Fractal Design North Mid Tower Case - Charcoal Black
The Fractal Design North case reimagines the gaming PC, blending natural materials and bespoke det...The Fractal Design North case reimagines the gaming PC, blending natural materials and bespoke details to make your gaming setup a stylish addition to any living space. It fuses design and airflow engineering, featuring fine-patterned mesh ventilation and an open front with real walnut or oak panels. The design is complemented by sleek brass or steel details and an integrated tab for easy access to the top of the case. Internally, the North offers an intuitive layout and generous compatibility. It supports ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX motherboards and provides space for up to three 2.5/3.5" drive bays, with two included. Each drive bay can accommodate either a 2.5" or 3.5" drive, or both simultaneously. Additionally, two 2.5" drives can be mounted behind the motherboard tray. Seven expansion slots offer ample room for adapter cards, including GPUs up to 13.9". PSUs up to 10" and CPU coolers up to 6.7" are also supported. Two preinstalled 140mm fans ensure efficient cooling out of the box. A total of six 140mm or eight 120mm fans can be installed using the included fan hub and bracket. Radiators up to 240mm can be installed at the top, and up to 360mm at the front. The case features walnut wood slats, an open front, a steel frame, and a mesh side panel. The front I/O panel includes a USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 port, two USB-A 3.0/3.1 Gen 1 ports, audio input and output jacks, and brass hardware accents. Enhance your gaming station with real wood slats on the front, a faux leather tab, and brass hardware accents. Get efficient cooling with the two preinstalled 140mm fans or install radiators up to 240mm (top) and 360mm (front). This case supports GPUs up to 13.9" with front fans installed, or up to 11.8" with a 360mm radiator. Seven bridgeless expansion slots allow for extensive customization. Access internals easily by removing the side panels, unclipping the front, and popping off the top panel using the integrated tab. Boost airflow and cooling potential via the open front and mesh top and side panels. Utilize the two included 2.5/3.5" drive bays for two 2.5" and two 3.5" drives. Additional mounting points allow for a third drive bay (sold separately). Two dedicated 2.5" drive mounts behind the motherboard tray offer more storage. The intuitive interior layout simplifies building. The case fits a full ATX motherboard, and comes with two 140 mm PWM fans. It supports up to 6 fans or radiators on the top, front, or back. The top panel features a USB Type-C port with 20 Gbps speed. Built-in cable management helps keep your PC tidy. Peripherals can be connected to the two USB ports and 3.5 mm jacks on the top panel. Plenty of storage is available with mounts for two 2.5" drives and two 3.5" drives.
The Fractal Design North Mid Tower Case is ideal for gamers and PC enthusiasts seeking a stylish and efficient case that blends seamlessly into any living space. Its key benefit is its fusion of design and airflow engineering, featuring real wood or oak panels and fine-patterned mesh ventilation. A potential caveat is the need for additional fan purchases beyond the preinstalled fans for optimal cooling in high-performance setups. This guide will provide detailed instructions and tips for getting the most out of your Fractal Design North case, including setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
All features
Colour
Black
Release Year
2022
Model Part Number
FD-C-NOR1C-01
Brand
Fractal Design
Extended Product Information
FAQs
How many fans can I install in the North case?
You can install up to six 140mm or eight 120mm fans.
What size radiators can the case support?
The case supports radiators up to 240mm in the top and 360mm in the front.
How many hard drives can I install?
You can install up to two 3.5" or 2.5" drives in the drive bays, and two 2.5" drives behind the motherboard tray.
Does the case come with any fans?
Yes, the case comes with two preinstalled 140mm fans.
What type of motherboard can I use?
The case supports ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX motherboards.
What is the maximum CPU cooler height?
The maximum CPU cooler height is 17 cm (6.7 inches).
Does the case have a USB-C port?
Yes, the case has a USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 port on the front panel.
How do I access the interior of the case?
You can remove the side panels, unclip the front, and pop off the top panel using an integrated tab.
Troubleshooting
Computer won't power on.
Check the power supply switch, power cord connection, and ensure the power supply is functioning. Also, verify that all power connections to the motherboard are secure.
Overheating issues.
Check fan functionality, ensure proper airflow, and consider adding more fans or adjusting fan curves. Clean dust filters.
USB ports not working.
Ensure USB cables are properly connected to the motherboard and that the necessary drivers are installed.
Front panel audio not working.
Check the front panel audio connector is correctly connected to the motherboard. Make sure your audio output device is selected in your operating system settings.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Elegant design with real wood or oak front panels.
Excellent airflow and cooling potential.
Supports a wide range of components, including large GPUs and radiators.
User-friendly design for easy building and maintenance.
Includes a USB-C port for modern connectivity.
Cons
May require additional fan purchases for optimal cooling.
The mesh side panel is an optional variant.
Can be a tight fit with certain configurations.
May not be ideal for users seeking extreme overclocking potential.
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Setup:
Prepare the Case: Remove side panels, front panel, and top panel.
Install Motherboard: Place the motherboard into the case and secure it with screws.
Install Components: Install CPU cooler, GPU, and other components.
Install Storage: Mount HDDs and SSDs in the designated bays.
Connect Cables: Route and connect all power and data cables.
Install Fans/Radiators: Mount fans and radiators as needed.
Close Up: Replace side panels, front panel, and top panel.
Compatibility:
Motherboards: ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
PSU: ATX (up to 10" long)
GPU: Up to 13.9" (with front fans) or 11.8" (with front radiator)
CPU Cooler: Up to 6.7" height
Storage: 2x 2.5/3.5" bays, 2x 2.5" mounts
Care:
Cleaning: Use a damp cloth to clean the exterior and interior.
Dust Filters: Regularly clean the dust filters to maintain optimal airflow.
Ventilation: Ensure adequate space around the case for airflow.