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Corsair 3500X ARGB Mid-Tower PC Case vs Fractal Design North

Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›

all judged against PC cases at a similar price

The Fractal Design North scores 6.2/10 overall, ahead of the Corsair 3500X ARGB Mid-Tower PC Case at 5.1/10.

The Corsair 3500X ARGB Mid-Tower PC Case leads on space and compatibility.

The Fractal Design North leads on airflow and cooling, build and ease of building, noise and value.

Corsair 3500X ARGB Mid-Tower PC Case

Corsair 3500X ARGB Mid-Tower PC Case

5.1/10verdict: good, not the best

The Corsair 3500X ARGB is for builders who want a glass-fronted mid-tower with room for large radiators and a big graphics card. It suits people who care about looks and liquid cooling more than the lowest possible GPU temperatures. Buyers sensitive to fan noise should read the owner feedback on the stock fans first.

Typically about £119.99 in the UK when we researched itSearch Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Fractal Design North

Fractal Design North

6.2/10verdict: good, not the best

The Fractal Design North is an ATX mid-tower for builders who want a mesh-fronted case with good build quality. It suits people planning a front-mounted radiator, as long as they accept the GPU length limit that comes with it. It is a weaker fit for anyone who wants a quiet build without adjusting fan settings.

Typically about £119.99 in the UK when we researched itSearch Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Scores, criterion by criterion

CriterionWeightCorsair 3500X ARGB Mid-Tower PC CaseFractal Design North
Airflow and cooling30%5/107/10
Build and ease of building20%5/107/10
Space and compatibility20%7/106/10
Noise15%3/104/10
Value15%5/106/10
Overall5.1/106.2/10

Specifications

SpecCorsair 3500X ARGB Mid-Tower PC CaseFractal Design North
Case type (mid tower, Micro-ATX, small form factor…)Mid-Tower, 460 × 240 × 506 mm (L × W × H), 10.54 kgATX mid-tower
Motherboard sizes supported (E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX)Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX, E-ATX (up to 305 × 277 mm)ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITX
Maximum graphics card length (mm)425 mm (manufacturer UK page). Conflict: US explorer guide lists 410 mm355 mm (300 mm with a 360 mm front radiator fitted)
Maximum CPU cooler height (mm)170 mm145 mm
Power supply type supported (ATX or SFX) and maximum PSU length (mm)ATX only; maximum PSU length 180 mmATX only, maximum PSU length 255 mm
Radiator support (e.g. 360mm top, 280mm front)Top 360, 280, 240 mm; side 360, 280, 240 mm; rear 120 mm; front none; bottom noneTop 120 and 240 mm; front 120, 140, 240, 280 and 360 mm; rear 120 mm; side 2x 120/140 mm
Fans included and fan mountsARGB edition includes 3× RS120 ARGB; top 3× 120 mm or 2× 140 mm; side 3× 120 mm or 2× 140 mm; rear 1× 120 mm; bottom 3× 120 mm and 1× 140 mm; front noneTwo Aspect 14 PWM fans included (front); mounts: front 3x 120 mm or 2x 140 mm, top 2x 120/140 mm, rear 1x 120 mm, side 0
Drive bays (3.5 and 2.5 inch)2× internal 3.5 inch and 2× internal 2.5 inch; removable drive plate takes up to 2 HDDs and 2 SSDsTwo combined 3.5"/2.5" bays and two dedicated 2.5" bays; seven expansion slots

Strengths and weaknesses

Corsair 3500X ARGB Mid-Tower PC Case

  • + Two 360 mm radiator positions, top and side
  • + Takes E-ATX boards and 425 mm graphics cards
  • + Three RS120 ARGB fans included
  • − Glass front with no mesh and no front fan mount
  • − Owners report loud, high-pitched stock fans
  • − Only two 3.5 inch and two 2.5 inch drive spots

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want a quiet build with the stock fans
  • Anyone after the lowest GPU temperatures from a mesh front
  • Builders who need many 3.5 inch drive bays
Read the full Corsair 3500X ARGB Mid-Tower PC Case review ›

Fractal Design North

  • + Owners praise looks and solid build quality
  • + Front radiator support up to 360 mm
  • + Two Aspect 14 PWM fans included
  • − Reviewers measured 53 to 54 dB; owners complain of noise
  • − GPU clearance falls to 300 mm with a 360 mm front radiator
  • − No rear fan included

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want a quiet build without adjusting fan curves
  • Anyone pairing a long GPU with a 360 mm front radiator
  • Builders who need CPU cooler clearance above 145 mm
Read the full Fractal Design North review ›

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