Fractal Design North

Strong CPU temperatures in Tom's Hardware's tests

Tom's Hardware tested the mesh-side-panel version with a Core i7-12700KF and an RTX 3070 Ti and found that the North performed exceptionally well, especially on CPU temperatures. It noted that mesh side panels can disrupt front-to-back airflow in some cases, but that this one bucked the trend, possibly helped by the fine front mesh, a solid section at the front edge of the side panel, or the Aspect fans. KitGuru, testing with a Ryzen 7 7700X and RX 6800 XT, was more measured: the North kept its components under control, but at a very low ambient temperature, and it judged the case to have performed acceptably well, listing temperatures as nothing special.

Wood, mesh and a practical interior

The front panel is the selling point. KitGuru's Chalk White sample used white oak strips, and it notes the Charcoal Black version uses walnut. Tom's Hardware called the design gorgeous and said the North blends into a living room. Inside, Tom's Hardware found room for graphics cards up to 355mm and CPU coolers up to 170mm, or 145mm with the side fan bracket fitted. The mesh-panel model includes that bracket, which takes up to 280mm of fans or radiator and mounts in three positions. Drive trays sit under the PSU shroud and can be flipped to clear bulky PSU cables, and the case holds four 2.5-inch and two 3.5-inch drives at once, which KitGuru called an impressive range of storage options.

There are minor gripes. Tom's Hardware found the thumbscrew-secured side panels disappointing at this price, and KitGuru noted that the PWM hub only controls four fans. Tom's Hardware described the top I/O as decent but nothing special, with two USB 3.0 Type-A ports, a USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C port and separate audio jacks, while KitGuru welcomed the Gen 2 Type-C port and praised a cable management system behind the right-hand panel that keeps the potential mess at bay.

Airflow first, so expect fan noise

The North's main weakness is noise. In Tom's Hardware's full-speed acoustic test it averaged 53 decibels, which the reviewer described bluntly as quite loud, and KitGuru also listed noise among its cons. Tom's Hardware argued that a simple fan curve adjustment largely solves this because the Aspect fans move enough air at lower speeds, and suggested the tempered-glass version is likely at least a little quieter than the mesh model it tested. KitGuru's other complaint was the missing rear fan, which it saw as a cost-saving decision that leaves the case looking a little peculiar. Only the two front intakes are supplied, though the rear mount takes a 120mm fan.

A design-led case that still performs

Tom's Hardware summed up the North as a fantastic case whose performance is just as impressive as its looks, and listed a fair price among its strengths. KitGuru said it would be unimpressed if the North traded purely on its looks, but concluded that it is a decent piece of hardware that does a good job. The listed version, with a walnut front and a dark tempered-glass side panel, costs $154.99 and includes two 140mm Aspect PWM fans. For builders who want a living-room-friendly case with sound airflow and are willing to set a fan curve, both reviews make a clear case for it.