{"id":242984,"date":"2025-05-07T19:00:05","date_gmt":"2025-05-07T17:00:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hwcooling.net\/?p=242984\/"},"modified":"2025-05-16T22:00:48","modified_gmt":"2025-05-16T20:00:48","slug":"fractal-design-north-xl-or-kicking-off-atx-case-testing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hwcooling.net\/en\/fractal-design-north-xl-or-kicking-off-atx-case-testing\/","title":{"rendered":"Fractal Design North XL or kicking off ATX case testing"},"content":{"rendered":"

After some time, we\u2019re returning to tests of larger PC cases \u2013 those capable of housing an ATX motherboard and larger tower-style CPU coolers. The first case we\u2019ll review is the FD North XL. Yes, we\u2019ve covered this model before<\/a>, but this time we\u2019ll provide results using our updated testing methodology. But first, we\u2019ll zoom in on some details \u2013 essentially a look at what this large Fractal Design case has to offer.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s been a while since the last standard case review conducted by Martin<\/a>. Coincidentally, that case was the very Fractal Design North XL (3\/2024)<\/a> we\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n

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<\/th><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Basic parameters <\/td>Fractal Design <\/td><\/tr>
<\/td>North XL (Chalk White TG Clear) <\/td><\/tr>
<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
Support <\/td>Mini-ITX, Micro ATX, ATX and E-ATX (330 mm) <\/td><\/tr>
PSU position <\/td>ATX <\/td><\/tr>
CPU cooler <\/td>up to 185 mm <\/td><\/tr>
Graphics cards <\/td>up to 413 mm <\/td><\/tr>
Fan positions <\/td>7\u00d7 120 mm\/6\u00d7 140 mm <\/td><\/tr>
Pre-installed fans <\/td>3\u00d7 140 mm <\/td><\/tr>
Radiator mounting <\/td>1\u00d7 up to 360 mm (top) + 1\u00d7 up to 360\/420 mm (front) 1\u00d7 up to 120\/140 mm (rear) <\/td><\/tr>
2,5\" positions <\/td>4\u00d7 <\/td><\/tr>
3,5\" positions <\/td>2\u00d7 <\/td><\/tr>
5,25\" positions <\/td>N\/A <\/td><\/tr>
Dimensions [H\/L\/W] <\/td>503 \u00d7 240 \u00d7 509 mm (~61 l) <\/td><\/tr>
Weight <\/td>9.50 kg <\/td><\/tr>
Materials <\/td>steel, wood, plastic <\/td><\/tr>
Connectors <\/td>1\u00d7 USB 3.2 gen. 2\u00d72 type C + 2\u00d7 USB 3.2 gen. 1 type A + 2\u00d7 3.5 mm jack <\/td><\/tr>
MSRP <\/td>210 EUR <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div>Wordpress Table Plugin<\/a>
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External details…<\/h2>\n

At 61 liters, this case exceeds what we\u2019d call a \u201cmidi-tower.\u201d 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 \u2013 E-ATX boards up to 330 mm wide are supported here. Naturally, smaller formats \u2013 ATX, Micro ATX, and Mini-ITX \u2013 can also be installed, with standoff placements ready for all options.<\/p>\n

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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 \u2013 possibly true (we\u2019ll see in testing…) \u2013 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.<\/p>\n

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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 \u2013 separately), two 5 Gbps USB Type-A ports, and one 20 Gbps USB Type-C port (USB 3.2 Gen 2×2).<\/p>\n

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The tested variant (Chalk White TG Clear) features a white body with clear tempered glass. There is also an identical variant \u2013 Chalk White<\/a> \u2013 without glass, instead using a perforated metal side panel. Additionally, two dark variants \u2013 Charcoal Black<\/a> and Charcoal Black TG Dark<\/a> \u2013 offer black chassis, dark (smoked) glass, and darker wood slats. Finally, there are two \u201cRC\u201d variants designed for motherboards with rear connectors<\/a>: RC Chalk White TG Clear<\/a> and RC Charcoal Black TG Dark<\/a>. Both feature tempered glass and differ only in color (light\/dark). The \u201cRC\u201d label is key when identifying cases made for non-standard motherboards. We\u2019ve discussed these RC models in a separate article with more detail.<\/a> Now, back to our test subject \u2013 the Chalk White TG Clear<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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The top panel is perforated \u2013 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 \u2013 including dust \u2013 from entering the case.<\/p>\n

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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.<\/p>\n

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Please note:<\/strong> The article continues in the following chapters.<\/p>\n