Fractal Design Node 804 Cube Case

[@keithmarcus8638]

You can tell the Node 804 is a classic, when you can find classic Linus talking about it, in the kitchen

[@masterkil371]

You can say that again. I was looking into this one as it seemed great for an UNRAID machine. Then I saw an OG Linus reviewing it. Sold it for me.

[@jonathanmarshall3974]

Yup! Just bought one for my first unRAID box! Excited.

[@WiboN]

I just ordered one and now I'm looking at reviews. I know that a bad habit but I kinda trust Fractal Design, Using them for all my cases since the Define R4 came out and got reviewed twice + April Fools. The age of the case was shocking, though. I didn't expect 10 years, holy... It's not bad but wow! Seems to be a good one, when It's still around and didn't get a refresh. I mean, the newest Define case went to no. 7.

[@BustinJustin951]

I really like how y'all actually build in the case before reviewing it. Gives it more credibility than the people who just say "Hey, look at this case".

[@BARBELLS-AND-BUDS]

Agreed

[@spik330]

got to look up one of linus old video's to see where the last two 3.5" drive bays were. My review of this case 9 years later is it a no brainer for a home server, and probably one of the most storage compact cases that isn't just a server case and that still lets your CPU breath.

[@SquareKiteGaming]

Bought the Fractal R4 XL about 6 months ago and I'm still learning new features about it. Amazing how well they design their products.

[@EposVox]

That segregation joke. I can't.

[@tjbanansen1]

blackopsy9 Scared me for a few moments

[@BustinJustin951]

blackopsy9 Kool Kids Klub!!

[@dylan522p]

blackopsy9 I prefer the Kappa Kappa Kappa 's

[@TheReflacx]

Kingdom of Koopa Keep

[@blackopsy9]

TheReflacx mmmmmmm south park - lifeblood

[@QuasiMonkey]

I wish case manufactures would make more cases like this. Love small cube cases & would be nice to have some more variety like there are with regular mid-tower cases.

[@drewbocop]

There is a serious lack of compact ATX cases for HTPCs, particularly ones without windows and other gamer garbage.

[@wileysneak]

yep, they just dont make them like this anymore

[@f1racer908]

I have to say I personally just LOVE LOVE this case, I think Fractal Design has done a really "intelligent design" job on this case. I've been searching up n down for a compact media server case, from Corsair, Thermaltake, to Antec to name a few, and this is by far, the best I've seen. It houses a total of 10 3.5HDD for my RAID setup, and still compact enough, and goodlooking enough to go into my living room. Absolutely awesome case. The high space efficiency is unmatched. I've had Fractal Design cases before with the core series, although thought it was good, but didn't see any real key differentiators, until the Define R6, another quality case, and very very value driven for what you get. Awesome case..

[@pakadyno]

This case would look nice for a small NAS build, you can have multiple HDDs and it seems like a good idea. I might try it!

[@DroppingJuniper]

Actually what I’m planning to do. Just case you see what size graphics card I could add into it!

[@dLzzzgaming]

Yup, just got one for my first Plex server!

[@thanos1000000fc]

@@DroppingJuniper Which OS did you use?

[@MacPanama]

Since you had to take it down I watched it again to get your +1 view back Linus senpaii

[@LinusTechTips]

:D

[@TheFBIBandit]

LinusTechTips Does the power led double as a HD activity light as well?

[@dyeless]

Bean Bandit no HDD led is white and hidden under front mesh part. You can see it blinking on the table for example.

[@goGo-vm4rt]

+Miguel / www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ZPURD9Q/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00ZPURD9Q&linkCode=as2&tag=tenlkjas-20&linkId=DNP5XYOEHSL42SD3 Fractal design 804 is now $49.. I like the fractal design brand. they last good. :D Since you had to take it down I watched it again to get your +1 view back Linus senpaii

[@post_24.]

NO WAY! Has no usb ports on the top. USB on the bottom? kick with your feet on the usbstick and your 100 dollar stick is gone!

[@anthonysisinni1420]

I just want to say I love your reviews. So honest, detailed and to the point. You really make it easy to make smart decisions when purchasing pc parts. I appreciate all that you do for all the enthusiasts and users out there!

[@CjqNslXUcM]

fractal design is actually a great manufacturer

[@sparkycasegbr]

I use this case for my custom NAS. A brilliant case and very quiet fans that come with it.

