Though it’s also available with a tempered-glass panel similar to its competitors, the version of the North we’re testing has a mesh left side that leaks noise just as easily as air. Front-panel cables include a power switch lead, power LED, HD Audio (for the headphone and microphone jacks), a Gen 1 cable for the two Type-A ports and a Gen 2 cable for the single Type-C USB 3. Wooden accents are far from new to the PC industry, yet they’re so rarely used that their appearance almost seems novel. For an alternate model, we would also recommend checking out the Fractal Design Torrent, but it's a bit more costly.

Shown to the left of those are leads for the passive fan hub and two front fans, where those attached to fans have passthrough connectors to fit two more fans. The gold (or silver) trim applies to bands around the feet in addition to the power button, headphone and microphone jacks, Type A (Gen 1) and Type-C (Gen 2) USB 3. By that time, I’d already self-published some guidelines on hardcore PC stuff: pin-modifying processors to defeat compatibility checks and overclock non-overclockable systems.While we still like tempered glass, the mesh panel felt more at home here, as it’s almost an atypical choice for side panels over the last few years. The case also has the option for a mesh or tempered-glass side panel, but the mesh panel is the superior choice for enhanced cooling performance. airflow engineering, the case features fine-patterned mesh ventilation and an open front with real walnut panel. I was thinking how I don't want to work in a cramped case ever again, but the North made up for that with its good looks, and that's a REAL TESTAMENT to how appealing it is as an end product. It's a solid choice for anyone looking for a case that stands out from the crowd and offers plenty of cooling options.

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Enjoy endless versatility with the Fractal North and stretch your build experience with an intuitive interior layout, two Aspect 14 PWM fans preinstalled with room to expand up to a total of four 140 mm or six 120 mm fans. has been a big year for Fractal Design; the Swedish case company started off with the Torrent Compact, which was an impressive start. This isn’t the case (no pun intended) with the North, which is available in either white or black and with a mesh or tempered glass side panel.

The Swedish firm’s designs have managed to alter our perception of the traditional PC case, and the biggest problem for fans of the brand is that there are multiple eye-catching options to choose from. Its clean lines and premium materials exude an aura of sophistication, making it a standout addition to your workstation or gaming rig.

To be fair all the versions of this case are quite pleasant to look at, and the fact that they are decent cases as well makes it all the better.

Equipped with multiple fan mounting points, including front, top, and rear, you can customise your cooling setup to achieve optimal performance for even the most demanding tasks. Those are designed to hold an accessory fan mount in one of three positions (upper/center/lower) behind the mesh side panel. But that may be cutting it too fine for a case like this; the aesthetics are the real selling point. Enter Fractal Design, a case manufacturer that often finds itself on our Best PC Cases, and its latest (and hopefully trend-setting) North case.Enhance your gaming station with a real oak or walnut front, a faux leather tab and sleek steel or brass details.