Fractal Design North Chalk White - Genuine Oak Wood Front - Mesh Side Panels - 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 wood and mesh side panels is for builders prioritizing aesthetics and airflow over maximum component density or silent HDD operation.
The Fractal Design North is a strong fit for users who value a distinct, natural aesthetic and prioritize effective air cooling. Its design with genuine oak and mesh panels, coupled with included 140mm PWM fans, delivers on both style and thermal performance. It accommodates common ATX builds with large GPUs and front AIOs.
If you need more internal space for custom water cooling loops or multiple large radiators, consider a larger full-tower case.
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Pros
- Features genuine oak wood front panels and alloy details, offering a distinct aesthetic.
- Designed with an open front and mesh side panels for natural ventilation and superior airflow.
- Includes two 140mm Aspect PWM fans, providing a head start on cooling and good out-of-box performance.
- Accommodates GPUs up to 355mm in length, or 300mm with a 360mm front radiator, supporting large graphics cards.
- Offers an intuitive interior layout with many removable parts for easier component installation.
- Features seven bridgeless expansion slots, allowing for extensive customization and multi-card setups.
Cons
- Fitting 140mm fans at the top can interfere with CPU power cables, making installation difficult.
- The side panel may bulge slightly if 140mm fans are mounted on the side bracket, impacting fit and finish.
- Hard disk drives (HDDs) can be noisy due to insufficient vibration dampening in the mounts.
- Cable management options are less extensive compared to some other Fractal cases, with fewer tie-down points and a restrictive top cable opening.
- Does not include a rear exhaust fan, requiring an additional purchase for balanced airflow.
- The top panel slides off very easily, lacking a secure attachment for those who frequently move or lean on their case.
Dimension Scores
The open front, mesh side panels, and included 140mm PWM fans provide superior airflow, resulting in effective cooling performance for components.
The included 1600 RPM fans can be noisy at full speed, though PWM control helps, and HDDs can generate noticeable noise due to inadequate dampening.
The case generally features solid panels, real wood accents, and a sturdy construction, though some users noted minor panel flex and occasional issues with specific components like IO panels or standoffs.
While it has a designated area and Velcro straps, cable routing is less flexible than some competitors, with a restrictive top opening and fewer tie-down points.
Best For
- PC builders who prioritize a unique, furniture-like aesthetic in their living space.
- Users building with air cooling or front-mounted 360mm AIOs and GPUs up to 300mm.
- Enthusiasts seeking a case with strong natural airflow for component cooling.
- Those who appreciate a straightforward build experience with removable internal parts.
Not Recommended For
- Builders planning to use multiple large HDDs, due to potential noise and limited mounting options.
- Users requiring extensive top-mounted radiator clearance, especially with tall RAM modules.
- Individuals who frequently transport their PC, given the easily removable top panel.
Watch Out For
- Installing 140mm fans at the top can block CPU power cable routing, making connections challenging.
- The side panel's fit is compromised when 140mm fans are installed on the side bracket, causing a noticeable bulge.
- Hard drives mounted in the case can generate significant noise, as rubber vibration absorbers are ineffective for some users.
- The single cable routing opening near the top of the motherboard forces a tight 180-degree bend for cables and can block a 140mm fan in that area.
- The included captive thumb screws for the side panels are difficult to use and can make panel removal frustrating.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B09Y9FSZFX |
| Brand | Fractal Design |
| Color | Chalk White |
| Series | North Chalk White |
| Fan Size | 5.51 Inches |
| Material | Metal |
| Case Type | Mid Tower |
| Model Name | North Chalk White |
| Item Weight | 20.9 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Fractal Design |
| Cooling Method | Air |
| Item model number | FD-C-NOR1C-03 |
| 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 | 3 |
| 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, specifically the real wood front panel, which stands out from typical PC cases. The case consistently receives praise for its airflow capabilities, with the mesh design and included 140mm fans effectively keeping components cool. However, some builders found the internal space a bit tight for larger components, particularly when trying to fit 140mm fans on the top or side alongside bulky CPU coolers or long GPUs. The cable management, while present, is often described as less refined than other Fractal offerings, leading to some frustration during the build process.