[@Daniel15au]

Nine years later, this is still one of the best micro ATX cases.

[@TheConman656]

That hole in the bottom of the case, the one that goes "to nowhere" is for when your running SLI/Crossfire, the bottom card can intake through it and not get all full of dust and junk.

[@francesboy2]

Looks like a minifridge or something along those lines

[@threatfiree]

along those line-us AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. ok im going now.

[@silv3rgo]

***** The Cheshire Cat mini... line-us... AHAHAHAHAH ok. Im going now too

[@TylerSteven9]

The window on the left and the power button/USB slots on the right makes this an instant no-go.

[@TheKyozo]

All these new compact cases are making me reconsider my large tower, they really have designed compact cases to be really effective

[@PoeLemic]

Very good video. Nice that the case has come down more-so now.

[@14880evilmonkey]

"because it's the 21st century Donald".... How did he know that trump was going to be president? I'm scared

[@koalaeagle3939]

He knows all

[@ICCUWANSIUT]

KoalaEagle no...he just knew trump was a famous or infamous businessman. Trumps whole shtick back in elections was that he knew how to run something.

[@springbok4015]

I couldnt come up with a name so i used this oh boy, if only people knew the lies back then.

[@spammiuu]

Actually I think he's talking about racist Donald Duck who was a thing back then. But of course no one remembers anymore.

[@BARBELLS-AND-BUDS]

@@spammiuu This could be. I remember the old cartoons

[@d3nswiper]

Thanks, waited a long time for review of this one. Seems like a perfect small case for all-liquid-cooled system.

[@MichaelThomas-be7gq]

Just got this case, on the whole, it's incredible - however, it's not a novice option. The 2.5'' bays are an afterthought, so budget to convert one of the 3.5'' caddies with adapters, oh, and get longer SATA data cables. Airflow is brilliant though, it will take a Noctua 12S on the CPU, and the intake/exhaust set up keeps everything cool.

[@joemarais7683]

Its definitely not a great option in 2022 but there's still no sub 40L cases that support 8 3.5"+2 2.5" drives even after 8 years. Makes this case a space conscious data hoarder's only choice which really sucks.

[@MichaelThomas-be7gq]

@@joemarais7683 Yep, agree. I've been back to install a Z690 built on mATX in the same case. It's still a good case and those drive bays are excellent but a cabling nightmare. Braided SATA cables are a must. Gone from Gen 7 to 12, the same Noctua 12S can keep a 12600K cool (and still quiet) because of the great airflow. I've got 4 x 3.5 and 2 x 2.5 (Sabrent do a great cradle) so I'm happy with it. It's a chore to upgrade but worth it.

[@aceman67]

I just built a 6 HDD NAS in this Cube, and its a great case.

[@ProCoComputerRepairs]

I like the hidden slim line optical drive mount design, great idea.

[@Spiderpack]

First Cube Case I would consider buying. Thumbs up!

[@BARBELLS-AND-BUDS]

How well does it pull air from the front? It looks like 70% covered over the fans?? Overall I really like the look! Not all flashy like a disco lol. And it s compact so it doesn't need its own room.

[@steve_ns]

I hope they do a white version. The white Node 304 with the glossy front looks AWESOME.

[@FraeschD]

I think it's space inefficient. If you plan to fill it with hard drives, then yes, it's gonna be great, but for your typcial 2-3 drives, this is just a huge box with a µATX mobo and an empty space in the back.

[@chieftain20]

Beasty storage box is what I'm going to be using this as! With 4 - 4TB Hard drives in the first bay, and room for 5 more, this case will serve me for years to come. With a SB9650 12ML I picked up off FleaBay for under $45 I'll be set. With 10.92TB of new storage in RAID 5 and add 3.64TB for each additional 4TB drive thrown in later this will be a great Storage Box.

[@OMGBlackst4r]

This'll be a great case for my video editing PC I love that I can put all eight of my drives in here time to find a micro ATX motherboard

[@SezzesStuff]

Video editing pc? You don't even have any videos (on this KZbin channel at least)

[@kenkalajdzic]

MineCartoons So ... nowadays "video editing" means "KZbin"? ...

