Fractal Design North XL Chalk White Mesh- Three 140mm Aspect PWM Fans Included- Type C USB- EATX Airflow Full Tower PC Gaming case
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AI Verdict
This E-ATX full tower case offers extensive cooling support and a distinct wood-accented aesthetic for builders prioritizing high-performance components and unique design.
This case is a strong fit for high-end builds needing significant cooling and component clearance, supporting E-ATX boards, 413mm GPUs, and 420mm front radiators. Its distinctive wood aesthetic also caters to users seeking a specific visual style.
If you need even more extreme cooling or a truly silent build, look for cases with dedicated fan hubs for more granular control or consider immediately upgrading the stock fans.
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Pros
- Accommodates E-ATX, ATX, mATX, and mITX motherboards, providing broad compatibility for various build sizes.
- Supports GPUs up to 413 mm long, or 380 mm with a 420 mm front radiator, fitting nearly all current graphics cards.
- Features extensive cooling options, including front radiators up to 420 mm and top radiators up to 360 mm.
- Includes three 140 mm Aspect PWM fans for immediate front intake airflow.
- Offers excellent cable management with ample space and well-placed routing cutouts behind the motherboard tray.
- The wood and alloy details provide a unique, non-RGB aesthetic that many users find appealing.
Cons
- Many users report the included 140mm Aspect PWM fans are noisy, especially at higher RPMs.
- The front fan bracket design can obstruct 140mm fans, potentially causing turbulence and making fan changes difficult, especially with a top-mounted AIO.
- Some users report concerns about material quality, noting that the mesh is thin and bends easily, the coating scratches, and screws can wear quickly.
- The top panel has been reported to slide off too easily by some users, lacking a secure clasp.
- Utilizing both 3.5-inch drive trays restricts PSU length to 175mm, requiring a single tray for PSUs up to 295mm.
Dimension Scores
The case offers exceptional airflow and supports large radiators (420mm front, 360mm top) for high-performance cooling.
Multiple user reports indicate the three included 140mm Aspect PWM fans are noisy, requiring potential replacement for quieter operation.
While aesthetically pleasing, some users report issues with thin, easily flexing mesh, prone-to-scratch coating, and cheap-feeling screws, contrasting with its premium look.
Users consistently praise the case for its excellent cable management, citing ample space and strategically placed routing openings.
Best For
- Builders prioritizing a unique, non-RGB aesthetic with wood accents for their gaming setup.
- High-performance PC builds requiring extensive air or liquid cooling capacity, including large 420mm front radiators.
- Systems with large E-ATX motherboards and long GPUs (up to 413mm) that need generous internal space.
Not Recommended For
- Users sensitive to fan noise who prefer whisper-quiet operation out of the box, as the included fans are often described as loud.
- Budget-conscious builders looking for the most cost-effective solution, as its price is higher than many basic full towers.
- Individuals who frequently swap front fans or radiators, due to the potentially cumbersome front fan bracket design.
Watch Out For
- The front fan bracket's design can obstruct 140mm fans, leading to turbulence and increased noise, and makes fan replacement challenging, sometimes requiring GPU removal.
- Several users report the case's coating is prone to scratching and the included screws/threads wear out quickly after multiple builds.
- The top panel may not snap securely into place, with some users finding it slides off too easily.
- The stock 140mm Aspect PWM fans are frequently described as noisy, potentially requiring replacement for quieter operation.
- Installing a power supply longer than 175mm necessitates removing one of the two 3.5-inch drive cages.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0CJCFXM6P |
| Brand | Fractal Design |
| Color | Chalk White |
| Series | North XL |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Case Type | Full Tower |
| Model Name | North XL |
| Item Weight | 11 pounds |
| Manufacturer | FRACTAL DESIGN |
| Cooling Method | Air, Water |
| Item model number | FD-C-NOR1X-03 |
| Product Dimensions | 20.8 x 10.4 x 21 inches |
| Computer Memory Type | DIMM |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 20.8 x 10.4 x 21 inches |
| Number of USB 2.0 Ports | 3 |
| Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 1 |
| Motherboard Compatability | Extended ATX |
| Power Supply Mounting Type | Bottom Mount |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Business, Gaming |
What Buyers Say
What's surprising is how many people love the look but then immediately point out the build quality issues, like the mesh flexing or the screws feeling cheap. Despite these concerns, the case consistently gets high marks for its airflow, with many users reporting excellent thermal performance even with the wood front panel. The included 140mm fans are a common point of contention, frequently described as noisy, leading some to swap them out for quieter alternatives. The internal space for large components like E-ATX motherboards and long GPUs is a major draw, making it a practical choice for powerful builds.
