Just over a year after the release of the extremely popular NORTH case with the attractive front cover in wood decor, FRACTAL DESIGN is now sending a much-requested XL version, in which high-end systems and water circuits should not feel so cramped. Read our test to find out how the big brother performs in everyday use.
When Fractal Design launched the North case in December 2022, it not only impressed in the test, but also won the hearts of many readers. In the heyday of the “scalpers”, the available stocks were quickly sold out and the prices on the relevant sales platforms were often significantly higher than the RRP. After availability improved at some point, many people expressed the desire for a “larger” version and I also wrote in my review that I wouldn’t put the really large graphics cards with a TDP above 300 W in the case at any price. Apparently the wish was expressed often enough, because Fractal followed suit and enlarged the North by a whopping 36% without using the bulky dimensions of a big tower. At approx. 50 x 50 x 24 cm, the XL still looks like a mid-tower, but offers significantly more space. But before we get lost in the details, let’s unpack the case first.
Unboxing
“Designed in Sweden” could also apply to the minimalist design of the outer box. Apart from the pictured inscription, there is no further information.
Wrapped in a plastic film and protected at the edges by thick foam buffers, the North XL also comes to the customer packaged like any other case I know. The case in profile:
And from this angle, it immediately captivates me again. It’s really chic with that wood on the front!
Very simple, but definitely not boring. The light-colored wood (oak) also looks good on the North.
Three pre-installed 140 mm fans are concealed behind the front – without any RGB.
An easily removable dust filter is integrated into the front.
Nice detail: In the white version, the connections are not in gold, but – to match the cooler color – in silver. With 2x USB 3.0, 1x USB Type-C and two 3.5mm jack connections, you are also well equipped. However, there is no reset button or RGB/fan controller.
Another nice detail, which I already celebrated in the “small” version. The flap for releasing the lid is made of imitation leather.
There is space underneath for 280/360mm radiators or corresponding fans.
Let’s stay with the rear for a moment. This is very generously perforated, but unfortunately a fan is not pre-installed.
There is a small dust filter for the power supply unit at the bottom that can be pulled out to the rear.
The feet remind me of the hi-fi world.
Next, let’s take a look at the back.
Even at the narrowest points, there is just under 3 cm of space for cables. You can definitely work with that.
Two 2.5″ HDDs can be accommodated behind the board.
A small PWM distributor is also included and here’s another hint: the distributor has four connections..
We find a cozy spot on the floor with rubber buffers for the power supply unit.
And in front of it two HDD slides for 2.5″ or 3.5″ hard disks. These are variable in position in order to be able to react to the length of the power supply unit (or if a radiator is to be mounted in the front).
The HDD sleds in detail. The manufacturing quality is definitely impressive and the dark “gunmetal gray” aka anthracite is also very appealing.
Finally, let’s take a look inside the main chamber.
The white cover at the front is attached with a knurled screw.
Once this has been removed, the cover can be taken off.
This makes it easier to access the front fan or radiator.
7 PCIe slots without a center bar – a bracket for vertical mounting of a graphics card could therefore be fitted.
And here, too, we find the ever-popular mounting aid!
Finally, there are a few accessories and then we’re done.
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