[@SezzesStuff]

***** Mostly yes. Where would you otherwise put videos regularly? TV and other jobs like that don't count, as you don't use your own pc at work (as far as I know). But I might have forgotten something, and if that's the case, tell me

[@c433z]

Daaang, new favorite cube case over the air 540

[@mod8]

That case is probably first small case, which is really cool to use without compromises, bad cabel management etc. Like it.

[@JacobStar91041]

I have this case and it's amazing. It has plenty of space for anything you want. I have a 212 Evo in my case and it fits perfectly, it's really easy to cable manage this and it is will ventilated.

[@DrXzavier1]

SorainyBoy So what you're saying is that I can build me an awesome rig with plenty of fans and be completely satisfied? Think I might have to pick it up then.

[@DojimaDragon16]

This case is going to be one hell of a fun experience to mod!

[@OTechnology]

I think you could install 12 fans total including the two optional 80mm fan mounts on the bottom.

[@DJNorwegia]

Very well made and edited!

[@brokestudio_]

Micro ATX boards are pretty awesome. But i haven't seen many cases made specifically for M-ATX board. This looks really sweet just like the bitfenix prodigy.

[@MatthewSwain]

I like where they are going with this. Imagine a rev2 might end up as my FreeNAS enclosure whenever I get around to it.

[@williampaine3520]

The intro made me realise the case i'm looking at (for building a storinator) is very old

[@Judgement_Kazzy]

That would make a kick ass LAN party box if I ever left the house.

[@GianniAdduci]

This case is really clean, i like the design

[@TheEnde124]

Just bought this case 6 years after this video :D

[@Weech.]

Idk if it's for this or the core 21 but there's a pretty nice tempered glass mod for it.

[@Ben.N]

Never realized this case was so old lol

[@Hobogoku]

I love this case... it looks awesome and it looks like what I want to use for my next build!

[@FlusherBox]

I've been waiting for this review for what seems like forever, in reality I only waited 2 days.

[@LightLegendz]

Love Fractal Design Cases, Enjoying my Define R4

[@OvAeons]

HOLY BALLS! A wild kitchen appeared!

[@dnshshlidrs]

Well done review Linus, as always.

[@IzzBizzish]

Best mATX case ive seen so far

[@Omnilatent]

I hoped for Linus to put the liquid cooling in the other chamber of the 804 although I have no idea if that would work.

[@ThePixelPolygon]

Just bought a Node 804 the other day!

[@MPT-io8ml]

Is it loud? please answer, rate from 1-10 how loud it is.

[@ThePixelPolygon]

It's actually quiet.

[@MPT-io8ml]

+Narigaur If, you were to rate it, how loud would it be?

[@ThePixelPolygon]

1-2

[@MPT-io8ml]

+Narigaur Cool, do you have any problems with it? like the io.?

[@AndreiSk8Dude]

What a nice case ! small and very effective ! that`s the exact type of case i want ! It`s always a pleasure to see this guy in a review ! Best pc guy on you tube :)

[@miketeo4627]

it would be AWESOME if linus would do a video on the top 10 best cases to build a NAS. Cause I'm pree sure he's a big fan of em already.

[@LordMustangGT93]

Linus, Great review! I'm looking to make a server/stream/rec/2nd gaming machine if needs be. This case blows me away with what they have done. My top choice's before were prly the Corsair carbide air series 540. Also the 250D is right up there, but the lack of a 2way SLI removed it from my list. The amount of storage is also AWESOME. Best mirco ITX cube out at this time imo.

[@sysfried]

Like your video, your honest thoughts on the product. You made me buy it!

[@amritkahlon1988]

This video just sold me on this case

[@Hirobian]

I'm not sure if I've fallen in love with this case...

[@TkB97]

Putting a pump and reservoir on the powersupply side, and having tubs running to the graphic card and cpu would look epic

[@EmmaCross94]

You should review the Enthoo Pro, I want to hear your criticisms!

[@rudde7251]

Shouldn't they have had the CD slot on the same side as the window, together with the USB ports? You know to make it make sense to tilt in one direction towards you and not haveing to choose between USB, power button, and CD ROM and the beautiful window.

[@RealDealHolyfield2099]

Well I'm sold! If I do an mATX build, this is the case I would choose.

[@giannidragos5211]

I thank this man, i will now look into this case.

