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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vdidenko - Wednesday, February 25, 2015 - link
Sure it is possible! Reuse old floppy drives! http://www.dvdyourmemories.com/wp-content/uploads/...Seriously, though, given that the target is a niche audience, modern standardised size storage should do. Here is a sister website example: http://media.bestofmicro.com/Enterprise-HDD-SAS,1-...
mr_tawan - Wednesday, February 25, 2015 - link
In fact here in Thailand the Coca-Cola cans are 325ml ... or 245 ml. Also these size are slimmer, taller (some might say it slender, sexier, etc.) comparing to the one in the picture.mr_tawan - Wednesday, February 25, 2015 - link
corrections : 'and', not 'or'vdidenko - Wednesday, February 25, 2015 - link
Sure it is easy! Reuse old floppy drives! http://www.dvdyourmemories.com/wp-content/uploads/...Seriously, though, given that the target is a niche audience, modern standardised size storage should do. Here is a sister website example: http://media.bestofmicro.com/Enterprise-HDD-SAS,1-...
barleyguy - Thursday, February 19, 2015 - link
Approximately true, but Coke cans in the US are 12 ounces, or 355 ml. In Europe as well as countries like Israel, Coke cans are 330 ml. Australia is 375 ml. So an Australian coke can is over 10% larger than a European one. Or maybe they just overclock. ;-)Murloc - Friday, February 20, 2015 - link
I'd have preferred a cat because I can't even remember how big a 33cc can is.I would understand a 0.5L can of beer.
eanazag - Wednesday, February 18, 2015 - link
The Coke can was to reinforce the small refrigerator appeal.eanazag - Wednesday, February 18, 2015 - link
Damn Pepsi fanboys - worse than Apple or Droid fanboys.just4U - Thursday, February 19, 2015 - link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fugLhNbwoYThe joy of pepsi.... :D
CaedenV - Saturday, February 21, 2015 - link
right? I mean why not a Dr. Pepper or Mountain Dew? Who in the PC community drinks Coke of all things? If we really want something comparable then maybe a beer would be a better standard.