Agreed. My fractal north chalk white front panel splits after few weeks due to heat generated by cooler master AIO. The retailer offers me a case replacement (a chocie of antec, cooler master or deepcool). Anyway, I don't think ITX cases (toaster) are not good matches for modern cpu & gpu. Instead of building ITX PC, just buy a mini pc or laptop off the shelf.
I don’t know. I have the North and it‘s just a decent Mid-Tower. The design doesn‘t really cut it for me as the minimal appearance of the wooden front is ruined by the golden power button and I/O panel section on the top which make it look like an 80‘s HiFi-component. This case here looks interesting, but IMO there are much better sandwich-options out there with a lot more cooling features. The best Fractal case IMO is the Torrent, I run a 13700K/4090 ITX system in the Torrent Nano with 3 radiators and it‘s very quiet even at full combined load. And it also looks absolutely amazing.
Stupid advice to flip the PSU, DO NOT DO THIS UNLESS YOU 100% KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING. There are included spacers in the box to offset the GPU away from the fan on FE cards. This allows enough space for the air to move past the PSU without issues.
c4 has no compromise when it comes to 3 slot cards and cpu cooling. the terra is beautiful, and I love the aesthetic of it. however I already ordered a c4, and have planned a build in it months in advance.
C4-SFX is quite a bit bigger than this. It's not a sandwich style. I personally don't see any benefit for this new case over the formd T1 or A4-H2O, both
Wow, I was looking at the NR200 for my next build, but the wood accent on this and adjustable mid-section frame make this a worthy opponent. That Jade looks REALLY good
I like how both side panels are the exact same so it both reduces production cost and makes it convenient to put them back since you don't need to remember which is for which side.
Looks like if they made it upside down so that the bottom fans become upper exhaust it would make it much better since you have the cpu n gpu coolers sucking air in.
Love the case. However, did you notice after building, there was some massive bulging of the top panel when you did the thumbs up? Really don't like nvidias new cables.
Yep it's like the Formd T1 and the Fractal North had an ugly little baby. Very similar to the T1 and no doubt cheaper aswell, but I think it's pretty much objectively a worser looking case.
I've said this on another channel and ill say it on yours, Fractal are killing it with these grown up cases. Not only is the design excellent but the aesthetics are amazing, not everybody wants the RGB / Gamer vibe, most of the OG's who are now in there 40s want something subtle which fits in to there home. Now i was just about to build in the Fractal North, but since the home office ive just had custom build is blue green and given my existing PC is SFF im seriously tempted to wait and build in this thing. Keep it up Fractal, you're killing it with these cases.
Hey Nick, you said you left the spine at factory spec (4), but how were you able to close the panel on gpu side, doesn’t the 4090fe impede it from closing? I’ve got my spine at 5 in order for the panel to close so that the clip doesn’t get in the way. Thanks! Top notch informative videos like always.
For the price of $180, this is kind of a hard sell for me. The spine offset is really neat and reminiscent of the T1. But having very limited options for fans and radiators at this price, i'd rather go with the slightly larger Dan C4. Or even better, pocket the $100 and go for an air cooled Raijintek Ophion that at least has active cooling options.
Yup. I'd go a bit further and suggest Fractal smushed a few cases together (i.e. Ophion, T1, et al.). With the fit, finish and looks here, it seems Fractal has upped its game in the past couple years; however, I'd have liked to see one more colour and/or wood option here as was done with the company's North series (the dark wood isn't my bag but I understand why it's well received by many). As for the Ophion, it suffers similar GPU heat challenges -- with full metal sides -- and is a skinny mini case allowing room for but just a two-slot graphics card. I own one and it manages a 13000k with an Inno 3D 4070Ti well... enough. The active cooling is useful for it in particular because the panels aren't vented fantastically. But it's a last-gen case; it's good to see most lessons learned in these newer products.