[@yamuiemata]

Awesome review linus and the case too has a good design but i feel that they focused too much on hard drives space,that space can be used for cable management instead

[@bityotta9946]

Cool. An oven PC with sideways mounting in a box shaped case? Looks like it would have over heating problems with that front design and considering the cheapish price, are they trying to force you to buy more expensive cooling options? Cooler Master HAF XB ftw.

[@williamtsanders]

I really wish you would include thermal performance reviews on these. That really would give a fuller picture of the case.

[@Clydfrog]

I think it would make the review more complete. I don't recall them doing it on any of their case videos, which is kind of disappointing. I have been looking for new cases, and on each I have to go to third party sites to find adequate temperature reviews that don't really give the full detail of their testing. I would really like it if Linus would start implementing it into their reviews as it would be one additional tool when looking at buying a case.

[@yoyofargo]

I'd love to see more cases that compete with the microatx temjin 08 at a better price point. Smaller cases when paired with the proper heatsinks and fans will cool more efficiently than larger cases. The upside down mobo is definitely the way to go when paired with positive pressure design. I'd also like to see laptop optical disk bays rather than archaic 5.25 inch bays. (having 0 bays would work too)

[@jameshealy4594]

I'm not going mATX anytime soon, but this seems like a really well thought through case.

[@nowmowcow]

no reset switch, no disc eject, for a higher end case, it is strange the few corners they cut with this thing, that being said I own, and love it, I am pretty sure it has the most potential in terms of hardware that will actually fit, out of any microATX chassis on the market, if anyone wanted to build micro ATX packed with a ton of stuff, this is really the only case I would recommend

[@DJ_Sharpee]

I would love to see a build like this but done differently. I would love to see it with its maximum amount of HDD's and SSD's and Fans and GPU's installed all at once. Just to see how practical it can be in a worse case scenario. PLEASE DO IT.

[@failsrus96]

This Case is perfect for a NAS

[@iic13com]

1:50 is it possible to mount 2 Fans at the TOP that will take the warm air out of the HHDs ?

[@92Jtin]

That is a super clever case.

[@Iammorph]

Maybe you can use high profile memory if you install the radiator in the front of the case, instead on the top.

[@Plagues138]

I like that it has the slim optical drive slot in it... but i feel like if it would look much better if they put the PSU on its side, and shaved off 1-2 HDD spots in those cages, making it 3-4 inches thinner.

[@SteelerFan716]

Linus, you guys are NOT equal opportunity employers. Why didn't you hire a Protoss or a Zerg? But NOOOOOO. You just had to hire a Terran. Speciesists!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@blackopsy9]

Considering both of the races you mentioned are battling each other it would not exactly make for a safe work environment! obvious starcraft 2 troll is obvious.

[@SteelerFan716]

blackopsy9 Haters gonna hate, I guess...

[@blue0035]

"New employee Taran" :(

[@mineturte]

Sadge :C

[@mathewteague1]

You should definitely do a review of the Aerocool Dead silence cube! It is a pretty awesome case for Micro ATX motherboards.

[@mj-np9sy]

I'd love it if they sold cases with windows, that they came with pre-cut covers to cover the window. Windows are so love it or hate it, cater to both crowds.

[@Razyre]

This looks great!

[@functiongarage]

Hmm I wonder if you could of mounted the AIO Rad in the back half of the case?

[@epielanonimo]

I would have like to see some more of the watercooling options the case offers (but I suppose building a full watercooled rig takes too much time xD).

[@brandongoh1797]

check out bill oven theres already one on his channel ;)

[@dgnelson21]

So here I am, late at night watching Linus and you say "because DONALD" made me jump.

[@ian-c.01]

I like it overall but it has some things that don't make much sense. How about turning the PSU on it's side (similar to the Air 540) to allow the case to be a bit narrower ? I don't think many people buy cases of this size with any intention of utilizing more than 4 HDD bays (+ 2 SSD's), it would be more sensible if the HDD cages where smaller, 2 slots per cage would be just fine, this would help narrow it down too. Having a nice big window on one side means that is the side you expect to be looking at when it's on your desk yet all of the front panel I/O is on the opposite side including the optical drive slot. If you have to leave space between the side and the wall to get disks in then it is occupying much more space than necessary. I think they did a reasonable job of packing a lot of features and options into a very small and tidy case but I feel they are trying a bit too hard with this one. Trying to cover all bases at the same time causes complications when it's far better to keep it simple. It gets a "no" from me, sorry Fractal.

