It did not take long for Fractal Design to modernize the system fans in its North cases. Instead of Aspect fans (used in the original models), versions equipped with Momentum fans are now available. Yes—the same fans that we praised so highly in our tests. The internal layout of the North cases remains the proven, well-functioning design. How individual elements suit you can also be assessed based on our analysis.
The North PC cases are now shipping with Momentum fans. This is a redesign Fractal Design has prepared for the established case series—and it is exactly the kind of move we would have made as well. On the one hand, the older North cases (without the Momentum suffix) use perfectly adequate Aspect fans, but at comparable airflow they are simply noisier. This appears to have been Fractal Design’s motivation as well—to retain the original North case layout and complement it with more efficient Momentum fans.
The characteristics of the Fractal Design Momentum 12 (RGB) and 14 (RGB) fans are detailed in the in-depth tests we conducted. We also have results from operation in the natural environment of North (XL) cases.
In addition to the fans, the appearance of the front panel has also changed. The wooden slats remain, but they are now in the same color tone as the rest of the case—black instead of brown. The Fractal Design North Momentum Edition is not available in any color other than black (at least based on the materials we are working with while preparing this report). The model carries the SKU FD-C-NOR1C-05. The case dimensions are 447 × 215 × 469 mm, exactly the same as the original North models with Aspect fans.
Compared to the older North cases, nothing should change apart from the fans and the aesthetic finish. The layout and all elements remain as they were—only now the case is primarily equipped with more attractive 120 mm Momentum fans. Their presence is also visible in the illustration showing the individual parts the case consists of.
Fractal Design North Edition is otherwise, in terms of categorization, a fairly standard mid-tower, or a big tower (the XL variant), that fits well on a desk. Motherboard support goes up to the ATX form factor, or E-ATX (in case of the North XL ME) with a width of up to 275 mm.
The maximum supported graphics card length is specified as up to 355 mm, or 300 mm if a liquid-cooling radiator is installed at the front. Liquid coolers with radiators up to 360 mm in size fit only in the front behind the mask and the top is limited to 240mm in size. Alternatively, a tower-style air cooler up to 170 mm in height can be used.
The MSRP is 180 EUR, but this amount can, of course, vary from country to country—but it provides a useful point of reference.
There is also a larger and approximately 30 EUR more expensive North XL Momentum Edition case with dimensions of 503 × 240 × 540 mm, equipped with Momentum 14 fans, which can accommodate, for example, a 420 mm liquid-cooling radiator. More information on support for individual components can be found on Fractal Design’s product pages.
