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.
Facebook
Twitter
RSS
72 Comments
View All Comments
just4U - Thursday, February 19, 2015 - link
E's been using the coke can in several case reviews now. It's just to show scale.. of course he should get a bit of endorsement (..lol) or at least some free pop.geekfool - Friday, February 20, 2015 - link
A true techie would have used a can of Jolt!pewterrock - Wednesday, February 18, 2015 - link
Maybe if you suck at cable management.kmmatney - Wednesday, February 18, 2015 - link
You can wrap the cables all you want, but it usually still looks cluttered. A solid panel with a noise deadening layer would be great. A window isn't a deal breaker, I just place the computer so the window faces the other way.eanazag - Wednesday, February 18, 2015 - link
Without a window how else could you easily monitor the dust bunny farm?ianmills - Wednesday, February 18, 2015 - link
well i use an anal probe. i just stick it in the lil water cooler hole in the back and take a lil look around. i am so smartimaheadcase - Wednesday, February 18, 2015 - link
You can actually order a solid panel from them to replace it. So not a huge deal.SkyBill40 - Wednesday, February 18, 2015 - link
If I were going to build a Mini-ATX rig, this would be the case I'd buy. If it weren't for the clear side panel (which I don't really like), this could easily be confused for a subwoofer.five_seven - Wednesday, February 18, 2015 - link
That's [subwoofer] the first thing I thought of!nathanddrews - Wednesday, February 18, 2015 - link
I have an older sub with a burned-out amp... I think you guys just gave me a new build idea.