The Charcoal Black Tempered Glass Dark version, with a marketplace rating of 4.7 / 5 across 971 ratings.
- The case is described as magnificent, offering efficiency, discretion, and luxury, with a beautiful appearance that helps cool internal components.
- Owners of the tempered glass version report that airflow relies on side slots and the top panel for intake, which isn't ideal for high-TDP components.
- The two included 140mm Aspect PWM fans on the front are a bit noisy, leading to a slightly lower rating.
While the tempered glass version is favoured for its aesthetic, builders prioritising maximum airflow or very quiet operation might need to consider alternative fan setups or case designs, though some users note potential fan noise and airflow considerations. The Charcoal Black Tempered Glass Dark is suggested for a non-RGB aesthetic, offering a sophisticated look.
Who it suits
Works well if
- Non-RGB builds prioritising aesthetics
- ATX / mATX / ITX motherboards
- GPUs up to 355 mm
- Users who appreciate wood and alloy design details
Think twice if
- Builders seeking maximum unrestricted airflow
- Users sensitive to fan noise from included components
- High-TDP components requiring optimal cooling
The numbers that matter
- Marketplace rating is 4.7 out of 5 stars across 971 ratings
- Includes two 140 mm Aspect PWM fans
- GPU clearance is up to 355 mm
What the evidence says
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Fractal Design North Charcoal Black Tempered Glass Dark - Wood Walnut front - Glass side panel - Two 140mm Aspect PWM fans included - Type C USB - ATX Airflow Mid Tower PC Gaming Case |
| Model/Variant | North Charcoal Black Tempered Glass Dark |
| Marketplace Rating | 4.7 / 5 across 971 ratings |
| Motherboard Compatibility | ATX / mATX / ITX |
| Included Fans | Two 140 mm Aspect PWM fans |
| GPU Clearance (Listing) | Up to 355 mm |
| GPU Clearance (User) | 413 mm |
| Weight | 8.0 kg |
| Cable Management Clearance | 20-25 mm |
| Fan Noise | Included front fans are a bit noisy |
| Airflow (Tempered Glass) | Relies on side slots and top panel for intake, not ideal for high-TDP components |
| Aesthetics | Magnificent, efficiency, discretion and luxury, beautiful case |
Where buyers hesitate
Which version fits the non-RGB look the best: the tempered glass sidepanel or the mesh one?
The tempered glass version is favoured for its sophisticated, non-RGB aesthetic. The Fractal Design North Charcoal Black Tempered Glass Dark is named for its aesthetic. While the listing focuses on the tempered glass variant, community discussions indicate a preference for this version for builds aiming for a non-RGB look, due to its wood and dark glass elements.
Is the Fractal Design North noisy?
The included 140mm front fans can be noisy, and the case isn't considered the quietest. Users report that the two included 140mm Aspect PWM fans on the front are 'a bit noisy'. One user noted this led to a slightly lower rating and expressed intent to replace them. While the case is praised for its looks, 'it's not the quietest' according to available commentary.
What factors should I consider when choosing a PC case?
Consider motherboard size, GPU clearance, airflow, cooling potential, and aesthetics. When selecting a PC case, it's important to match motherboard size (ATX, mATX, ITX) with the case's capabilities. GPU clearance is vital for compatibility, and airflow determines cooling efficiency for components. Aesthetics play a role in overall build satisfaction, with materials like wood and glass offering distinct looks.
How much GPU clearance does the Fractal Design North offer?
The listing states up to 355 mm GPU clearance, but users report up to 413 mm. The listing specifies GPU clearance of up to 355 mm, or up to 300 mm if a 360 mm front radiator is installed. However, user-reported measurements suggest a greater clearance of 413 mm is achievable.
Why we judge it this way
The Fractal Design North Charcoal Black Tempered Glass Dark is primarily a case chosen for its distinctive aesthetics, particularly its wood front panel and dark tempered glass. This design choice directly addresses the shopper's query about fitting a non-RGB look, positioning it as a strong contender for those avoiding flashy RGB lighting. The listing highlights its sleek wood and alloy details, contributing to a premium appearance that community discussions describe as 'magnificent' and 'beautiful'.
However, this aesthetic focus comes with trade-offs, notably in airflow and noise. Community feedback indicates that the wood front panel restricts airflow compared to mesh designs, with the tempered glass version relying heavily on side slots for intake. This design is noted as 'not ideal for high-TDP components', suggesting that while it looks good, it may not offer the best cooling performance for demanding hardware. The case is also described as 'not the quietest'.
A specific point of contention is the noise generated by the two included 140mm Aspect PWM fans. Users report these fans are 'a bit noisy', leading some to consider replacing them. This noise concern, coupled with the airflow limitations, forms the most significant objection against the case, especially for users who prioritise performance and silence over pure aesthetics. The listing itself does not detail fan noise levels, leaving this to user reports.
While the listing specifies a GPU clearance of up to 355 mm, user-reported measurements suggest a more generous 413 mm clearance is possible. This discrepancy highlights the value of community feedback in refining product understanding. Furthermore, while specific build quality complaints about flimsy covers and screws were noted on a related XL model, the overall sentiment for the North model leans towards it being a 'well-built, easy-to-build-in chassis', suggesting that minor build quality concerns might be present but not necessarily a deal-breaker for most.
The marketplace rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars across 971 ratings indicates strong overall customer satisfaction, likely driven by its unique design and perceived value. Despite the noted limitations in airflow and potential for fan noise, the Fractal Design North appears to successfully balance distinctive styling with functional PC building, making it a popular choice for those who prioritise a sophisticated look. Its compatibility with ATX, mATX, and ITX motherboards and inclusion of two 140mm Aspect PWM fans further contribute to its appeal as a versatile mid-tower option.
The strongest objection we found
The two included 140mm Aspect PWM fans on the front are a bit noisy, leading to a slightly lower rating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What this page does not answer
- How does the Fractal Design North compare to the NZXT H7 Flow for airflow?
- What are the best PC cases for silent operation?
- What are the key differences between the Fractal Design North and North XL?
- See NZXT H7 Flow for unrestricted airflow
- Explore other mid-tower PC cases
- Compare Fractal Design North variants
How this analysis was built
Analysis of the product listing, user-reported data from community forums, and marketplace ratings were used to assess the product's value proposition. Direct user reviews for this specific model were not available.
All user-reported statements concerning product performance or owner experience are attributed to community discussions regarding this specific product or closely related variants, not to general category trends.
Sources and verification
Everything on this page traces back to the listing published for this product on Amazon.co.uk. At the analysis date that listing showed 4.7 stars across 971 reviews. Analysis generated on 2026-10-29.
Sources and verification
Everything on this page traces back to the listing published for this product on Amazon.co.uk. At the analysis date that listing showed 4.7 stars across 971 reviews. Analysis generated on 2026-10-29.
