Corsair 4000D AIRFLOW vs Fractal Design North

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

all judged against PC cases at a similar price

The Corsair 4000D AIRFLOW scores 6.7/10 overall, ahead of the Fractal Design North at 6.2/10.

The Corsair 4000D AIRFLOW leads on space and compatibility, noise and value.

They score the same on airflow and cooling and build and ease of building.

Corsair 4000D AIRFLOW

6.7/10verdict: good, not the best

The Corsair 4000D AIRFLOW is an ATX mid tower for builders who want a ventilated front panel and a roomy interior. It suits standard gaming and workstation builds with a long graphics card or a tower cooler. It is less suited to anyone who wants a quiet build under heavy load without changing fans.

Typically about £102.40 in the UK when we researched itSearch Amazon UK

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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

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

Scores, criterion by criterion

Criterion	Weight	Corsair 4000D AIRFLOW	Fractal Design North
Airflow and cooling	30%	7/10	7/10
Build and ease of building	20%	7/10	7/10
Space and compatibility	20%	7/10	6/10
Noise	15%	5/10	4/10
Value	15%	7/10	6/10
Overall		6.7/10	6.2/10

Specifications

Spec	Corsair 4000D AIRFLOW	Fractal Design North
Case type (mid tower, Micro-ATX, small form factor…)	ATX mid tower	ATX mid-tower
Motherboard sizes supported (E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX)	Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX and E-ATX (305mm x 277mm)	ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITX
Maximum graphics card length (mm)	360mm maximum	355 mm (300 mm with a 360 mm front radiator fitted)
Maximum CPU cooler height (mm)	170mm maximum	145 mm
Power supply type supported (ATX or SFX) and maximum PSU length (mm)	ATX, maximum PSU length 220mm	ATX only, maximum PSU length 255 mm
Radiator support (e.g. 360mm top, 280mm front)	120, 140, 240, 280 and 360mm supported; 360mm front and 280mm roof	Top 120 and 240 mm; front 120, 140, 240, 280 and 360 mm; rear 120 mm; side 2x 120/140 mm
Fans included and fan mounts	Two 120mm AirGuide fans included (front and rear); front 3x120mm or 2x140mm, top 2x120mm or 2x140mm, rear 120mm	Two 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)	3.5in and 2.5in combo drive cage with two removable trays, plus 2x2.5in	Two combined 3.5"/2.5" bays and two dedicated 2.5" bays; seven expansion slots

Strengths and weaknesses

Corsair 4000D AIRFLOW

+ Perforated steel front panel with two fans included
+ Roomy interior with easy cable routing, per owners
+ Fits 360mm graphics cards and 360mm front radiators
− Fans are 3-pin, not PWM
− Only one USB-A port on the front I/O
− Side panels take force to remove

Skip it if:

Builders who want a quiet system under heavy load without swapping fans
Anyone who needs several front USB ports
Buyers who want tool-free side panels that come off easily

Read the full Corsair 4000D AIRFLOW 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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