@@thedeejlam yea i also own a ophion. havent built and tested it. but witha bit of modding of the side panels, like a DYI vented plastic option, i feel like that would be a rockstar build for
I currently have a Ghost S1 with small tophat and removing the side panels for cleaning is a bit of a pain, I love the flip up side panels because would make cleaning a breeze. So far I have seen pricing estimated at $180-$200.
Case comes with psu standoffs for flow-through cards like Founders edition cards, and yet you ignored it and went with the worst (and not stated in the user guide) solution. Why?
That PSU just sucking hot air from the GPU I would have the psu intake form the outside and have an intake fan at the bottom to blow the hot air from the gpu right out the top of the case
I think that the small increase in CPU temp with the side panel mounted could be fixed with a 3d printed fan duct. I’m split on the wood part, I think it looks nice, but on the other hand it might grow old on me :)
This looks great from Fractal. I'm looking at a build with a 4070 FE which is fairly small, you could max out the CPU cooler height to 70-77MM. Maybe the Big Shuriken 3 would be a good option there at 69MM? You could potentially switch out for a 25MM fan for a 77MM height? I'm definitely interested to see if that fits!
Beautiful case but the Dan Case H20 is more equipped for high end parts. It's shorter, thinner and only slightly taller but that allows you to have a 240mm aio and 2 full size 120mm fans. The Dan case can also fit 3 slot gpu's upto 322mm.
On gamers nexus video they showed a read out that said gpu 33-62mm and cpu 48-77mm. 70 for NH-l12s and apparently 41 for the 6600xt. Literally too big by a bee's dick.
We are in a situation where I wonder : should SFF cases be longer or graphic cards shorter knowing that this can accommodate an RTX 4080 founder Edition why don’t graphic card manufacturers release shorter cards ?
it should be shorter. all these AIBs overdesign the cooler size with not that much of improvement over FE but at a higher cost to customer and slimmer margin to AIBs.
@@fist003 due to the tight space in SFF cases I believe Asus and the likes (mainly any one who build graphic cards, mobos, AIO and power supplies) should also provide reference SFF cases tailored for their devices. I recently built an SFF based on the cooler master NRP 200 MAX that comes with an AIO and power supply built in. It was a very positive experience till I found out I can not fit any 4080 card in that case (beside the founder edition which was not available on any store online ). I think there is still a market opportunity for a killer SFF solution that is based on standard configurations and does not cost a hand and a leg (Corsair)
It should be shorter, the max GPU length should be 270mm which is easily achievable with twin fans. 3 fans are unnecessary when the PCB is usually much shorter
Well the design direction is completely different in the NR200(P). It's also ~8 liters larger, or about 75%. The Dan C4-SFX can fit large air coolers but is 4.3L larger than this.
One huge problem, you aren't air cooling any cpu above a 13600k or 7800x3D with an air cooler that small. Anything further requires a dual tower design, a beefy boy, or an AIO unless you undervolt it, and even then, why not just go a product tier lower and get a better GPU. RN for a modern build you either have GPU room or CPU cooling. Nobody has found the sauce for both just yet. The Dan Case is close, but it barely fit my 3080 founders
Looks amazing, and releasing just when I'm planning on doing my first sff-build! It's available here in sweden now, but it's really expensive. A bit over 200€, and i was planning on getting the NR200P which is only around 80€
I just upgraded my PC and lived from an InWin A1 to the NR200P. I don't regret it, I got the case for €80 , but I would gladly pay the extra €120 for better portability, great looks and quality materials and a smaller footprint. This case is beautiful and seems to be the superb mini itx choice.
They're in a very different category. NR200P is the affordable solution for those who wanna try SFF, Fractal's Terra is an almost premium case both for materials and target..
@@mugencillo I know, I myself own an InWin A1 which is more expensive, on my second system. I wasn't disputing that fact. Had I had the chance to buy it three months ago when I started building my new system, I would have. I take my comment back in case you were addressing @Force
This should come in black and yellow with different ratios. Want to defend Terra and your Corpse Emperor? Mostly yellow. Want to get into Terra? Black school bus.
