The Case of my DREAMS!

[@gussignature]

Fits in perfectly with the whole sauna feeling the 4090 creates!

[@HardwareCanucks]

lmao -D.

[@terrablader]

lol hot cedar smell ummmmm

[@IRefuseToUseThisStupidFeature]

@@terrablader Warm cedar would smell great!

[@constantinosschinas4503]

Yet you would need 90degree power cable to fit a 4080/90 in this case. Very snug fit.

[@terrablader]

@Garrus Vakarian lol the smell of delamination

[@Nicktoon100]

Finally, someone released a wood case! I remember watching this channel's coverage of some computer con years ago and In Win showcased a wood case that never released. I was so disappointed. Definitely going to check this one out!

[@typhonius123]

Check out Cubeor cases.

[@cutebrute925]

Fractal is doing some of the most consistently interesting and attractive work in the business. I love my current Define case, and now the Torrent has competition for being used for my next build.

[@benkse2010]

Im literally on the market for a new build, and I am so glad this exists. I almost exclusively buy vintage 70s audio equipment, and all of it is walnut with black furniture. This is literally going to look like it was made specifically for my house haha.

[@anhiirr]

yeah if they make an ITX chassis id definitely jump right on it esp if both side panels are mesh. Id get some Powered 8"-10" monitors to match with the wood on the itx or re-stain the pc....to match the swans ive been looking at for my room setup. VERY EPIC turn from RGB in the industry towards this seemingly ideal for audiophiles chassis. Or if they make a flat sff chassis like a flat tower with wood to make it look like an audio processor/console it could be set on a bookshelf/furniture and look like it belongs there, not to mention if you go full APU system like for a multimedia pc/media center....you can use the GPU compartment in those FLAT box itx chassis....and fabricate a dac/amp into the ITX pc's GPU compartment. Have an all in one SYSTEM.

[@DigitalJedi]

I'm thinking the same thing about the white one. My office/studio is basically all built around a birch desk and shelves I made with my dad. The white one would slot into the PC cubby in the desk very nicely. I currently have an semi-SFF build in there and it looks nice, but I really want to do a different front for it in the style of this case.

[@benkse2010]

@@DigitalJedi my only worry is will this fit a full sized 3080 or dare I even say 4000 series card? Because I'm going high end cpu so I need a 360 mm rad for cooling.

[@babybrown4289]

@@benkse2010 I’d Like to know this too. Trying to build a 4090 system

[@KeeseToast]

Looks absolutely fantastic! Fractal Design is on fire lately when it comes to case design

[@KingCrimson82]

just a little nine eleveny

[@sudbtd]

​@@KingCrimson82 ??

[@derelictdiva]

Thank you for mentioning the difference between the mesh and glass side panels! I’m building a new pc, thermals always matter to me, and since it sits in my living room this case is just goals honestly. Super appreciate the numbers! And you thought of how the wood was treated! Literally no one else (I’ve watched a few reviews now) thought to worry, but I’m so glad you did because ooo boy can wood go ugly if it’s not treated properly, so thank you again.

[@NormanCanton]

Bought it for my first build because i needed to build a sleeper office computer. It was awesome to build in and looks amazing! Highly recomend!

[@elvisg7]

I hope Fractal makes a North XL. I already love this case and it would be even better if it was able to fit larger air towers + the side intake bracket installed.

[@zamora3D]

yeah, just a little wider and its perfect

[@anhiirr]

Yep some side mount fan intake holes w/threaded grommets...or studs to screw fans into the back/inner side of the panel. Ideally a giant 230mm fan or multiple 140mms. It was definitely the first thing that came to mind....larger/atx form factor and adding a heap of fans to that side panel like an OG coolermaster stacker.

[@wowdogeful]

I love this! I'm seriously considering switching even though it's a much larger case than I actually want. Great look, no RGB or tempered glass nonsense and the price is reasonable for what you're getting, even though it's a bit on the higher side. I have no idea what took case manufacturers so long to incorporate real wood in their designs, there is only one single case I'm aware of that has real wood other than this one, but that's a niche product from a niche manufacturer, an ITX case that only supports low profile graphics cards and comes flatpacked for you to assemble. If Fractal Design releases an ITX version of this case I will order it the minute it goes on sale, but the ATX version looks so good that I might be getting this right now even though it's larger than I want.

