Fractal Design North XL or kicking off ATX case testing

After some time, we’re returning to tests of larger PC cases – those capable of housing an ATX motherboard and larger tower-style CPU coolers. The first case we’ll review is the FD North XL. Yes, we’ve covered this model before, but this time we’ll provide results using our updated testing methodology. But first, we’ll zoom in on some details – essentially a look at what this large Fractal Design case has to offer.

It’s been a while since the last standard case review conducted by Martin. Coincidentally, that case was the very Fractal Design North XL (3/2024) we’re re-testing now to establish a reference point for comparisons with other cases. Of course, we could have selected a different model for this purpose, but ultimately, we chose this one. The North XL represents one of the largest cases available in retail, offering above-average component compatibility. Below is a summary of the key specifications, followed by more in-depth details that make this article unique.

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External details…

At 61 liters, this case exceeds what we’d call a “midi-tower.” This refers not only to the volume but also to its support for E-ATX motherboards, which exceed the standard ATX width of 244 mm – E-ATX boards up to 330 mm wide are supported here. Naturally, smaller formats – ATX, Micro ATX, and Mini-ITX – can also be installed, with standoff placements ready for all options.

The case is constructed from a mix of steel, plastic, glass, and… wood. Yes, wood changes the visual impression of the front panel. It features solid wood slats spaced 10 mm apart. These are often blamed for increasing fan noise – possibly true (we’ll see in testing…) – but this mostly occurs at higher intake fan speeds. At lower speeds and with less pressure in front of the fan blades, noise shaped by the slats is naturally reduced. The degree of influence depends on fan speed settings.

The I/O panel, located on the top front edge of the case, includes: a large power button, two 3.5 mm jacks (headphones/speakers and mic – separately), two 5 Gbps USB Type-A ports, and one 20 Gbps USB Type-C port (USB 3.2 Gen 2×2).

The tested variant (Chalk White TG Clear) features a white body with clear tempered glass. There is also an identical variant – Chalk White – without glass, instead using a perforated metal side panel. Additionally, two dark variants – Charcoal Black and Charcoal Black TG Dark – offer black chassis, dark (smoked) glass, and darker wood slats. Finally, there are two “RC” variants designed for motherboards with rear connectors: RC Chalk White TG Clear and RC Charcoal Black TG Dark. Both feature tempered glass and differ only in color (light/dark). The “RC” label is key when identifying cases made for non-standard motherboards. We’ve discussed these RC models in a separate article with more detail. Now, back to our test subject – the Chalk White TG Clear.

The top panel is perforated – this applies to all variants of the case. The holes measure 1.2 mm in diameter and cover the entire surface, supporting liquid cooler installation. These perforations allow hot air to escape, whether expelled by radiator fans or just standard system fans (if no radiator is installed). Though this mesh slightly restricts airflow and impacts acoustics, it also blocks undesirable particles – including dust – from entering the case.

Dust protection is also provided by a filter located at the bottom, beneath the power supply. This slide-out, washable filter is designed to keep the PSU as clean as possible. Its fine mesh structure offers relatively high dust-trapping efficiency.

Please note: The article continues in the following chapters.