Fractal Design North XL Charcoal Black
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AI Verdict
This is a spacious E-ATX compatible case with 413 mm GPU clearance and 420 mm front radiator support, best for builders prioritizing aesthetics and extensive liquid cooling.
This case is a strong fit for high-performance builds, offering extensive support for E-ATX motherboards, GPUs up to 413 mm, and large liquid cooling radiators up to 420 mm. Its generous interior and included 140 mm fans are well-suited for demanding hardware and effective cooling.
If you need a smaller footprint, look for cases that support only ATX or mATX motherboards and have maximum GPU lengths under 350 mm.
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Pros
- Supports E-ATX motherboards and GPUs up to 413 mm, allowing for large, high-performance components.
- Accommodates front radiators up to 420 mm and top radiators up to 360 mm, providing extensive liquid cooling options.
- Includes three 140 mm Aspect PWM fans, giving you a head start on cooling your build.
- Features FSC-certified walnut or oak panels and sleek brass or steel details, offering a distinct aesthetic.
- Offers excellent cable management options, making builds cleaner and easier to maintain.
- The interior layout is spacious and easy to work with, even for large components.
Cons
- The stock 140 mm Aspect PWM fans can be loud, especially at higher RPMs, impacting acoustic performance.
- Some users report the top panel can slide off too easily or feel flimsy, lacking a secure attachment.
- Build quality for certain components like screws, thin mesh, and fan supports is described as feeling cheaper than previous Fractal Design cases.
- Front fan installation is difficult due to non-removable brackets and interior screw access.
- The open front design, while aiding airflow, can contribute to higher noise levels compared to more enclosed cases.
Dimension Scores
The case offers excellent cooling potential with support for 420 mm front and 360 mm top radiators, plus three included 140 mm fans, effectively taming hot CPUs.
The stock 140 mm Aspect PWM fans are frequently reported as loud, and the open front design contributes to higher noise output.
While generally sturdy once built, some users report issues with flimsy top panels, cheap screws, and thin mesh, suggesting inconsistent material quality compared to older Fractal cases.
The case provides excellent cable management features and a spacious interior, making it easy to route and hide cables.
Best For
- Builders running high-end E-ATX systems with large GPUs and custom liquid cooling loops.
- Users who want a PC case with a distinctive, natural aesthetic that blends into living spaces.
- Enthusiasts prioritizing maximum component compatibility and thermal performance over absolute silence.
- Anyone needing ample space for multiple storage drives, with two 2.5-inch and two 2.5/3.5-inch bays.
Not Recommended For
- Budget-conscious builders looking for the absolute cheapest case, as it's not a budget option at its price point.
- Users who demand whisper-quiet operation from their PC, as the stock fans and open design can generate noticeable noise.
- Those who frequently swap front fans or need quick, tool-less access to front fan mounts.
Watch Out For
- The included 140 mm Aspect PWM fans are often described as loud, with one user stating they are 'loud compared to other brands'.
- Some users experienced the top mesh panel moving too easily or being flimsy, with one review noting it 'slides off at the mere hint of pressure'.
- Thumb screws for side panels are reported to be cheap and difficult to unscrew by hand, often requiring a screwdriver.
- The front fan bracket is non-removable, making it a 'huge pain' to remove stock fans due to interior screw access.
- The case lacks an HDD/SSD activity LED, only featuring a power LED.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0CJCK95ZC |
| Brand | Fractal Design |
| Color | Charcoal Black |
| Series | North XL |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Case Type | Full Tower |
| Model Name | North XL |
| Item Weight | 11 pounds |
| Manufacturer | FRACTAL DESIGN |
| Cooling Method | Air |
| Item model number | FD-C-NOR1X-01 |
| Product Dimensions | 19.8 x 9.4 x 20 inches |
| Computer Memory Type | DIMM |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 19.8 x 9.4 x 20 inches |
| Number of USB 2.0 Ports | 1 |
| Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 2 |
| Motherboard Compatability | Extended ATX |
| Power Supply Mounting Type | Bottom Mount |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Business, Gaming |
What Buyers Say
What surprised me most is how many people love the aesthetic but then immediately point out issues with the actual build quality, like the top panel being loose or the screws feeling cheap. Despite these complaints, the case consistently gets praise for its airflow and the sheer amount of space it offers for big components and liquid cooling. However, be prepared for the stock fans to be noisy, which is a recurring theme across multiple reviews. The difficulty of removing front fans due to interior screws is also a specific frustration for builders.