[@Voltmander]

they have a different line of wood cases as well if that fits you better :)

[@thejasoncobb]

@@Voltmander what case line is that?

[@Voltmander]

@@thejasoncobb nevermind, it was a different manufacturer called Cubeor cases

[@kylepatton7289]

I just discovered this case! Building one without a client order just to have in shop for show. Very excited for the professional office crowd.

[@MarcoGPUtuber]

We now need a whole case made out of woodgrain. LGR would approve!

[@AT-bb4cw]

Jtc was making a case but he didn't complete it

[@MarcoGPUtuber]

@@AT-bb4cw Now i'm sad!

[@TuplaTTT]

Cubeor cases? Kanto, Aski, Vault and Hashrad. Although Hashrad is more like a heating unit for your house rather than a case.

[@ButtonFacade]

Cubeor did just that. Full wood cases.

[@envirovore]

Just do like a buddy of mine did and stick your PC in an old wooden sewing machine table.

[@peterkhoudary9303]

Honestly one of the most beautiful cases ever. Price is excellent too, would absolutely purchase this or its successor for my next build

[@Flynnycore]

Great thing that you've shared your thoughts and the test result of the 80mm fan!

[@roywem]

I've found pc cases always kind of ugly, until this! Finally something that has some elements of Scandinavian design and minimalism; absolutely love this case!

[@mungolianbeef]

Fractal Design once again proving that they arguably at the top when it comes to PC cases. Well done

[@omarmier6188]

Great video, I've been watching various channels that talk about this PC case, but you actually covered every single point, from top to bottom, and that made me sure of buying this case, thanks for the vid, pls keep uploading great videos, God bless

[@rjt135]

I just got my white version of the case. Worth sharing that the wood is a lot warmer than shows in a lot of photos. Probably an effect of lighting. I was happy since this will work better with my setup. Only regret is I would have preferred the brass accents over the silver.

[@alias5152]

Case look wonderful.. they can use same style in future cases.. just to make it wider little bit, they can make wide one to add power supply on the side and to have clearance for gpu's horizontaly and space for vertical.. and that shroud on the bottom will dissapear and that opens up so many possibilities for fans.. or new ideas.. It's always good going little bit wider and you get so much space inside and as i mention wasted space under bottom shroud dissapears.. Most beautiful case i ever saw.. not only because of wooden part, shape of it.. idea of mesh sides and top.. also how they are shaped on the edge.. so elegant and beautiful. Good job Fractal.. and i wish they will give us similar model just to be wider.. that will add some elegant watercooling solutions .. etc.. We miss that elegant pc cases, all of them are so gamery.. it become boring..

[@Mart-E12]

Fractal really make the best cases love my Torrent

[@KingCrimson82]

got one too, compact, its pretty complete with a g413 keyboard and a g403 mouse. but that makes me nervous..

[@wakeupmrreiyn]

0:03 bro's been asking for wood for years 💀🥶

[@xc3lsi0r16]

Love that white mesh version. I just finished a build in a jonsbo d40. And fractal goes and release this banger of a case.

[@TheJjjoj]

Great case. Small correction. It's actually incredibly easy to design open mesh. For small circle perforated metal, use 40% to 46% open area. I'm just telling you for the 80 thousandth time, if you start measuring the hole size and wall size of the perforated metal, or just freaking ask the manufacturer, you'll know the performance delta before you even test.

[@christopherwood2290]

Yes. There is more open space that he thinks. The holes look to be at least 50% of the surface area. He obviously doesn't know much about mechanical engineering nor simple math.

[@TheJjjoj]

@@christopherwood2290 That's not quite what I was saying. Small circle peforated sheet metal most commonly comes in 27%, 40%, and 46% open area. Case manufacturers aren't going to create their own presses so they will always be in a commercially available size and shape. Cases need at least a combined 40% open area for adequate airflow, rather using square or hexagonal perforations with more open area + a fine mesh dust filter, or by using smaller perforations without a filter. The effect between the two is the same, all that matters for airflow is the open area. If the open area gets measured and is at or above 40%, then it's fine. Obviously higher is better, but it's a balancing act between protection, dust buildup prevention, and airlfow.

