Fractal Design North XL RC Chalk White TG Clear - Reverse Connection Motherboard Compatible - Three 140mm Aspect PWM Fans Included- Type C USB - ATX Airflow Full Tower PC Gaming case
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AI Verdict
This is a full tower PC case designed for reverse connection ATX/micro ATX motherboards, offering 413mm GPU clearance and three 140mm fans.
This case is a strong fit if you're specifically building with a reverse connection motherboard and prioritize a clean internal aesthetic. Its generous dimensions support large GPUs (up to 413mm) and extensive liquid cooling (420mm front, 360mm top radiators), making it suitable for high-end builds. However, its exclusive compatibility with reverse connection motherboards means it's not for everyone.
If you don't plan to use a reverse connection motherboard, look for a standard ATX full tower case that offers similar GPU and radiator support.
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Pros
- Specifically designed for reverse connection motherboards, enabling a decluttered interior aesthetic.
- Accommodates GPUs up to 413 mm in length, or 380 mm with a 420 mm front radiator installed.
- Includes three 140 mm Aspect PWM fans, providing a starting point for cooling.
- Features FSC-certified wood and alloy details, offering a distinctive aesthetic.
- Offers extensive cable management space behind the motherboard tray, with well-placed routing openings.
- Supports front radiators up to 420 mm and top radiators up to 360 mm for advanced cooling setups.
Cons
- Only compatible with reverse connection motherboards; standard connection motherboards are not supported.
- Some users report the stock 140mm Aspect PWM fans can be loud compared to other brands.
- The front fan bracket design can obstruct 140mm fans, potentially causing turbulence and increased noise.
- Build quality concerns include thin, easily bending mesh, cheap-feeling plastic, and screws that wear out quickly.
- The top panel has been reported to slide off too easily, lacking a secure locking mechanism.
Dimension Scores
The open front design and ventilated mesh, combined with support for up to 420mm front and 360mm top radiators, provide strong cooling potential.
While some users find the included 140mm Aspect PWM fans acceptable, others report them as loud, and the front fan bracket can cause turbulence.
User feedback indicates mixed build quality, with reports of thin, easily bending mesh, cheap plastic, and screws that wear out quickly, despite some parts being described as sturdy.
The case is designed with excellent cable management in mind, offering ample space and strategically placed routing openings for a clean build.
Best For
- PC builders prioritizing a clean, cable-free interior aesthetic with a reverse connection motherboard.
- Users needing extensive cooling capacity, supporting up to 420mm front and 360mm top radiators.
- Gamers with large, high-performance GPUs up to 413mm in length.
- Individuals seeking a PC case with natural wood and alloy design elements for a living space.
Not Recommended For
- Builders using standard (non-reverse connection) ATX or micro ATX motherboards.
- Users sensitive to fan noise, as the included Aspect PWM fans and front fan bracket design may contribute to acoustics.
- Those expecting a premium, robust build quality throughout, given reports of thin mesh and cheap-feeling screws.
Watch Out For
- The front fan bracket design makes changing front fans difficult, sometimes requiring GPU removal.
- The top mesh panel can move too easily and lacks a screw to keep it in place, leading to instability.
- The case's coating has been described as weak, leading to scratches, and panel screws can wear out quickly after multiple builds.
- The PSU filter is designed to be removed from the back, which can be inconvenient depending on desk placement.
- CPU air cooler clearance is 185mm, but can be reduced to 155mm if side fans are installed.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0DG3531NK |
| Brand | Fractal Design |
| Color | Chalk White - Tempered Glass Clear Tint |
| Series | North XL RC - Chalk |
| Material | Metal |
| Case Type | Mid Tower |
| Model Name | North XL RC - Chalk |
| Item Weight | 25.4 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Fractal Design |
| Cooling Method | Air |
| Item model number | FD-C-NOR1X-06 |
| Product Dimensions | 19.8 x 9.45 x 20.04 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 19.8 x 9.45 x 20.04 inches |
| Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 2 |
| Motherboard Compatability | ATX, micro ATX |
| Power Supply Mounting Type | Bottom Mount |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Gaming |
What Buyers Say
Many users are drawn to the North XL RC for its distinctive aesthetic, particularly the wood and alloy details, which stands out from typical gaming cases. The case's generous interior space and support for large components like 413mm GPUs and extensive liquid cooling are frequently praised. However, recurring complaints highlight concerns about the overall build quality, with some finding the materials, like the mesh and screws, to feel less premium than expected for the brand. The design of the front fan bracket and the noise level of the included fans are also points of contention for some builders.
