm radiators and more drive bays.
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