Fractal Design North XL RC Charcoal Black TG Dark
Bottom line: The Fractal Design North XL RC Charcoal Black TG Dark ($194.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-30 22:16 UTC): Three 140 mm Aspect PWM fans included, so intake is covered out of the box; main trade-off: fits only reverse-connector boards; standard-connection ATX and mATX are unsupported.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-30. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Three 140 mm Aspect PWM fans included, so intake is covered out of the box
- ✓ Clears graphics cards up to 413 mm even with a front fan installed
- ✓ Reverse-connector layout hides every cable header behind the motherboard tray
- ✓ FSC-certified walnut or oak slats over mesh suit a living-room build
- ✓ Front USB Type-C on a full-tower ATX and mATX chassis
Cons
- ✗ Fits only reverse-connector boards; standard-connection ATX and mATX are unsupported
- ✗ Full-tower footprint is a lot of floor space if you are building mATX
- ✗ Open slat-and-mesh front trades noise containment for airflow
- ✗ The three included Aspect PWM fans are not addressable RGB
Manufacturer description
The Fractal Design North XL RC takes the North design language into a full-tower footprint and builds it around reverse-connection motherboards, so every cable header sits behind the tray and the glass side stays clean. Check that first: this RC version supports only ATX and mATX boards with rear connectors, and standard-connection boards will not fit. Airflow is the other half of the pitch. The open front panel puts FSC-certified walnut or oak slats over fine-patterned mesh, and Fractal ships three 140 mm Aspect PWM fans in the box instead of leaving you to spec intake yourself. This…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Fractal Design North XL RC Charcoal Black TG 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
Will my regular motherboard work in the North XL RC?
Only if it is a reverse-connection model. This RC version supports ATX and mATX boards with the connectors hidden on the back; standard-connection motherboards are not supported, so check your board before ordering.
How many fans come with the Fractal Design North XL RC?
Three 140 mm Aspect PWM fans are included, so most builds do not need to buy extra intake on day one. They are PWM-controlled, not addressable RGB.
Will a long flagship graphics card fit?
The case is rated for GPUs up to 413 mm with a front fan installed, which covers current triple-slot flagship cards. Measure your card's length against that figure.
Does the North XL RC have a USB-C port on the front?
Yes, front I/O includes USB Type-C. This Charcoal Black TG Dark trim also uses a dark tempered glass side panel with brass or steel detailing.
Key Features
- Designed for ATX and mATX motherboards with connectors hidden on the back (standard connection motherboards are not supported)
- Sleek design featuring wood and alloy details
- Natural airflow through an open front and ventilated mesh
- Includes three 140 mm Aspect PWM fans
- Compatible with GPUs up to 413 mm with a front fan
Full Specifications
| Brand | Fractal Design |
|---|---|
| Color | Black TG |
| Material | Metal |
| Case Type | Full Tower |
| Model Name | North XL RC - Charcoal |
| Unit Count | 3 Count |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Model Number | FD-C-NOR1X-05 |
| Compatibility | PC |
| Cooling Method | Air, Water |
| Mfr Part Number | FD-C-NOR1X-05 |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Antenna Location | Gaming |
| Compatible Devices | ATX and mATX motherboards, standard ATX power supply units, standard expansion cards, standard cooling systems (up to 413 mm GPU length) |
| Enclosure Material | Metal |
| Total USB 3.0 Ports | 1 |
| Warranty Description | 2 year |
| Supported Motherboard | ATX, mATX |
| Internal Bays Quantity | 3 |
| Item Dimensions D x W x H | 19.8"D x 9.4"W x 20"H |
| Full listing title | Fractal Design North XL RC Charcoal Black TG Dark - Reverse Connection Motherboard Compatible - Three 140mm Aspect PWM Fans Included- Type C USB - ATX Airflow Full Tower PC Gaming case |
Hardware benchmark data
Ready to buy?
Fractal Design North XL RC Charcoal Black TG Dark - Reverse Connection Motherboard Compatible - Three 140mm Aspect PWM Fans Included- Type C USB - ATX Airflow Full 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 2026-10-30. Price and availability subject to change.
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