I will admit I am a sucker for wood in technology; there is something unique about it that can not be replicated by anything a machine can produce. This is one reason I was so excited to dive into the Fractal Design North XL case and see how it compares to alternative offerings in the market. With its unique blend of natural materials and sleek design elements, it offers a refreshing take on the traditional gaming PC case. From the moment you lay eyes on it, the Fractal Design North XL PC Case gives off a sense of sophistication and elegance that seamlessly integrates into any living space.
If you can’t tell, I am a fan of how this case looks, and the heart of that is the North XL’s choice to use FSC-certified oak or walnut wood on its front panel. This natural touch adds warmth and character, instantly elevating the case’s aesthetic appeal. Complementing the wood accents are sleek steel or brass details that lend a touch of modernity and refinement.
The faux leather tab on the top panel is not only a stylish flourish but also serves a practical purpose, allowing for easy access to the interior. If you have ever seen PCs from the 80s and early 90s, this feels like a more refined take on what we saw back then, blending high-end tech with natural materials in a way that looks stunning.
“From the moment you lay eyes on it, the Fractal Design North XL PC Case gives off a sense of sophistication and elegance that seamlessly integrates into any living space.”
While the North XL may be a striking case, it still manages to have all the features we have come to expect from a modern PC. It features generous dimensions (20 x 9.4 x 20 inches) that provide ample room for even the most ostentatious builds, accommodating E-ATX motherboards and graphics cards up to an impressive 413mm in length. This expanded form factor is a significant upgrade from the original North, catering to enthusiasts who demand the latest and greatest components without compromising on aesthetics.
Even though the North XL is a striking case in its design, it does not mean Fractal skimped on the cooling. With support for front radiators up to 420mm and top radiators up to 360mm, it’s a dream come true for custom water-cooling enthusiasts. The case ships with three pre-installed 140mm Aspect PWM fans, but there’s room to expand up to a total of eight 140mm or nine 120mm fans, ensuring optimal airflow and thermal performance. Yet, even with the fans all running, the North XL is still shockingly quiet, something I know I appreciate.
“Yet, even with the fans all running, the North XL is still shockingly quiet, something I know I appreciate.”
I was hesitant to jump into the build, concerned with how easy the case was to get up and running. Thankfully, my fears were unfounded, with the North XL being an absolute delight to work in, thanks to its intuitive interior layout and ample cable routing space (29mm). The case’s generous clearances, including a 7.2-inch CPU cooler height and 16.2-inch (413mm) GPU length, make it a breeze to work with even the most substantial components. Fractal Design has thoughtfully included captive thumbscrews for easy access to various components, further streamlining the building process.
Once everything was hooked up and ready to go, I was surprised just how easy the case was to get up and running. The design is clearly the biggest selling point of the North XL; it does not mean Fractal Design sacrificed functionality for aesthetics. The front I/O panel boasts a USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C port, two USB 3.0 Type-A ports, and separate audio and microphone jacks, ensuring seamless connectivity with modern peripherals.
The case also features ample storage options, with two internal 2.5/3.5-inch drive bays and two dedicated 2.5-inch drive mounts. While I set up a relatively subdued build in the case, consisting of a full-size Gigabyte Aurous board and an ASUS AMD RX 7900 XTX, along with an M.2 drive, the North XL allows for plenty of expansion with plenty of room for drives, expansion cards, even GPU upgrades should I ever want to push the system to its full potential.
I have to say, the use of natural wood makes the full mesh front look much more appealing, allowing for an alarming level of airflow. The open front panel and stylishly integrated mesh top panel allow for unobstructed airflow, ensuring your components stay cool even during the most demanding gaming sessions or workloads. The mesh version of the case takes this a step further, featuring a full mesh side panel in addition to the top panel, providing even better airflow potential.
I will say that at the end of the build, I was impressed with what the North XL brought to the table. It is a stunning case, and the full build is looking sharp. Sadly, while I am incredibly happy with the final results, the North XL does not come cheap and will set you back almost $180 USD. This price tag may seem steep to some, but it’s a fair investment considering the case’s premium materials, exceptional build quality, and attention to detail. Fractal Design has managed to strike a delicate balance between form and function, creating a case that not only looks stunning but also delivers top-notch performance.
The Fractal Design North XL is a true masterpiece in the world of PC cases. Its transformative design, blending natural materials with sleek accents, sets it apart from the sea of generic, RGB-laden cases on the market. Whether you’re a gaming enthusiast, a content creator, or simply someone who appreciates beautiful design, the North XL is a case that will undoubtedly turn heads and elevate your living space. With its exceptional cooling capabilities, ample room for expansion, and intuitive layout, it’s a case that truly delivers on both style and substance, and it is by far one of my favourite cases of 2024.
- Enhance the look of your gaming station with sleek wood and alloy details
- Designed for E-ATX / ATX / mATX / mITX motherboards
