Fractal Design · Updated June 2026
North: price, specs & release date
North, released 2022-12. Every price and spec below is linked to its source and dated — no guesses.
Source: fractal-design.com verified ✓ corroborated verify in ledger
- Best for Distinctive wood-and-mesh front that looks gorgeous and stands out from black-box cases; Thoughtful functional touches — PWM fan hub, included side fan bracket, solid 3.5-inch drive support.
- Skip if Loud at full fan speed (53 dB average) is a dealbreaker.
Is the North a good buy?
At $130, the North is #4 cheapest of the 9 PC cases we track, where the median is $129.99. On the spec sheet, its max GPU length of 355 mm is the lowest of the 9, and its max cooler height of 170 mm is below the median of the 9.
Evidence of Record
Our data- Independent labsmeasured it
- 1
- Physical metricsrecorded
- 1
- Outlets on record1 tested · 1 mention-only
- 2
One independent lab measured this product across 1 physical metric — noise. These numbers rest on a single hands-on source so far; 1 other outlet has it on record by mention only.
Review consensus · sourced & dated
What reviewers say about the North
Two whitelisted hands-on testers (Tom's Hardware, TechPowerUp) reviewed the base North ATX mid-tower; both were charmed by its wood-slat design and praised its thoughtful features, but flagged airflow and noise compromises. Tom's measured 53 dB and loved the thermals; TechPowerUp found the vented side panel and price harder to justify. North XL and Momentum variants excluded.
Based on 2 reviews · 2 lab-tested · 2022-12-07
Tested by Tom's Hardware, TechPowerUp
Consistently praised
- Distinctive wood-and-mesh front that looks gorgeous and stands out from black-box cases · 2 sources
- Thoughtful functional touches — PWM fan hub, included side fan bracket, solid 3.5-inch drive support · 2 sources
- Exceptional CPU thermal performance in lab testing
Commonly flagged
- Loud at full fan speed (53 dB average)
- Vented mesh side panel diminishes the front-intake tunnel effect unless extra side fans are added
- Only two fans plus a simple hub feels high-priced for a compact ATX case
Where reviewers disagree Value split: Tom's Hardware lists a "Fair price" as a pro and calls it affordable, while TechPowerUp says the $129.99 price "does feel somewhat on the higher-end" and would be "hard to recommend" for buyers not won over by the looks.
The sources (2)
Noise level, CPU and case fans at full speed: 53 dB
Combining a unique wood-and-mesh front and lots of airflow-focused features at an affordable price, Fractal's North is a fantastic case with performance that's just as impressive as its looks.
Fractal's North, though, performed exceptionally well in our testing – especially with CPU thermals.
During our full-speed test, we got an average of 53 decibels, which is, bluntly, quite loud.
And under that premise the North does deliver.
The Fractal Design North's unique side panel is also a bit of an achilles heel, as it diminishes the tunnel effect of the two front fans.
As such, it deserves the innovation award for its bold pursuit of design and some unique functionality, but would be hard to recommend otherwise.
Specifications
| Price (US) | $129.99 MSRP at launch (Mesh or TG panel); Newegg currently ~$154.99 |
|---|---|
| Brand | Fractal Design |
| Released | 2022-12 |
| Form factor | Mid-Tower (ATX/mATX/ITX) |
| Max GPU length (mm) | 355 |
| Max cooler height (mm) | 170 |
| Included fans | 2 x 140 mm Aspect PWM |
| Radiator support | Front: 360 mm; Top: 240 mm; Rear: 120 mm |
| Side panel | Tempered Glass (TG variant) or full mesh (Mesh variant) |
| Dimensions (mm) | 447 x 215 x 469 |
Source: fractal-design.com (verified 2026-06-15) · corroborated by newegg.com. Re-verified on official Fractal Design page and product sheet: GPU 355 mm (300 mm with front 360 rad), cooler 170 mm (145 mm with bracket+fans), 2x140 mm Aspect PWM, front 360/top 240/rear 120 mm rad, dimensions 447 x 215 x 469 mm. Launch MSRP $129.99 (released 2022-12-07); Newegg listing valid and currently shows $154.99.
Is the North worth it vs cheaper PC cases?
North against its closest cheaper and pricier PC cases on the specs that matter — every value sourced. See all 9 ranked
| Product | Price | Form factor | Max GPU length (mm) | Max cooler height (mm) | Included fans | Radiator support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North this | $129.99 | Mid-Tower (ATX/mATX/ITX) | 355 | 170 | 2 x 140 mm Aspect PWM | Front: 360 mm; Top: 240 mm; Rear: 120 mm |
| 4000D Airflow | $104.99 | Mid-Tower (ATX/mATX/ITX/E-ATX up to 277 mm) | 360 | 170 | 2 x 120 mm AirGuide | Front: 360/280/240 mm; Top: 240 mm (2x120) or 280 mm (2x140); Rear: 120 mm |
| O11 Dynamic EVO | $169.99 | Mid-Tower (E-ATX up to 280 mm/ATX/mATX/ITX) | 426 | 167 | 0 (no fans included in base config) | Top: 360/280 mm; Side: 360/280 mm; Bottom: 360 mm |
Frequently asked questions
What do reviewers say about the North?
Two whitelisted hands-on testers (Tom's Hardware, TechPowerUp) reviewed the base North ATX mid-tower; both were charmed by its wood-slat design and praised its thoughtful features, but flagged airflow and noise compromises. Tom's measured 53 dB and loved the thermals; TechPowerUp found the vented side panel and price harder to justify. North XL and Momentum variants excluded. Praised: Distinctive wood-and-mesh front that looks gorgeous and stands out from black-box cases; Thoughtful functional touches — PWM fan hub, included side fan bracket, solid 3.5-inch drive support; Exceptional CPU thermal performance in lab testing. Flagged: Loud at full fan speed (53 dB average); Vented mesh side panel diminishes the front-intake tunnel effect unless extra side fans are added; Only two fans plus a simple hub feels high-priced for a compact ATX case. (From 2 tester reviews, 2 lab-tested.)
How much does the North cost?
The North has a US price of $129.99 (MSRP at launch (Mesh or TG panel); Newegg currently ~$154.99), as of 2026-06-15.
How does the North compare on price?
At $130, the North is #4 cheapest of the 9 PC cases we track, where the median is $129.99.
When was the North released?
The North was released 2022-12.
What are the North's key specs?
North (Fractal Design): form factor Mid-Tower (ATX/mATX/ITX), max gpu length mm 355, max cooler height mm 170, included fans 2 x 140 mm Aspect PWM, radiator support Front: 360 mm; Top: 240 mm; Rear: 120 mm. Full sourced spec sheet verified 2026-06-15.
Price of record: $129.99 at fractal-design.com, 2026-06-27. Other retailers may be lower — check the current price:
See North on Amazon As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.Similar PC cases
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Compare with
Head-to-head
Cheaper PC cases
- 4000D Airflow $104.99
- Lancool 216 $99.99
- AIR 903 MAX $75
Step up
- O11 Dynamic EVO $169.99
- Torrent $189.99
- NV7 $199.99
- Y70 $219.99
More from Fractal Design
- Torrent $189.99
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