Couldn't they also make a version that is let's say 30% bigger? It would still be really compact and portable but potentially able to fit all GPUs & More? I mean... you could have every GPU compatible and then design it so you have room for 2x140s on both the side panels and the top etc. surely not much difference in footprint? Still waiting for that perfect new ventilated cube case...
Its an inexpensive Formd T1 with worse thermal performance and fan options. Great price though, but it is worth noting that the movable mid plate is not new. Optimum Tech put a 4090 FE in his T1 V2 ages ago, amazing build.
Fractal is KILLING with their cases lately.
Fractal has always been killing, i just bought a 10 year old case for nas thats still the best in the market
Agreed. My fractal north chalk white front panel splits after few weeks due to heat generated by cooler master AIO. The retailer offers me a case replacement (a chocie of antec, cooler master or deepcool). Anyway, I don't think ITX cases (toaster) are not good matches for modern cpu & gpu. Instead of building ITX PC, just buy a mini pc or laptop off the shelf.
Theres a slight budge there home on the top
I don’t know. I have the North and it‘s just a decent Mid-Tower. The design doesn‘t really cut it for me as the minimal appearance of the wooden front is ruined by the golden power button and I/O panel section on the top which make it look like an 80‘s HiFi-component.
This case here looks interesting, but IMO there are much better sandwich-options out there with a lot more cooling features. The best Fractal case IMO is the Torrent, I run a 13700K/4090 ITX system in the Torrent Nano with 3 radiators and it‘s very quiet even at full combined load. And it also looks absolutely amazing.
@@disco.volante i mean you cant get everything
That bent top panel at 9:12 triggered my OCD so hard ..
Yes. it prompted me to look for comments like yours.
What a banger of a case. Fractal strikes again. Keen for more CTX content, keep up the awesome work!
Stupid advice to flip the PSU, DO NOT DO THIS UNLESS YOU 100% KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING.
There are included spacers in the box to offset the GPU away from the fan on FE cards. This allows enough space for the air to move past the PSU without issues.
I'm torn between this and the Dan Cases C4-SFX. Fractal is doing interesting things with the Ridge, North and now Terra.
c4 has no compromise when it comes to 3 slot cards and cpu cooling. the terra is beautiful, and I love the aesthetic of it. however I already ordered a c4, and have planned a build in it months in advance.
C4-SFX is quite a bit bigger than this. It's not a sandwich style. I personally don't see any benefit for this new case over the formd T1 or A4-H2O, both
@@teengohann Yeah, 3 slot and no riser cable could be an advantage for the C4. Thanks for the info.
@@martinzhang5533 One benefit could be the color options, I like the green/jade color of the Terra.
@@samuelschwager yeah, I even forgot to mention no need for a riser since it isn't a sandwich layout. But they terra is simply intriguing.
Wow, I was looking at the NR200 for my next build, but the wood accent on this and adjustable mid-section frame make this a worthy opponent. That Jade looks REALLY good
nice SFF getting some love
Why was the top lid bowed out?
I like how both side panels are the exact same so it both reduces production cost and makes it convenient to put them back since you don't need to remember which is for which side.
Is there a part list yet?
im wondering why Gamers Nexus was allowed to put the video 2 hours earlier than you?
They weren't
Looks like if they made it upside down so that the bottom fans become upper exhaust it would make it much better since you have the cpu n gpu coolers sucking air in.
Love the case. However, did you notice after building, there was some massive bulging of the top panel when you did the thumbs up? Really don't like nvidias new cables.
Its not a massive bulge
Yeah this case is gonna be a hit. Those temps are great and with an undervolt you'd probably be golden.
I wish Fractal made one like this with a little more space to fit a bigger GPU, and maybe even room for a couple of harddrives.
