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

The Charcoal Black Tempered Glass Dark version, with a marketplace rating of 4.7 / 5 across 971 ratings.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 two included 140mm Aspect PWM fans on the front are a bit noisy, leading to a slightly lower rating.

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.

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.

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.