[@JaredBusch]

this is a sick case! I think it might have to be my next case, unless they release an ITX iteration! that'd be super sweet.

[@Arundidoo]

The wood looks so clean

[@ZackEhlers]

I love the way they did the wood layout. I love the the circular design and how the tempered glass is shortened to give this case a different look compared to every other case. BTW, can you do a review on the Lian Li Lancool 216?

[@Gwal]

I really like it : wood and leather accents give it a premium vibe I'm tired of the design of the O11 and variants as well as the Hyte y60 : they all look like aquarium / fish tanks However I need a bigger case so I would love an XL version of this !

[@Belfor09]

That's my new case. I was waiting so long for something really tasteful to appear on the market and the oak gives me this feeling exactly. It looks amazing

[@אלוןאנגל-ה9ש]

I just fell in love with the design and features from the very beginning. I hope to make a full פארס Tower version of it so could stick three 140 mm fans in the front and have more space for all of my other stuff, but I am planning to go to this case, just because it’s beautiful and functional, and suddenly will be my next case.

[@kalakeitt0]

noctua industrial fans would look amazing on the black case with the brown ruber corners👌

[@bankruptsee]

Hell yes. This fits my whole house aesthetic perfectly.

[@razvanyke]

The 129 USD from 3 months ago are about 170 EUR now. The beauty has its price ... however is one great looking piece of technology, they brought case making to a new level.

[@DenJoost]

I bought this case a couple of days ago and I love it! Looks even better in real life! I bought the white one with the mesh panel. It's a nice clean minimalistic look with a little bit RGB visible through the mesh panel. It's clearly a case for the somewhat older audience, because my little nephew (13 years old) didn't like it. Not enough RGB visible 😂

[@nico3064]

Seriously ? With the correct RGB accents really looks awesome. Of course no rainbow stuff 😂. Just an easy on the eye brown/orange for the black case is stunning

[@JordiFerran]

good overall; testing temperature is a sensitive topic; in my view the optimal requires 2 industrial fans at the back-top and top-rear to suck out all heat around the CPU; thus combined with two powerful industrial fans 140mm on the front to ensure fresh air is always getting in; side panel mesh is a good thing, to potentially improve thermals, but that depends on the desk configuration; having a tower facing a wall in the back is terrible for thermals; had to change my tower to pull in air from the back and push out towards a room door and corridor, just to keep the room less-warm.

[@vongdong10]

Fractal has been killing it lately.

[@hadifelani]

They've always been the king in the PC Case department for me though. Corsair could barely catch up.

[@vongdong10]

@Rizky Hadi Felani they had a little rough patch when everyone started doing psu covers, temper side panels and integrated rgb. Took then a while to catch up and imo take over the market

[@hadifelani]

@@vongdong10 yea sometimes they're a bit niche I'll admit that.

[@keegandesigns3065]

I love the direction that Fractal Design has been going with their upcoming cases and I would totally switch out my current one with this! Only caveat for me are three things: 1. A 'Snow White' edition, where the entire interior, exterior chassis/covers and front plate as white steel/plastic and gray rubber. Kind of like what the Lian Li O11 Dynamic Evo Snow White Edition does for their color palette. 2. Ability to mount a 360 mm radiator to the top - I don't know if this is necessarily something that I like and isn't required, but using a liquid CPU cooler, I enjoy cases that allow me to mount it on the top, and I own a Corsair H150i Capellix. I understand that the front can host it, but would be extremely nice for air flow to use front with 3 120mm fans as intake, then the radiator at top as exhaust, removing the need to have fans at the rear, and that extra fan bracket attached (which I would want to use the TG and show the inside off). 3. One thing that their Torrent really benefited from was the cable management Velcro option to host power supply and misc cords at back - this one lacks it, and I just really loved the idea of having exquisite cable management both inside and outside the system. Don't necessarily know if it's because in the Torrent, power supply is hosted at top and it's easier, but I can see how it can still be achieved, and maybe isn't a requirement, but would be amazing to have as an option.