So it's a FormD T1 that comes assembled
I did not know you could build a 4090 7800x3d build so small! Thats awesome
Check formd t1
It is even smaller, it has better compatibility (you can use 240mm aio for CPU) and it has insanely good quality
@@humanity_3 formd t1 is like 9.4L?
That case is just so attractive. Like it looks so clean
Reminds me a lot of the Formd T1
Yep it's like the Formd T1 and the Fractal North had an ugly little baby. Very similar to the T1 and no doubt cheaper aswell, but I think it's pretty much objectively a worser looking case.
I hope they make a bigger but still sff version of this case
Same... just a little bit bigger so I can use my 4080 ventus in it.
You can though?
Maybe one that can fit an AIO?
@@hyungjunkim7503 no it’s a bit too small
How did you get the 12v-2x6 connector flush without warping the top panel upon installation? I’m struggling with it.
This case is just fantastic. I'm speechless.
Notice the top was bulging upward due to the 12 pin power connector for 40 series.
Really good looking case but it seems the T1 is better if you want room for fans/radiator up top
Your channel is like having a good friend in your corner.... cheers!
Such a well thought out case! Fantastic!
I've said this on another channel and ill say it on yours, Fractal are killing it with these grown up cases. Not only is the design excellent but the aesthetics are amazing, not everybody wants the RGB / Gamer vibe, most of the OG's who are now in there 40s want something subtle which fits in to there home.
Now i was just about to build in the Fractal North, but since the home office ive just had custom build is blue green and given my existing PC is SFF im seriously tempted to wait and build in this thing.
Keep it up Fractal, you're killing it with these cases.
I am still waiting for a restock. This case is gorgeous and finally getting me into the sffpc
Hey Nick, you said you left the spine at factory spec (4), but how were you able to close the panel on gpu side, doesn’t the 4090fe impede it from closing? I’ve got my spine at 5 in order for the panel to close so that the clip doesn’t get in the way. Thanks! Top notch informative videos like always.
I just did a build with Dan C4-SFX a couple of days ago. This Fractal case would be perfect for my younger brother's build for his birthday soon.
For the price of $180, this is kind of a hard sell for me. The spine offset is really neat and reminiscent of the T1. But having very limited options for fans and radiators at this price, i'd rather go with the slightly larger Dan C4. Or even better, pocket the $100 and go for an air cooled Raijintek Ophion that at least has active cooling options.
Yup. I'd go a bit further and suggest Fractal smushed a few cases together (i.e. Ophion, T1, et al.). With the fit, finish and looks here, it seems Fractal has upped its game in the past couple years; however, I'd have liked to see one more colour and/or wood option here as was done with the company's North series (the dark wood isn't my bag but I understand why it's well received by many).
As for the Ophion, it suffers similar GPU heat challenges -- with full metal sides -- and is a skinny mini case allowing room for but just a two-slot graphics card. I own one and it manages a 13000k with an Inno 3D 4070Ti well... enough. The active cooling is useful for it in particular because the panels aren't vented fantastically. But it's a last-gen case; it's good to see most lessons learned in these newer products.
@@thedeejlam yea i also own a ophion. havent built and tested it. but witha bit of modding of the side panels, like a DYI vented plastic option, i feel like that would be a rockstar build for
09:05 there is a nono
This is a thorough review. Great job Fractal and Gear Seekers
Awesome case. I know what case I'm going to use for my kids next build :D. Thanks for the review guys
Luuuuuuurve it!!!
What awesome design and amazing hardware compatibility
Anyone tried ryzen 9 7950x with 4090 in this case? Would love to know what temps you got😊
2 hours? Welp guess i have something to watch now that i have insomnia night again
10:10 Very well graphic. Thank you for that.
I currently have a Ghost S1 with small tophat and removing the side panels for cleaning is a bit of a pain, I love the flip up side panels because would make cleaning a breeze. So far I have seen pricing estimated at $180-$200.