“Man, this case looks so good on my desk, but seriously, those stock fans are like a jet engine and the top panel feels like it's just gonna pop off if I breathe too hard. Still, my 4090 fits, so I guess I'll keep it.”
Common Praise
- The wood and alloy details give it a unique, appealing aesthetic.
- Airflow is fantastic, keeping high-end components cool.
- The interior is very spacious, making building and working inside easy.
- Supports very large GPUs up to 413 mm and extensive radiator configurations.
- Cable management options are well-designed and effective.
- The case feels light, which is a plus for moving it around once built.
Common Complaints
- Stock 140 mm Aspect PWM fans are loud and generate noticeable noise.
- The top panel can be flimsy or slide off too easily, lacking a secure fit.
- Screws, especially thumb screws, feel cheap and often require a screwdriver to remove.
- The front fan bracket is non-removable, making fan installation/removal a struggle.
- Some users perceive the overall material quality as a step down from older Fractal Design cases.
- The mesh side panel, while good for airflow, doesn't help with noise dampening.
Ownership Tips
- You'll probably want to replace the included 140 mm fans if you care about noise levels, as they are quite audible under load.
- Be prepared to use a screwdriver for the side panel screws, as the 'thumb' screws aren't very hand-friendly.
- The top panel might need a gentle touch or a slight modification if you find it too loose.
- The open front design, while aesthetically pleasing, means you'll hear your components more than in a sound-dampened case.
- Despite some quality concerns, the sheer internal volume makes building a breeze, even with oversized components.
Frequently Asked Questions
What motherboard sizes does the North XL support?
The North XL supports a wide range of motherboard sizes, including E-ATX, ATX, mATX, and mITX.
What is the maximum GPU length this case can accommodate?
You can fit a GPU up to 413 mm in length, or up to 380 mm if you install a 420 mm front radiator.
Does the case come with fans?
Yes, the North XL includes three 140 mm Aspect PWM fans to get your build started.
What are the maximum radiator sizes supported?
It supports front radiators up to 420 mm and top radiators up to 360 mm.
Is the side panel glass or mesh?
The Fractal Design North XL is available with either a tempered glass or a mesh side panel.
What materials are used for the exterior?
The case features stainless steel construction with FSC-certified walnut or oak panels and brass or steel details for its aesthetic.
How many storage drives can I install?
You can install two 2.5-inch drives behind the motherboard and two additional 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch drives under the PSU shroud.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at a PC case like the North XL, you're not just buying a box for your parts; you're buying a home for your entire system. You need to think about how big your components are, especially your graphics card and any liquid cooling radiators you plan to use. Airflow is crucial for keeping everything cool, but sometimes more airflow means more noise, so you'll have to balance those priorities. Also, consider how much storage you need and if the case has enough bays for your hard drives and SSDs.
Compatible: Extended ATX
This tells you the largest motherboard size the case can hold. E-ATX boards are bigger than standard ATX and are usually for high-end systems with lots of features. If your motherboard is smaller, it'll still fit, but a larger case might look empty.
GPU up to 413 mm
This is the maximum length of your graphics card that will fit inside. High-performance GPUs are getting longer, so a larger clearance means you won't have to worry about your expensive card bumping into the front fans or radiator.
Front radiators up to 420 mm
This indicates the largest liquid cooling radiator you can mount in the front. Bigger radiators generally mean better cooling performance for your CPU, especially important for powerful processors that generate a lot of heat.
Three included 140 mm Aspect PWM fans
These are the fans that come with the case. PWM means you can control their speed, which helps manage noise and cooling. 140 mm fans move more air at lower RPMs than 120 mm fans, potentially offering better cooling or quieter operation, though these specific fans are noted for being loud.
Alternatives
If this case doesn't fit, look for cases with smaller dimensions and support for ATX or mATX motherboards if you don't need E-ATX, or search for cases with specific noise-dampening features if quiet operation is your top priority.
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