Fractal Design
Fractal Design North
Bottom line: The Fractal Design North ($123.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): Genuine walnut wood front panel, not printed vinyl or plastic; main trade-off: wood front collects dust and needs regular wiping.
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Complete builds that use this part: 4K Gaming PC Build 2026: Cost, Parts, FPS (Case) · Build Your Own Gaming PC in 2026: The 5 Components That Actually Matter (Case) · Gaming PC Build 2026: The Reddit-Consensus Parts List (Case) — see the full parts list for the rest of the build.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Genuine walnut wood front panel, not printed vinyl or plastic
- ✓ Two 140mm Aspect PWM fans included, no day-one fan purchase
- ✓ Fits GPUs up to 355mm; 300mm with a 360mm front radiator
- ✓ Mesh side panel plus open front for direct intake airflow
Cons
- ✗ Wood front collects dust and needs regular wiping
- ✗ Mesh side panel means no tempered-glass component showcase
- ✗ GPU clearance drops to 300mm with a front 360mm radiator
- ✗ Only two dedicated 2.5-inch mounts plus two combo bays
Manufacturer description
The open front and fine-patterned mesh ventilation feed air straight to your components, while two 140mm Aspect PWM fans ship in the box so your build has intake and exhaust on day one. Clearance is generous for the class: graphics cards up to 355mm fit, dropping to 300mm once you mount a 360mm front radiator. Inside, seven bridgeless expansion slots, two combined 3.5-inch/2.5-inch drive mounts, and two dedicated 2.5-inch mounts cover storage and add-in cards without adapters. Motherboard support spans ATX, mATX, and ITX. Assembly and cleaning are quick because the side panels come off, the…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Fractal Design North using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the pc cases category. Fractal Design's pc cases lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. 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 size motherboard fits in the Fractal Design North?
The North supports ATX, mATX, and ITX motherboards, so it covers everything from a compact ITX build to a full-size ATX board.
How long a graphics card can I install?
Up to 355mm. If you mount a 360mm radiator in the front, that clearance drops to 300mm, so plan your GPU and radiator together.
Does the North come with fans, or do I need to buy them?
Two 140mm Aspect PWM fans are included out of the box, so you can build without buying fans first.
Is the wood front panel real walnut?
Yes. The front panel bars are cut from sustainably sourced oak or walnut; this Charcoal Black configuration ships with the walnut finish.
How many drives can the North hold?
It ships with two combined 3.5-inch/2.5-inch drive mounts and two dedicated 2.5-inch mounts, plus seven bridgeless expansion slots for add-in cards.
Key Features
- Enhance the look of your gaming station with sleek wood and alloy details
- Designed for ATX / mATX / ITX motherboards
- Enjoy natural ventilation through an open front and stylishly integrated mesh.
- Choose a GPU up to 355 mm, or up to 300 mm with a 360 mm front radiator
- Get a head start on your build with the two included 140 mm Aspect PWM fans
- Seven bridgeless expansion slots allow for extensive customization
Full Specifications
| Brand | Fractal Design |
|---|---|
| Color | Charcoal Black |
| Material | Metal |
| Case Type | Mid Tower |
| Model Name | North Charcoal Black |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Model Number | FD-C-NOR1C-01 |
| Compatibility | PC |
| Built-In Media | Item |
| Cooling Method | Air |
| Number of Fans | 2 |
| Mfr Part Number | FD-C-NOR1C-01 |
| Total Usb Ports | 3 |
| Antenna Location | Gaming |
| Compatible Devices | ATX / mATX / ITX motherboards, GPUs up to 355 mm or 300 mm with a 360 mm front radiator, seven bridgeless expansion slots |
| Enclosure Material | Metal |
| Total USB 2.0 Ports | 1 |
| Total USB 3.0 Ports | 2 |
| Warranty Description | 2 year |
| Full listing title | Fractal Design North - Genuine Walnut Wood Front - Mesh Side Panels - Two 140mm Aspect PWM Fans Included - Type C USB - ATX Airflow Mid Tower PC Gaming Case,Charcoal Black |
Ready to buy?
Fractal Design North - Genuine Walnut Wood Front - Mesh Side Panels - Two 140mm Aspect PWM Fans Included - Type C USB - ATX Airflow Mid Tower PC Gaming Case,Charcoal 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.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
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