“Man, this case looks so good, but seriously, the stock fans are loud and the side panels feel a bit flimsy for the price, like, come on, Fractal, I expected more solidness for my E-ATX build.”
Common Praise
- The wood and alloy details create a unique, aesthetically pleasing design.
- Provides excellent airflow and thermal performance, even with the wood front panel.
- Offers generous interior space for E-ATX motherboards and long graphics cards up to 413mm.
- Cable management is well-designed with plenty of room and convenient routing options.
- Supports large liquid cooling radiators, including 420mm in the front and 360mm in the top.
Common Complaints
- The included 140mm Aspect PWM fans are often reported as noisy.
- Some users find the mesh panels thin and prone to flexing, and the coating scratches easily.
- The front fan bracket design can obstruct 140mm fans and complicate fan installation/removal.
- The top panel has been noted to slide off too easily, lacking a secure fit.
- Screws and threads are sometimes described as feeling cheap and wearing out quickly.
Ownership Tips
- After a few weeks, the 'premium' wood front still looks great, but I've already got a few minor scratches on the white coating from just moving it around.
- Swapping out the stock fans for quieter ones made a huge difference in noise levels, it's almost a mandatory upgrade if you care about acoustics.
- The cable management space behind the motherboard is actually really useful, I didn't struggle at all to keep things tidy even with a bunch of RGB cables.
- That top panel really does slide off with minimal effort, so be careful if you ever need to move your PC.
- Fitting a large 420mm AIO in the front was a breeze, but I had to plan my GPU length carefully to make sure it still fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What motherboard sizes does the Fractal Design North XL support?
The North XL supports E-ATX, ATX, mATX, and mITX motherboards, offering broad compatibility for various system builds.
What is the maximum GPU length this case can accommodate?
You can fit a GPU up to 413 mm long. If you install a 420 mm front radiator, the maximum GPU length is 380 mm.
What radiator sizes can be installed in the Fractal Design North XL?
The case supports front radiators up to 420 mm and top radiators up to 360 mm, allowing for substantial liquid cooling setups.
Are the included fans quiet?
Many users report the three included 140 mm Aspect PWM fans can be noisy, especially at higher speeds, and some opt to replace them for quieter operation.
Does the mesh version include a side fan bracket?
Yes, the mesh version of the North XL comes with an exclusive fan mount that supports two 120mm or 140mm fans for additional side ventilation.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at a PC case like the North XL, you're not just buying a box for your components; you're buying a cooling system and a statement piece. You need to think about how much heat your CPU and GPU will generate and if the case can move enough air or fit a big enough radiator to keep things cool. Also, consider the physical size of your components, especially your motherboard and graphics card, to ensure they actually fit inside without a struggle.
E-ATX compatibility
This means the case can fit larger motherboards, which often have more features, expansion slots, and better power delivery for high-end CPUs. If you're building a powerful workstation or a top-tier gaming rig, you might need an E-ATX board, and this case supports it.
420mm front radiator support
A larger radiator means more surface area to dissipate heat, crucial for keeping high-performance CPUs or even GPUs cool under heavy load. Think of it like a bigger car radiator for a more powerful engine; it just handles more heat more efficiently.
413mm GPU length
Modern high-end graphics cards can be incredibly long. This spec tells you if your chosen GPU will physically fit inside the case without hitting the front fans or radiator. 413mm is very generous and accommodates almost all cards on the market.
Alternatives
If this case doesn't fit your needs, look for cases with a more robust build quality if durability is paramount, or those explicitly marketed for silent operation if noise is a primary concern. If you don't need E-ATX support, a smaller mid-tower might offer similar cooling in a more compact footprint.
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