“Okay, so it looks absolutely stunning, like a piece of furniture, and my CPU temps are actually lower than my old case, but seriously, those side panel screws are a pain and my HDD sounds like a tiny jackhammer sometimes.”
Common Praise
- The genuine oak wood front panel elevates the look of the gaming setup.
- Provides excellent airflow through the open front and mesh side panels, keeping temperatures low.
- The interior layout is intuitive, making the initial build process relatively easy.
- The included two 140mm Aspect PWM fans are effective for out-of-box cooling.
- Supports large GPUs up to 355mm, accommodating powerful graphics cards.
Common Complaints
- 140mm fans on the side bracket can cause the side panel to bulge slightly.
- Hard disk drives can be surprisingly loud due to insufficient vibration dampening.
- Top-mounted 140mm fans or AIOs can interfere with CPU power cable routing.
- Cable management options are somewhat limited, with fewer tie-down points and a tight top routing channel.
- The top panel is not securely fastened and can slide off with minimal effort.
- The captive thumb screws for the side panels are difficult to manipulate.
Ownership Tips
- The real wood front panel requires occasional dusting to maintain its appearance.
- The mesh side panel can accumulate dust more visibly than solid panels, requiring regular cleaning.
- The easily removable top panel becomes a minor annoyance if the case is frequently moved or if items are placed on top.
- The stock 140mm fans, while effective, might be replaced by noise-sensitive users for quieter alternatives, especially if not using custom fan curves.
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. You'll need to purchase additional fans for exhaust if desired.
What is the maximum GPU length supported?
The case supports GPUs up to 355mm in length. If you install a 360mm radiator in the front, the maximum GPU length is reduced to 300mm.
Is the wood on the front panel real?
Yes, the front panel features genuine oak wood accents, providing a unique and sophisticated look.
Can I mount a liquid cooler (AIO) in this case?
Yes, the case supports radiators up to 360mm in the front and up to 240mm at the top. However, top-mounted radiators might have clearance issues with tall RAM or CPU power cables.
How is the cable management?
The case has a designated cable management area behind the motherboard tray and Velcro straps. However, some users report fewer routing options and a restrictive top opening compared to other Fractal cases.
Buying Guide
When picking a PC case, you're essentially choosing the home for all your expensive components. You need to think about how much space you need for your graphics card and CPU cooler, how well it's going to keep everything cool, and if you can easily hide all those messy cables. Don't just look at how it looks; consider how it functions for your specific build.
ATX compatibility
This tells you the size of motherboard the case can hold. ATX is the most common size, so an ATX case like this one means you'll have a wide range of motherboard choices. If you have a smaller mATX or ITX board, it will also fit, but a larger EATX board won't.
GPU length (355mm / 300mm with 360mm radiator)
This is crucial for your graphics card. Modern GPUs can be very long, so you need to make sure your chosen card will physically fit inside the case, especially if you plan on installing a large radiator in the front, which reduces available space.
Cooling method: Air, Fan size: 140mm
This indicates the primary cooling strategy. 'Air' means it relies on fans to move air. The 140mm fan size is larger than 120mm, generally meaning they can move more air at lower RPMs, potentially leading to quieter operation and better cooling efficiency than smaller fans.
Mesh Side Panels
Mesh panels are designed for maximum airflow, allowing cool air to enter and hot air to exit easily. This is great for keeping component temperatures down, especially in systems with high-power CPUs and GPUs, but it also means more dust can enter the case compared to solid or tempered glass panels.
Alternatives
If you need more robust cable management features, dedicated sound dampening, or superior top radiator clearance for larger AIOs or custom loops, look for cases with a focus on those specific internal design elements.
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