Fractal Design North Charcoal Black Tempered Glass Dark
Bottom line: The Fractal Design North Charcoal Black Tempered Glass Dark ($123.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): Genuine walnut wood front panel, not printed veneer; main trade-off: GPU clearance drops to 300mm with a 360mm front radiator.
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*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 veneer
- ✓ Two 140mm Aspect PWM fans included out of the box
- ✓ Fits GPUs up to 355mm, or 300mm with a 360mm front rad
- ✓ Front-panel USB Type-C on a mid-tower at this size
Cons
- ✗ GPU clearance drops to 300mm with a 360mm front radiator
- ✗ No rear or top fans included, only the two front 140mm
- ✗ Wood front panel limits the RGB-heavy aesthetic some builders want
- ✗ Only two dedicated 2.5-inch mounts plus two combo bays
Manufacturer description
The Fractal Design North is a mid-tower ATX case that treats your gaming PC like furniture, pairing a genuine walnut wood front with a charcoal black chassis and clear tempered glass side panel so your build reads as a deliberate part of the room rather than a black box under the desk. Airflow is engineered, not incidental: the open front and fine-patterned mesh feed two included 140mm Aspect PWM fans, so the North boots with usable cooling on day one instead of an empty fan tray. Clearance is generous for a case this compact, with room for a GPU up to 355mm, or 300mm alongside a 360mm front…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Fractal Design North Charcoal Black Tempered Glass Dark 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
Is the wood on the Fractal Design North real?
Yes. The front panel bars are cut from sustainably sourced oak or walnut; this Charcoal Black configuration ships with the walnut finish.
Will a 4090-class GPU fit in the Fractal North?
The North supports graphics cards up to 355mm long. If you mount a 360mm radiator in the front, that clearance drops to 300mm, so plan the radiator and card together.
How many fans come with the case?
Two 140mm Aspect PWM fans are included. Additional rear or top fans are not bundled, so budget for those if you want a full airflow loop.
Does the North have USB Type-C on the front panel?
Yes, the front I/O includes a USB Type-C port. Confirm the internal header type against your motherboard before you buy.
What motherboard sizes does it support?
ATX, mATX, and ITX boards all fit, with seven bridgeless expansion slots for multi-slot GPUs and 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 TG Dark |
| Fan Size | 14 centimeters |
| Material | Metal |
| Case Type | Mid Tower |
| Model Name | North Charcoal Black TG Dark |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Model Number | FD-C-NOR1C-02 |
| Compatibility | PC |
| Cooling Method | Air |
| Number of Fans | 2 |
| Mfr Part Number | FD-C-NOR1C-02 |
| 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 |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 3.5 inches |
| Full listing title | Fractal Design North Charcoal Black Tempered Glass Dark - Genuine Walnut Wood Front - Glass Side Panel - Two 140mm Aspect PWM Fans Included - Type C USB - ATX Airflow Mid Tower PC Gaming Case |
Ready to buy?
Fractal Design North Charcoal Black Tempered Glass Dark - Genuine Walnut Wood Front - Glass Side Panel - Two 140mm Aspect PWM Fans Included - Type C USB - ATX Airflow Mid Tower PC Gaming Case 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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