[@janviersechan9670]

For me it's the first time I see a case with black version much better than the white one. Simply gorgeous

[@mauree1618]

I'm glad we talk about how the wood is treated.

[@ronstewtsaw]

Paul's Hardware's review of this review was pretty much spot-on. :)

[@Oliur]

Now THIS is my type of case.

[@HardwareCanucks]

IKR... When it came out of the box, I knew it'll be a hit. Even if the temperatures were crap, I'd still use it. Gorgeous wood :) -D.

[@2117turbo]

I've wanted this kind of thing forever.

[@talonsl]

I built my white nmesh yesterday. Arctic Liquid Freezer II 280 on the side bracket, two 140s in the front and top each. I love it!

[@00Clive00]

I'm a Joiner and have always planned to do a full wooden case, I'm going to salvage some parts from an old coolermaster case I've been using for the last 15 years.

[@andrewdenzov3303]

Well now I met my next case. Gorgeous looking and good cooling.

[@arce_95]

The white one would look absolutely stunning with the nzxt h7 b550 white

[@michaeljones5986]

Wow, love the look! I'd take the black with walnut. May be my next build, especially for that price!

[@StaleFiish]

I just got this case and its the best looking case I have ever seen. Goes really well with my setup.

[@camofelix]

Heads up for 8:53 : Officially (per the specs) the NHD 15 is supposed to be from within 160 to within 165MM, so should just barely fit, but I'm not sure if your measurements include motherboard thickness and clearance from MB standoffs

[@HardwareCanucks]

My Dark Rock 4 cooler is 159mm in height, it fits, but the width is what's causing contact with the side bracket. The NH-D15 is wider than my Rock 4, so it'll definitely hit the bracket... at least that's what i see based on my setup. -D.

[@camofelix]

@@HardwareCanucks Any Way to check/verify based on orientation? Would be really interested!

[@HiDopamine88]

Love the top and side mesh. Hope they release matx or sff versions

[@OTechnology]

The side fan mount would probably work better with 80mm fans as intake blowing air below the GPU fans. Using a 140mm fan just fights with the hot air the gpu blows out the side.

[@NickBaysingar]

Very exquisite design for sure. Hopefully it's popular and other manufacturer's take notice and start working on their own wood accented cases.

[@ahoymateeez]

It's pretty cool how they can still make a box shape visually appealing.

[@ThatOtherAndrew]

I'm currently collecting parts for a 7900X build and although I was thinking about getting the 011D Mini, I actually like the look of the Fractal North way more. I hope this comes out soon!

[@AlphaIndigo]

Awesome case and review, Its good to know you are on the case!

[@rosssplawn4131]

Great video! It sounds like you might have been fighting the air flow of the GPU's fans. If you swap the direction on the 40mm and the side intake fan you might see better results. Unfortunately the side fan fights the GPU's airflow either way you have it to some extent because of the size of it, but i still think making it exhaust would be better.

[@PufferLuffer]

Never seen a wooden case before - surprisingly gorgeous!

[@MrLincoln87]

Some of the little details are great, like the 3.5” drive bracket such a simple idea that makes you think why didn’t someone come up with it sooner

[@mannydcbianco]

The Torrent is, objectively, the slightly better case. But I still went with the North because of how it looks. The wood front bars brilliantly melt into my office, with my wood shelving system and wood desk with almost exactly the same color and nuance as the wood bars on the white North. I am beyond happy with it, even though I know that the Torrent would have improved my temperatures by a few degrees.

[@edwardherzrec]

For over a year now, I was keen on my next PC being an itx case, because those tend to have a nicer look compared to the normal midtower design (not fond of the gamer aesthetic anymore) and dont take up as much space, but this is an art piece! I may have to reconsider...

[@ResumedPausing]

I'm in the same position. I'm currently collecting parts for an ITX build, but now this case is making me second guess myself

[@Agent_Ice]

If I had to guess with the GPU temps, you are probably right. I think that the pathway GPUs create. They suck in cool air and exhaust it out the back near the I/O ports. This isn't for every GPU, and it is mainly blower style cards that use this, but most GPUs try to follow this pathway to some degree in order to prevent exhausting hot air back into their system or into the CPU region. But with the fan I think it must be removing cold air from the system rather than helping exhaust hot air.