[@skydakiller368]

Funnily enough I actually really like the look of this case and I'm considering building a MATX form factor gaming pc for my next build, and this may well be the case I use. Truth be told though, it does look a lot like a sub lol

[@MatejOtypka]

love those cube cases.

[@eug3nius]

What's happening here is they got a good idea (from the Node 304, the only Node series case that makes sense) and made a joke out of it. There are some nice ideas in the 804 - the slim optical bay and the ssd mounts in the door but the end the case is a bigger failure than this review. :) In the 804 they should have used a 2x4 bay modular hdd cage with individual trays for each hdd in both front sides of the case, and a further 4bay over the PSU. Shipped with two 4bay cages - 8hdd's standard, 3 extra cages possible for 20 hdd's maximum, sold separately. Ideal space utilization, easy replacement of a hdd, still room for watercooling if you take the cages out or move them around. The case would have been a little bigger and a little more expensive but SO worth it. That suspended 4bay hdd cage in the Node 804 is, to put it clearly, crap. It makes replacing or adding a HDD unnecessarily complicated. In the 304 at least you can take them out just two at a time. Cheap cost cutting Fractal, you're supposed to improve your cases not rest on your laurels.

[@seantigre]

Does anyone know of a case that is cube shaped similarly, not necessarily the same style but would be a plus, to this but is larger? I really love the look of the node 804 but it's a tad to small for what I'd be doing with it. Thanks.

[@ChrisD4335]

the second half seems like it would be mostly wasted space on most builds, what exsactly are you expected to put in there? seems like if you like this form factor the motherboard mounted flat on the bottom of a case would be more useful, allowing you to install a larger motherboard and still have room for mounting hardware , hdd cadges and whatnot above

[@jla.]

I knew to check the video date when I saw a pebble on his wrist.

[@Zeratul306]

is there a refresh of this case or one from the competitors? looking for a more quiet option.

[@BLOOWOLF4562x]

This would be an amazing NAS box

I am evaluating it for exactly that purpose. I don't really care what it looks like, as long as it's a good use of space. I'm going to stick it in my basement and when the system is stable, I will rarely lay eyes on it. Looks good so far, but the gimmicky crap like the window I don't care about.

[@ALSALAZAR1985]

Seán Hassett you can always just have the window against the wall. as the power button is on the other side anyways.

I went with the Define Mini, happy with it.

[@StylinRed]

+BLOOWOLF4562 +Seán Hassett i'm currently using the node 605, as my htpc/nas, this looks like a great upgrade to get more hard drives into my system, but the 605 looks more premium imho, especially with the thick aluminum faceplate

[@richardsim7]

+BLOOWOLF4562 I took inspiration from the "PC and NAS in one box" video and I used this case for it. I must say, it really is the best case I've worked with.

[@ChrispyNut]

Interesting case. Built a couple of SOHO servers in the 302's and I'm curious Linus, has Fractal sorted the Low speed fan start issue with their fans for this case? I'm assuming not as they're running @ 5v and the fans seem to need 5.5v I think. Really annoying little issue and quite bad IMO.

[@dho]

I wish there were more affordable test benches...I really want something from Dimastech for my next build but they're so damn expensive. I bet if a bigger company like Corsair took the time to design a nice test bench it would cost a fraction of the price. Something like the Lian Li test bench, except with even more thoughtful design.

[@rhadiem]

This will be my next case. My Fractal Design Define R4 is great, but I want to go mATX next round and this beats the pants off the Define Mini.

[@Joe-tc5ki]

Would like to see this case with a slimmer PSU bay, perhaps by rotating the PSU 90 degrees could save a few inches in overall width.

[@TheFishingHutt]

will the radiator fit between the space into the other thermal zone above the PSU to mount the radiator there?

[@peterl8417]

You can put 4x240 rads in this case if you really want to. One for the cpu, 2 for gpu in sli and the other for your water cooled psu and ram ✌

[@GarrettAbsher]

if i didnt use the hard drive cages, could i put 2x240mm rads, for custom watercooling one i5-4670K and either a gtx780/780ti

[@Brian_Fantastic]

Good stuff. I really want to buy one.

[@wwyk1993]

Are some parts of the video recorded at different times?

[@WeAreMovieMakers]

What's the purpose of the second chamber thing if you can't use it for radiators?

[@TommieTF]

You can, with a custom loop