“Man, this case looks sick with the wood front, but honestly, the side panels feel kinda flimsy and those stock fans? Loud as hell, had to swap 'em out. Cable management was a breeze though, that's a plus.”
Common Praise
- The wood and alloy front panel design looks amazing and integrates well into living spaces.
- Provides excellent space for cable management, making builds look very clean.
- Accommodates very large GPUs, up to 413mm, without clearance issues.
- Supports extensive cooling configurations, including large 420mm front and 360mm top radiators.
- The case is sturdy once fully built, despite some initial impressions of material quality.
- The RC version specifically allows for a very decluttered interior due to hidden motherboard connections.
Common Complaints
- The quality of materials, such as thin mesh and plastic, feels cheaper compared to older Fractal Design cases.
- The included Aspect 14 PWM fans can be loud, especially compared to other fan brands.
- The front fan bracket design obstructs 140mm fans and makes fan installation difficult.
- The top panel slides off too easily and lacks a secure fastening mechanism.
- The case's coating scratches easily, and the screws can wear out quickly.
- The PSU filter is only accessible from the back, which can be inconvenient.
Ownership Tips
- The 'XL' designation might be misleading for some, as it's not drastically larger than some mid-towers.
- Managing fan curves via BIOS or software can significantly improve the noise profile of the included fans.
- The side fan bracket, if used, will reduce CPU air cooler clearance, so plan your cooler choice accordingly.
- The aesthetic appeal of the wood front is a major draw and often cited as the primary reason for purchase.
- The reverse connection motherboard compatibility truly cleans up the interior, but limits motherboard choices significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What motherboard types are compatible with this case?
The North XL RC is compatible with ATX and micro ATX motherboards that feature reverse connection headers. Standard connection motherboards are not supported.
What is the maximum GPU length supported?
You can install a GPU up to 413 mm in length. If you use a 420 mm front radiator, the maximum GPU length is 380 mm.
Does this case come with fans?
Yes, it includes three 140 mm Aspect PWM fans pre-installed in the front.
What are the radiator mounting options?
The case supports front radiators up to 420 mm and top radiators up to 360 mm.
Is there enough space for cable management?
Users report excellent cable management with plenty of room behind the motherboard tray and well-placed routing openings.
What is the maximum CPU cooler height?
The case supports CPU air coolers up to 185mm in height. This clearance reduces to 155mm if side fans are installed.
Buying Guide
When looking at a PC case, you're essentially buying a home for all your expensive components. You need to think about how much space you need for your graphics card and CPU cooler, especially if you're going for high-performance parts that generate a lot of heat. Airflow is crucial; a case with good ventilation keeps everything cool and running smoothly. Also, consider how easy it is to build in and manage cables, because a messy interior can restrict airflow and make future upgrades a headache.
Reverse Connection Motherboard Compatible
This means your motherboard's main connectors (like power, USB, and fan headers) are on the back side of the board, not the front. This allows for a super clean look inside your case because all the cables are hidden behind the motherboard tray. Think of it like hiding all the wires behind your TV for a cleaner entertainment setup.
GPU Length (up to 413 mm)
This is how long of a graphics card you can fit. High-end graphics cards, especially the latest generations, can be very long. If your GPU is longer than the case supports, it simply won't fit. 413mm is a very generous allowance, meaning almost any GPU on the market will fit.
Fan Size (140mm Aspect PWM Fans Included)
Larger fans (like 140mm) generally move more air at lower RPMs compared to smaller fans (like 120mm), which can result in better cooling performance with less noise. PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) means the motherboard can control their speed, allowing them to spin faster when needed and slower (quieter) when not.
Radiator Support (up to 420mm front, 360mm top)
If you're into liquid cooling, this tells you the maximum size of radiators you can install. Larger radiators have more surface area to dissipate heat, which is essential for cooling powerful CPUs and GPUs, especially if you're overclocking. A 420mm front and 360mm top support is considered excellent for high-performance liquid cooling setups.
Alternatives
If you don't need reverse connection motherboard support, look for a full tower case with similar GPU clearance, extensive radiator support, and a focus on airflow, possibly with a mesh front panel and multiple included 140mm fans.
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