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Head-to-head · Best Mid Tower PC Cases

Fractal Design North vs Phanteks Evolv X2 Matrix

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Fractal Design North comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.7 vs 4.4). Fractal Design North is best for: builders who want a living-room-friendly case without giving up airflow. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Fractal Design North
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Mid Tower PC Cases
Fractal Design North
2 sources$154.99as of Oct 19

The Fractal Design North is an ATX mid-tower case with a wood-slat front panel backed by mesh, two pre-installed 140mm Aspect PWM fans and a front USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 port. Tom's Hardware gave it 5 out of 5 and an Editor's Choice award, reporting exceptional thermal performance alongside its distinctive looks, while KitGuru scored it 8.5 out of 10, praising the styling and storage but finding temperatures nothing special. Both reviews flagged noise at high fan speeds, and KitGuru questioned the lack of a rear fan. It suits builders who want a case that fits into a living room without giving up airflow; anyone whose priority is a near-silent system should look at a more sound-dampened design.

Strengths
  • — Delivered exceptional CPU-led thermal results in Tom's Hardware's testing
  • — Wood-slat front panel backed by mesh gives it a furniture-like look
  • — Ships with two 140mm Aspect fans with PWM control
Watch-outs
  • — Loud at full fan speed: Tom's Hardware measured an average of 53 decibels
  • — No rear fan is included
  • — KitGuru found its cooling temperatures unremarkable
$154.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Phanteks Evolv X2 Matrix
Ranked #4 in Best Mid Tower PC Cases
Phanteks Evolv X2 Matrix
1 sourceall derived$109.99as of Oct 11

The Phanteks Evolv X2 Matrix is a premium mid-tower with a 900-LED matrix display and fabric interior finishes. ALKtech praised the eye-catching design and build quality and put it in showcase-build territory thanks to three-sided tempered glass. No fans come included, and internal cooling options are limited. Enthusiasts who want a visually striking, high-performance chassis with customizable lighting are the buyers.

Strengths
  • — Features a 900-LED matrix display that enhances visual appeal
  • — Uses polyester fabric finishing on interior surfaces for a premium feel
  • — Supports EATX motherboards up to 280mm width with robust build quality
Watch-outs
  • — No included fans, requiring additional purchase for full functionality
$109.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Fractal Design North

At its $154.99 listing price, the North takes a different approach from the Lian Li Lancool 207 and the Corsair Frame 4000D RS ARGB, pairing a walnut-slat front panel with two pre-installed 140mm PWM fans and a front USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C port. Like the Phanteks Evolv X2 Matrix, it is a design-led choice, but its appeal rests on natural wood rather than lighting.

Phanteks Evolv X2 Matrix

The Phanteks Evolv X2 Matrix pairs a 900-LED matrix display and three-sided tempered glass with a fabric-finished interior, where the Lian Li Lancool 207 has challenging cable management and power supply fit issues. It ships with no fans, while the Corsair Frame 4000D RS ARGB includes three 120mm fans and the Phanteks Eclipse G370A three pre-installed front fans. Its fan mounts sit at the top and bottom, plus a single rear 120mm slot.

Specs side-by-side

SpecFractal Design NorthPhanteks Evolv X2 Matrix
Case TypeATX mid-tower—
Motherboard SupportMini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATXEATX, ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITX
Max GPU Length355mm—
Max CPU Cooler Height170mm (145mm with side fan bracket)—
Included Fans2x 140mm Aspect PWM (front)—
Front I/O2x USB 3.0 Type-A, 1x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C, audio and mic—
Drive Bays2x 3.5/2.5-inch, 2x 2.5-inch—
Dimensions469mm H x 215mm W x 447mm D454mm x 228mm x 588mm
MaterialMetalSteel chassis, ABS plastic, tempered glass, aluminium panels
Expansion Slots—8
GPU Clearance—380mm | 14.96in
CPU Cooler Clearance—170mm | 6.69in
Radiator Compatibility—Up to 360mm
Fan Support—up to seven 120mm fans
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