[@Chunpokomon]

probably one of the most elegant case of the years.

[@Nidjo79]

That HDD bracket mounting to the top was really sexy.

[@EricVWgolf]

best looking case for a mid tower.

[@simpson6700]

Wow 10 strips of wood! AMAZING!

[@Cary_mac]

YEEEEEES!!!!!!!!! I fricking can't wait for my next build. I love SFF but this will be my next build.

[@ThePCForever]

This is the first case I"ve seen where the black version looks better than the white version. Very classy.

[@justaguy6216]

I literally just bought the torrent compact. NOW I WANT THIS!!!

[@rorowegreek]

I. ALREADY. LOVE. IT. can't wait to buy it....

[@DzmitryArtsiamkou]

Eco-friendly and functional housing!!! Thanks!!!

[@tombox1236]

I just got this case in the black mesh variant, and it looks great. For those that won't be using the 3.5" hdd drives next to the psu, I just wish there was an option to put an extra 2 fans underneath.

[@AtaGunZ]

man fractal design is the best. I'm glad I used their products since the node202, they really are innovating. With the new ridge and this, I really am trying really hard to stop myself from building a new pc.

[@Quicksilver_Cookie]

Fractal just get it. Whatever it means. Their cases are a perfect blend of engineering, and elegant design. I still use their first gen Meshify C. But now I'm torn between this and Torrent when I decide to upgrade my system a bit. So many good cases from Fractal lately, just spoiled for choice.

[@Vencarter]

nice, if i ever want to build my own, or upgrade my recent upgrade, this will be the case!

[@Rukai]

The wood looks amazing! Now bring on a SFF version and we're set!

[@tihruytssgjjvsavcxtbvhj3429]

I love this case. I’ve had the same case for 10 years but I placed an order for this today! I love the wood!

[@skutah7524]

Check the Cubeor cases 😍

[@DonRabisa]

It is the most beautiful tower I have ever seen

[@AlphaMachina]

I'm building a custom case with aluminum frame and motherboard tray covered in bamboo panels (made from bamboo cutting boards!) I'm making a premium case with premium materials for less than $100 in parts. The power button is a nice piece I got off the end of an old mechanical e-cigarette called the Hellboy. It's a stainless and copper magnetic mechanical switch that will mount into the bamboo and mechanically actuate the momentary power switch on the front IO board. It's got a magnet in it instead of a spring, so it looks and feels REALLY good to press.

[@geomon69]

This is so awesome. Personally I'd like to have the walnut on the white case, that would be brilliant...

[@AbdullahDarwish]

The case is beautiful, Thank you Dimitry

[@TEGvTEG]

I was just thinking about something like this yesterday. This is 10000% what my next build will be in.

[@etforde]

Hands down best looker for 2022 🙌

[@MarkoVuckovic32]

I know this an older video but the case itself is still very relevant. My desk is made of wood which happens to be a very similar color like the wood on the black version of this case. It would be a perfect fit for me, the problem is that fractal tends to be overpriced in my country. It should cost about $150 but in my country it's $190. Big difference if you don't have infinite budget like me.

[@tkimaginestudio]

I think you should have tried to use the side fan as an exhaust fan (mounted as far as possible towards the back). It should help to get the hot air from the GPU out as quickly as possible. It's an awesome looking case but I'd never buy it due to the lack of bottom air flow. I wish they would offer the Torrent with a mesh side panel. Even better, the power supply shouldn't be at the top (where it is in the way of a top exhaust fan, helping the CPU cooler), but to the side (dual-chamber style). That extra width (vertical power supply with its fan to the side) would also make cable management a breeze.

[@Tomsushi]

I really don't wanna rebuild my PC but dayum does this case look so good!

[@seanmamasde]

nice review, definitely deserves a 9.5/10. it's better than lots of case reviews out there with 2/3 of the entire video just building the pc, I prefer more focuses on the case itself, though the build specs might be a little bit outdated, it would've been better if you guys also provides a more modern variation of the build (like 12 gen i7 with 3070ti) along with the one shown in the video (since there's still a large portion of userbase with these kind of specs). Keep up the great work :)

[@ingemarcruz]

Thanks to Fractal for giving a name to it´s case, hate to see all things named the same. Cool to see a more serious design case, not all people want RGB with glass side panels

[@RaggaDruida]

The white one looks like it'll go perfectly with the Noctua colour theme!

