Fractal Design Core 1100
Status: Fractal Design Core 1100 - Mini Tower Computer…: Unavailable on Amazon as of . SpecPicks has no in-stock listing with matching specs on file; the search below lists current offers. eBay sellers may still list this model new or used.
Bottom line: The Fractal Design Core 1100: Includes one Fractal Design 120mm fan, so no extra fan purchase to get airflow; main trade-off: only one 120mm fan included; extra intakes and exhaust are your own spend.
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Currently unavailable on Amazon. Not the same product — 3 in-stock alternatives:
Similar: Cooler Master MasterBox Q300L Micro-ATX PC Case — $29.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06 04:20 UTC (price may vary).
Similar: Zalman CUBIX-G Micro-ATX MATX Compact Mini Tower… — $44.98 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06 04:20 UTC (price may vary).
Similar: Wathai 120mm x 38mm 360mm Computer Fan with AC… — $49.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06 16:17 UTC (price may vary).
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Includes one Fractal Design 120mm fan, so no extra fan purchase to get airflow
- ✓ Vertical HDD bracket fits 2x 3.5-inch, 3x 2.5-inch, or one of each
- ✓ Vibration-dampened mounting on both 3.5-inch slots quiets spinning drives
- ✓ Front dust filters plus closed top and bottom panels limit dust intake
- ✓ Front I/O carries audio, USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 on the same panel
Cons
- ✗ Only one 120mm fan included; extra intakes and exhaust are your own spend
- ✗ Brushed aluminum look is a textured front panel finish, not actual aluminum
- ✗ mATX-only mini tower, so full ATX boards and large builds are ruled out
- ✗ No tempered glass or side window for showing off components
Manufacturer description
The Fractal Design Core 1100 is a mini tower mATX case built around airflow in a footprint small enough to tuck beside a monitor. A brushed aluminum-look front panel with a three-dimensional textured finish gives it a cleaner look than most budget enclosures, and the fully painted interior carries Fractal Design's signature white detailing. One 120mm Fractal Design fan ships in the box, so the case moves air the moment you finish your build. Storage is handled by a vertical HDD bracket that takes two 3.5-inch drives, three 2.5-inch drives, or one of each, and both 3.5-inch slots use…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Fractal Design Core 1100 using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the pc cases category. Compare with similarly-priced alternatives in the pc cases category before committing. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for pc cases of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What motherboard sizes fit the Fractal Design Core 1100?
The Core 1100 is a Micro ATX (mATX) mini tower, so it takes mATX and smaller boards. Full ATX boards will not fit. Check the product listing for the exact clearance specifications before pairing it with a specific board.
How many fans come with the Core 1100?
One Fractal Design 120mm fan is included in the box. The case is designed for exceptional airflow and cooling, so most builders add intake or exhaust fans depending on component heat, but it will run out of the box with the single included fan.
How many drives can the Core 1100 hold?
The vertical HDD bracket holds two 3.5-inch drives, three 2.5-inch drives, or one drive of each size. Both 3.5-inch slots use vibration-dampened mounting, which cuts down on the hum from mechanical hard drives.
Does the Core 1100 have USB 3.0 on the front?
Yes. The front panel I/O includes both USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports plus audio jacks, positioned for easy access. You will need a USB 3.0 header on your motherboard to connect the front USB 3.0 port.
Is the Core 1100 a good case for a budget gaming build?
It pairs an included 120mm fan, dust filters, and a painted interior in a compact mATX shell. It suits budget gaming rigs, home servers, and second PCs where airflow and a small footprint matter more than a glass side panel.
Key Features
- An extremely compact Micro ATX Case, designed for exceptional airflow and cooling
- Brushed aluminum-look front panel with a sleek, three dimensional textured finish
- One Fractal Design 120mm fans included
- Easy access I/O on front panel, with audio and both USB 3. 0 and USB 2. 0 ports
- Front panel dust filters and closed top and bottom panels help maintaining a dust free interior
- Innovative vertical HDD bracket, which can hold two 3. 5" Drives or three 2. 5" Drives, or one drive of each size
Full Specifications
| Brand | Fractal Design |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Fan Size | 120 Millimeters |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Case Type | Mini-Tower |
| Model Name | Core |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Light Color | white |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Model Number | FDCACORE1100BL |
| Built-In Media | Belt Clip |
| Cooling Method | Air |
| Number of Fans | 1 |
| Mfr Part Number | FDCACORE1100BL |
| Total Usb Ports | 2 |
| Antenna Location | Business, Gaming |
| Vibration/Rumble | Yes |
| Compatible Devices | Fractal Design devices and Micro ATX motherboards from any brand |
| Enclosure Material | Aluminum |
| Total USB 2.0 Ports | 1 |
| Full listing title | Fractal Design Core 1100 - Mini Tower Computer Case - mATX - High Airflow and Cooling - 1x 120mm Silent Fan Included - Brushed Aluminium - Black |
Ready to buy?
Fractal Design Core 1100 - Mini Tower Computer Case - mATX - High Airflow and Cooling - 1x 120mm Silent Fan Included - Brushed Aluminium - Black is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
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