Fractal Design North Case Review

Peter Donnell / 2 years ago

A Closer Look – Exterior

This case is just like any other case at its core, it’s an ATX form factor mid-tower and all the usual bits go where you would expect. As you can see, it’s a removable panel down the side which can either be tempered glass or a mesh panel depending on which version you pick. I like the idea of mesh here, you don’t see left-side ventilation in many modern cases these days.

The side panel doesn’t go all the way to the front, with a smooth surface acting like a shroud for any front-mounted cooling hardware. It just keeps things looking neat and tidy, and the lines of this panel flow over the top too.

This is then complimented by what may be one of the best front panel designs I’ve ever seen. I mean… JUST LOOK AT THIS THING! It’s truly stunning, with wooden strips that all appear to be floating just in front of the fans, but recessed from the outer edge of the frame.

The colours of the wood are accented beautifully by some other little details, such as the brass feet on the bottom of the case.

If that’s not enough, even the front I/O panel has brass inserts; I didn’t know I needed these in my life, but I do now. Oh, and if you get the white version of the case, it comes with lighter wood and steel detailing rather than brass.

Down the right side, it’s a flush-mounted panel that is simple and practical. Just like the rest of the case, it looks pretty stylish thanks to its rounded corners and edges.

The back of a case is rarely interesting, but this one actually looks really great. The ventilation is plentiful, and getting heat out of the back won’t be an issue. I really like the expansion slot design too.

They’re fully reusable metal covers, but they just look and feel to be made to a higher standard than usual, and again, it’s the little details that add up.