[@gorebrush]

Damnit, I only just bought a Torrent compact a few months ago, now I want this!

[@MalakaiDerg]

Absolutely beautiful. Finally a case that seems designed for an actually adult audience. Something that would not look out of place in a nice room

[@tuckertech]

Exactly!

[@cutcorners6005]

I think that 80mm fan needs to be intake to do anything. The gpu fans blow inward so if you are using it as exhaust then you are just fighting them.

[@quincyfreeman2901]

This is the first case i’ve come across that genuinely has me considering scrapping my concept for a custom wood display/open airflow design…

[@orlandozacarias9252]

you could say its the best CASE scenario I WOOD probably swap my current case with this

[@rolfathan]

Dang. This really is possibly my favorite case design of all time.

[@FTWGame0N]

No one seems to talk how the sidebracked can be actually used for a AIO 240. That way you can have 2x140 up top one 120 at the back to taking air out. The side AIO will pull air in. And the front 2 or 3 will be intake too. You will hide all your other components but teh case being a side mesh panel they are not seen anayway. With this you only need some white RGB fans for the side mount and it will look great. and unique.

[@jrodstech]

I think the black one looks best, but If I had a choice I "wood" have totally went a differn't direction. I know everyone says they could do better. But, in this "CASE" I really could. I've worked in and both owned my custom cabient shop. I assume for a mass produced item it's not like you could really go overboard. But I've always wanted to make wooden case covers you could just slip over whatever case you had. I know it wouldn't be easy but I would love to try. Keeping the air flow, with easy access to your usb, audio, usb c plug in. With a custom stain and poly finish. Choices between, gloss, semi gloss, and flat.

[@nicholasang1892]

The dark tempered glass on the white case looks so much better imo in this video, than the clear glass that comes with the white case. Fractal should definitely make this an alternative option.

[@HardwareCanucks]

Agreed! -D.

[@Z020852]

If you build a full loop and have the graphics card on a vertical mount converter the side fan mount might be able to hold a 40mm or thinner 240mm rad, you just need slightly longer screws. A shame they went for a more compact size for this though. If there were eight PCI-E slots, the side fan bracket can be set lower away from large CPU air coolers, and you can vertical mount some graphics cards wider than the PCI-E bracket and still be able to use huge CPU air coolers. If it was also taller between the mobo and the roof of the case plus a little bit wider, it's not just about mounting a 280mm rad on the top, you can get two side brackets to go on the top and bottom position, mount 240mm rads on them (plus a 360mm out front), and then have 140mm exhaust fans on top, with all rad fans functioning as you never use preheated air that's already been through one rad to go through another rad. But hey if they do a North XL...

[@amineabdz]

The fan header is an odd choice to me, most motherboard fan headers support around 1 amp of total draw before either tripping the PSU or risking damage if the mobo is very cheap, and most fans ( when failing at least ) will draw close to 0.3 amps from the header, but only half that when they are in good working condition. Which means that for the unlikely scenario that all the fans plugged in the same header fail all at once, for absolute safety, you can only have a maximum of 3 fans in the same header, which is also why most fan splitters or controllers that include 3 inputs or more have to be powered separately.

[@matthieuzglurg6015]

I'm guessing the side intake is really here to help with vertical GPU mounts and GPUs with flowtrhough desigh like the 3080 / 3070Ti FE cards Using a conventional card in here means that in the lowest position, half of the side fan helps with GPU intake, but the other half is fighting the air coming out of the GPU by the sides of it, so you end up fighting the GPU fans again. I'm guesisng the 80mm fan is better as an intake, it would probably lead to better performance for the GPU without compromisin the CPU temps

[@Lightsout565x]

I just bought a Meshify 2 Mini, absolutely love Fractal's design philosophy

[@Gabu_Dono]

This case would be perfect in a Nordic style speciality coffee café