Fractal Design North Chalk White Tempered Glass Clear - Genuine Oak 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 ATX mid-tower case with genuine oak and two 140mm PWM fans prioritizes aesthetics and airflow for builds up to 355mm GPUs.
This case is a strong contender for users who prioritize its distinctive aesthetic and good airflow for air-cooled or front-mounted AIO systems. However, its compact nature and specific design choices, like limited cable management space and potential fan clearance issues, make it less ideal for complex builds with multiple large components or extensive storage.
If you need more internal space for larger components, more flexible radiator mounting, or easier cable routing, look for cases with greater internal volume and dedicated cable channels, potentially in the full-tower category.
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Pros
- Genuine oak wood front panel and clear tempered glass side panel for a distinct aesthetic.
- Includes two 140mm Aspect PWM fans for immediate cooling.
- Front I/O includes a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C port and two USB 3.0 ports.
- Supports GPUs up to 355 mm, or 300 mm with a 360 mm front radiator.
- Designed for ATX, mATX, and ITX motherboards, offering broad compatibility.
- Natural ventilation through an open front and integrated mesh.
Cons
- Side fan bracket causes 140mm fans to bulge the side panel slightly.
- Top 140mm fan placement can interfere with CPU power cables.
- Limited space behind the motherboard tray for cable management, around 1/2 inch.
- HDD installation is difficult and can be noisy.
- No rear exhaust fan included, despite an obvious mounting spot.
Dimension Scores
The open front and mesh design, combined with two included 140mm PWM fans, provide effective airflow and good temperatures for components.
The included 140mm PWM fans are quiet at lower speeds, but can become loud at their maximum 1700 RPM, and the case lacks sound damping.
While featuring premium materials like wood and tempered glass, some users report flimsy parts, poor quality screws, and a side panel bulge with 140mm side fans.
It has designated cable management areas, but the space behind the motherboard tray is limited to about 1/2 inch, making routing challenging for complex builds.
Best For
- PC builders prioritizing a unique, natural aesthetic with wood accents.
- Systems requiring good airflow for air-cooled components.
- Users who appreciate a compact ATX mid-tower footprint.
- Builds utilizing up to a 360mm front radiator for liquid cooling.
Not Recommended For
- Enthusiasts planning extensive custom water-cooling loops.
- Users needing significant storage with multiple 3.5" HDDs.
- Builds with oversized GPUs that exceed 355mm length, especially with a front radiator.
Watch Out For
- Installing 140mm fans on the side bracket can cause the side panel to bulge slightly.
- Top-mounted 140mm fans may interfere with CPU power cables due to limited clearance.
- Cable management space behind the motherboard tray is approximately 1/2 inch, making routing challenging for many cables.
- The included screws are reported to be of poor quality and can bend easily.
- HDD mounts can make 3.5" drives noisy, as rubber vibration absorbers are not fully effective.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B09Y9FJDG9 |
| Brand | Fractal Design |
| Color | Chalk White TG Clear |
| Series | North Chalk White TG Clear |
| Fan Size | 140 Millimeters |
| Material | Metal |
| Case Type | Mid Tower |
| Model Name | North Chalk White TG Clear |
| Item Weight | 20.9 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Fractal Design |
| Cooling Method | Air |
| Flash Memory Size | 8 GB |
| Item model number | FD-C-NOR1C-04 |
| 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 | Rear Mount |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Gaming |
What Buyers Say
Users are primarily drawn to the Fractal North for its distinctive aesthetic, featuring genuine oak wood and a clean design that stands out from typical "gamer" cases. While many praise its airflow and temperature performance, some builders report specific challenges, such as the side panel bulging when 140mm fans are mounted on the side bracket and limited space for cable routing behind the motherboard tray. The quality of the included screws has also been a point of contention for some.
“Man, this case looks amazing on my desk, but I swear I almost stripped every screw trying to get my drives in, and my side panel has a weird little bump from those 140s. Still, temps are good, so whatever.”
Common Praise
- Unique and sophisticated aesthetic with real wood accents.
- Effective airflow and good temperatures for components.
- Front USB-C port is a welcome modern inclusion.
- Easy tool-less panel removal for build access.
- Included 140mm PWM fans are generally quiet at lower speeds.
- Compact footprint for an ATX mid-tower.
Common Complaints
- Side panel bulges when 140mm fans are installed on the side bracket.
- Limited cable management space behind the motherboard tray (around 1/2 inch).
- Poor quality screws that can bend easily.
- Top-mounted 140mm fans can interfere with CPU power cables.
- HDD installation is difficult and 3.5" drives can be noisy.
- No rear exhaust fan included.
Ownership Tips
- The top panel slides off very easily, sometimes unintentionally, if you lean on the case.
- The panel around the I/O can scratch if not handled carefully.
- The blue LED around the power button can be too bright for some, leading them to disconnect it.
- The USB ports on the front can be very tight, making connection difficult.
- The faux leather strap on the top is rarely used in practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the case come with fans?
Yes, it includes two 140mm Aspect PWM fans pre-installed in the front.
What size GPUs can fit in this case?
It supports GPUs up to 355 mm in length, or up to 300 mm if you install a 360 mm radiator in the front.
Can I install a liquid cooler (AIO) in this case?
Yes, you can install up to a 360mm radiator in the front, or a 240mm radiator at the top, though top mounting may have RAM/VRM clearance issues.
Is there a USB-C port on the front panel?
Yes, the front I/O includes one USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C port.
Is the wood on the front panel real?
Yes, the case features genuine oak wood on the front panel.
How is the cable management space?
The cable management space behind the motherboard tray is about 1/2 inch, which some users find tight for multiple cables.
Are the included fans loud?
The included 140mm Aspect PWM fans are generally quiet at lower RPMs but can be loud when ramped up to their maximum speed of 1700 RPM.
Buying Guide
When picking a PC case like the Fractal North, you're balancing aesthetics with practical build considerations. This case is all about looking good with its real wood front, but that also means you need to be mindful of its internal layout. You'll want to think about your component sizes, especially your GPU and any liquid cooling, as the compact design can introduce some tight fits and specific fan placement quirks.
Compatible: ATX
This tells you the largest motherboard size you can use. ATX is standard for most gaming PCs, so this case fits a wide range of builds without being excessively large.
Max GPU Length: 355 mm (300 mm with 360mm front radiator)
This is crucial for fitting your graphics card. Modern high-end GPUs can be very long, so you need to ensure your chosen card will physically fit, especially if you plan to use a large front radiator.
Two 140mm Aspect PWM Fans Included
These are your starting point for cooling. PWM means you can control their speed for noise and temperature balance. Having two 140mm fans in the front is a good foundation for airflow, but you might need more for very hot components.
Front I/O: 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C, 2 x USB 3.0
These are the ports on the front of your case for easy access. USB-C is becoming standard for fast external drives and modern peripherals, while USB 3.0 offers quick connections for other devices.
Alternatives
If this case doesn't fit your needs, look for cases with larger internal volumes for more radiator and GPU clearance, or those specifically designed for extensive custom water cooling loops, often featuring more modular interiors and dedicated cable routing channels.
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