Did you have to limit the CPU's TDP/watts/set power limits for the Scythe 2 to handle it?
Banger of a video fams, the Fractal Terra looks awesome
Case comes with psu standoffs for flow-through cards like Founders edition cards, and yet you ignored it and went with the worst (and not stated in the user guide) solution. Why?
That PSU just sucking hot air from the GPU I would have the psu intake form the outside and have an intake fan at the bottom to blow the hot air from the gpu right out the top of the case
the top being popped up messed me up 9:10
sup with that? 🤷♂
need 2 middle notches for the top to lock down...
I think that the small increase in CPU temp with the side panel mounted could be fixed with a 3d printed fan duct. I’m split on the wood part, I think it looks nice, but on the other hand it might grow old on me :)
Or just get Noctua NA-FD1 ducting kit.
I think I just found my dream case!! Thank you for the video!
According to the GN preview, it's US$180
How am i supposed to cool my CPU with such small clearance and no AIO support?
9:10 omg what a gap???
The top is not flat?
8:06 Song name?
We make All the music. Its available to listen to by clicking the JOIN button
Price is $180 usd. I would definitely get this. I just built a PC two months ago...so I will probably use this in a few years.
I want this case with a i9-13900K/rtx 4090... is it possible?
Do you think the 4080 Ventus would fit? Its only 1mm higher than the spec sheet
This would probably be my next case moving on from Lian Li A4-H20. Looking good
That is a great green. Thanks for the full walkthrough
man this would look amazing in a living room setup
love this case, if it had a dust filter it would be an instant buy, i could add filters to it come to think of it
That's an easy fix
what's the best air cooler you can get in this case?
What would be the maximum CPU height if you have a 4090 FE?
Is there a pcpartpicker link anywhere?
what's your opinion about this compare to SSUPD?
This case is gorgeous, but I feel like a 240 AIO is becoming the standard for sub-15L? I might abandon my principles for this one, though. 😬
Where can I get the music?
An extra 10-15mm in length for this case and I would snap it up. Unfortunately my GPU won't fit. Great looking case though.
This looks great from Fractal. I'm looking at a build with a 4070 FE which is fairly small, you could max out the CPU cooler height to 70-77MM. Maybe the Big Shuriken 3 would be a good option there at 69MM? You could potentially switch out for a 25MM fan for a 77MM height? I'm definitely interested to see if that fits!
any aio version in the future?
Beautiful case but the Dan Case H20 is more equipped for high end parts. It's shorter, thinner and only slightly taller but that allows you to have a 240mm aio and 2 full size 120mm fans. The Dan case can also fit 3 slot gpu's upto 322mm.
Probably about to cop this. I fear if I dont stock will lag in the coming months for this case.
I hope they release a matx case next
Do you think an NH-L12S cooler will fit with an xfx swft 6600xt?
On gamers nexus video they showed a read out that said gpu 33-62mm and cpu 48-77mm.
70 for NH-l12s and apparently 41 for the 6600xt.
Literally too big by a bee's dick.
How can the 4090 fit even though its only a 2 slot space?
You can shift the spine - like in the FormD T1 case. To allow more space for the GPU and less for the CPU.
@@Mace1094 No he means the PCIe fingers.
I watch other reviews. You’re my favorite though. Gave you a thumbs up.
Song??
9:14 thumbs up for bending the top?!
This is the stuff I love about this channel.
We are in a situation where I wonder : should SFF cases be longer or graphic cards shorter knowing that this can accommodate an RTX 4080 founder Edition why don’t graphic card manufacturers release shorter cards ?
it should be shorter. all these AIBs overdesign the cooler size with not that much of improvement over FE but at a higher cost to customer and slimmer margin to AIBs.
