Fractal Design Node 804 Case Review
by E. Fylladitakis on February 18, 2015 9:00 AM EST- Posted in
- Cases/Cooling/PSUs
- MicroATX
- Fractal Design
Introduction
Many European companies that manufacture PC hardware were founded during the past few years, and the vast majority are basing their business model on European quality and design prowess. Fractal Design is one of these companies. The Swedish manufacturer of cases, cooling, and power supply products quickly became globally known for their minimalistic, simple, and functional designs. Today we are looking at their latest cubic Micro-ATX case, the Node 804.
AnandTech has reviewed several Fractal Design cases in the past, from ITX cases to super-tower behemoths. A loyal reader would find it hard not to notice the striking visual similarity between the Node 304 and the Node 804, but these two cases however are nothing alike. The Node 804 is designed to house a powerful Micro-ATX gaming system, placing it in direct confrontation with cases such as the Corsair Carbide 240 Air. Is the Swedish minimalistic design that retails for $92 capable of facing the competition in the North American market? We will find out in this review.
12oz Coke can for size reference
| Fractal Design Node 804 Specifications | ||
| Motherboard Form Factor | Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX | |
| Drive Bays | External | Slim Slot-Loading Optical Drive |
| Internal | 8 x 3.5" (internal drive cages) 2 x 2.5" (front panel) 2 x 2.5"/3.5" (chassis bottom) | |
| Cooling | Front | 4 x 120mm (one included) |
| Rear | 1 x 120mm (included) 1 x 140/120mm (one 120mm included) | |
| Top | 4 x 140/120mm (optional) | |
| Left Side | - | |
| Bottom | - | |
| Radiator Support | Front | 240mm (both chambers) |
| Rear | - | |
| Top | 240mm (both chambers), 280mm (right chamber only) | |
| Side | - | |
| Bottom | - | |
| I/O Port | 2x USB 3.0, 1x Headphone, 1x Mic | |
| Power Supply Size | ATX | |
| Clearances | HSF | 160mm |
| PSU | 260mm | |
| GPU | 320mm (290mm if intake fans are installed at the front) | |
| Dimensions | 307 mm × 344 mm × 389 mm (H×W×D) 12.09 in × 13.55 in × 15.32 in (H×W×D) | |
| Prominent Features | Highly effective dual chamber case layout for best possible cooling. Minimalistic design with an elegant brushed aluminum front panel Three Fractal Design Silent Series R2 fans included All intakes feature removable dust filters providing a dust-free interior. Featuring a window side panel to show off your set up in style. Fan controller included. Five expansion slots that allows for multiple GPU setups. | |
| Price | $92 at the time of this review | |
Packaging and Bundle
The packaging of the Node 804 pretty much resembles the focus of the company – minimalism. Externally, it is just a brown cardboard box with a simple schematic of the case printed on it. Inside the box however, the case is protected by oversized Polystyrene foam pieces, providing more than ample protection during transport.
The bundle is frugal as well, limited to just the hardware necessary to install components inside the case, a few small cable ties, and a manual. All of the provided screws are black and the manual is very well written.
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imaheadcase - Wednesday, February 18, 2015 - link
You made a error under Specs, it does NOT support ATX. Just mini/micro atx.stlouis1 - Wednesday, February 18, 2015 - link
I actually built an i7 right with dual GTX 970's in one of these cases for a friend recently. My friend picked the case which I was skeptical about, but although I wouldn't buy it for myself, it's lived up to my expectations of a Fractal Design case, and I admit, it grew on me during the build process. I would recommend it for anyone interested in its aesthetics.bobbozzo - Wednesday, February 18, 2015 - link
12" high seems too tall for an HTPC to fit in most A/V shelving (standard components are 7" or less).Thanks for the review; I have the Node 304 (firewall / UTM) and really like it.
romrunning - Wednesday, February 18, 2015 - link
In regards to fan filters, how hard is it for mfgs to build in filters for their cases that are externally accessible? They should all be simple pull-outs, with a small tab as your handle to pull them out. I don't want to have to disassemble my case or pull off the front cover just to clean a filter.The_Assimilator - Wednesday, February 18, 2015 - link
Not sure why Fractal didn't just go with a pair of standard 4x 3.5" drive cages with trays they use on their larger cases, and mount them to the roof.Biln3 - Wednesday, February 18, 2015 - link
This review makes me want to buy 4 cases of coca colaAnnonymousCoward - Wednesday, February 18, 2015 - link
So uhh, where are the fractals? Just a name I guess.spe1491 - Thursday, February 19, 2015 - link
I'm interested in this case, but I'm curious about what optical drives would work with it. Doing a quick check on Newegg I don't even see a slim slot loading drive available.neo_1221 - Friday, February 20, 2015 - link
It looks like a mini-fridge...piasabird - Friday, February 20, 2015 - link
How about putting things in inches if this is an article or a product in the USA? I would consider it a courtesy to the country you are doing business in.