Fractal Design Era 2 Charcoal
Bottom line: The Fractal Design Era 2 Charcoal ($237.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-07): Anodized aluminum and solid walnut shell instead of stamped steel and plastic; main trade-off: radiator support caps at 240 mm, ruling out 280 mm and 360 mm AIO loops.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Anodized aluminum and solid walnut shell instead of stamped steel and plastic
- ✓ Fits 3-slot graphics cards up to 326 mm long, unusual for an SFF chassis
- ✓ Vented on five sides, so airflow is not limited to a single intake face
- ✓ Ships with two Aspect 12 PWM fans, no separate fan purchase needed
Cons
- ✗ Radiator support caps at 240 mm, ruling out 280 mm and 360 mm AIO loops
- ✗ Walnut top panel needs more care than a painted steel lid to stay unmarked
- ✗ Listing does not state PSU form factor or drive-bay counts, so verify before buying
Manufacturer description
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SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Fractal Design Era 2 Charcoal 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.
Key Features
- Sleek design with anodized aluminum and solid walnut.
- pace for for up to 3-slot graphics cards of 326 mm length
- Compatible with radiators up to 240mm
- Ample ventilation on five sides for airflow performance
- Includes two Aspect 12 PWM fans
Full Specifications
| Brand | Fractal Design |
|---|---|
| Color | Charcoal |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Case Type | Mini-Tower |
| Model Name | Fractal Design Era 2 |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Model Number | FD-C-ERA2N-02 |
| Cooling Method | Air |
| Number of Fans | 2 |
| Mfr Part Number | FD-C-ERA2N-02 |
| Antenna Location | Gaming |
| Compatible Devices | ATX motherboards, graphics cards up to 326 mm, radiators up to 280 mm |
| Enclosure Material | Aluminum |
| Total USB 3.0 Ports | 2 |
| Warranty Description | 2 Year Manufacturer |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 2.5 Inches |
| Item Dimensions D x W x H | 14.4"D x 12.3"W x 6"H |
| Power Supply Mounting Type | Bottom Mount |
| Power Supply Maximum Output | 500 Watts |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Gaming |
Ready to buy?
Fractal Design Era 2 Charcoal 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 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.
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