@@fist003 due to the tight space in SFF cases I believe Asus and the likes (mainly any one who build graphic cards, mobos, AIO and power supplies) should also provide reference SFF cases tailored for their devices. I recently built an SFF based on the cooler master NRP 200 MAX that comes with an AIO and power supply built in. It was a very positive experience till I found out I can not fit any 4080 card in that case (beside the founder edition which was not available on any store online ). I think there is still a market opportunity for a killer SFF solution that is based on standard configurations and does not cost a hand and a leg (Corsair)
It should be shorter, the max GPU length should be 270mm which is easily achievable with twin fans. 3 fans are unnecessary when the PCB is usually much shorter
Just need to wait for more power efficient gpu, a bit like the 10 series, where top cards were about 250w on the 1080ti.
can u list the parts u used?
Custom loop it man. That's all we want to see. Also that psu... 1100w sff psu?
Love it. Need it. Want it.
Great video as always!
.... that's.... pretty good like wow
fractal stepping it up
Could it fit a Flex ATX PSU?
Probably too long, but that's just a guess
Storage compatibility ?
Thanks for the vid Nick!
I think I found my case. Thanks for the video!
Not thrilled with sending hot GPU air into the power supply. Some of those power supply fans are quite noisy.
It's not quite something I was waiting for. No place for a beefy air cooler like in the Cooler Master NR200P
Well the design direction is completely different in the NR200(P). It's also ~8 liters larger, or about 75%. The Dan C4-SFX can fit large air coolers but is 4.3L larger than this.
Nice looks with the metal and wood. Also like that an FE card works in this sandwich layout.
Thanks for real build in this case!
man if this could fit a 240 AIO i would buy this in a heartbeat
uuuuugh I just built my mATX build but this case looks perfect for another proper ITX build
Fractal Design Terra or Ghost S1 ?
Dan A4 H2O
One huge problem, you aren't air cooling any cpu above a 13600k or 7800x3D with an air cooler that small. Anything further requires a dual tower design, a beefy boy, or an AIO unless you undervolt it, and even then, why not just go a product tier lower and get a better GPU. RN for a modern build you either have GPU room or CPU cooling. Nobody has found the sauce for both just yet. The Dan Case is close, but it barely fit my 3080 founders
just get a 13900 non-K. runs great on lowpro coolers
Looks amazing, and releasing just when I'm planning on doing my first sff-build!
It's available here in sweden now, but it's really expensive. A bit over 200€, and i was planning on getting the NR200P which is only around 80€
I just upgraded my PC and lived from an InWin A1 to the NR200P. I don't regret it, I got the case for €80 , but I would gladly pay the extra €120 for better portability, great looks and quality materials and a smaller footprint. This case is beautiful and seems to be the superb mini itx choice.
They're in a very different category. NR200P is the affordable solution for those who wanna try SFF, Fractal's Terra is an almost premium case both for materials and target..
@@mugencillo I know, I myself own an InWin A1 which is more expensive, on my second system. I wasn't disputing that fact. Had I had the chance to buy it three months ago when I started building my new system, I would have. I take my comment back in case you were addressing @Force
@@CaracuSC Sorry, my bad. I was addressing @Force comment, yeah :)
This should come in black and yellow with different ratios.
Want to defend Terra and your Corpse Emperor? Mostly yellow.
Want to get into Terra? Black school bus.
Couldn't they also make a version that is let's say 30% bigger? It would still be really compact and portable but potentially able to fit all GPUs & More?
I mean... you could have every GPU compatible and then design it so you have room for 2x140s on both the side panels and the top etc. surely not much difference in footprint?
Still waiting for that perfect new ventilated cube case...
okay its perfect BUT what if i dont like the wood accent?
Still waiting you to review corsair 2000d build 😊
Awesome build
I looooove this case and cant wait to build my PC in it. #GS4L
Its an inexpensive Formd T1 with worse thermal performance and fan options. Great price though, but it is worth noting that the movable mid plate is not new. Optimum Tech put a 4090 FE in his T1 V2 ages ago, amazing build.