Fractal Design Meshify 3 (Black Solid) vs Fractal Design North

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

all judged against PC cases at a similar price

The Fractal Design Meshify 3 (Black Solid) scores 7.2/10 overall, ahead of the Fractal Design North at 6.2/10.

The Fractal Design Meshify 3 (Black Solid) leads on airflow and cooling, build and ease of building, noise and value.

They score the same on space and compatibility.

Fractal Design Meshify 3 (Black Solid)

7.2/10verdict: good, not the best

The Meshify 3 Black Solid is for builders who want a mesh-fronted ATX mid-tower with strong airflow and a plain steel-sided look. It suits air-cooled and radiator-cooled builds where cooling matters more than a glass window. It's best for people whose graphics card fits within 349 mm.

Typically about £124.90 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	Fractal Design Meshify 3 (Black Solid)	Fractal Design North
Airflow and cooling	30%	8/10	7/10
Build and ease of building	20%	8/10	7/10
Space and compatibility	20%	6/10	6/10
Noise	15%	6/10	4/10
Value	15%	7/10	6/10
Overall		7.2/10	6.2/10

Specifications

Spec	Fractal Design Meshify 3 (Black Solid)	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)	E-ATX, ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITX	ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITX
Maximum graphics card length (mm)	349 mm	355 mm (300 mm with a 360 mm front radiator fitted)
Maximum CPU cooler height (mm)	173 mm	145 mm
Power supply type supported (ATX or SFX) and maximum PSU length (mm)	ATX only, maximum PSU length 180 mm	ATX only, maximum PSU length 255 mm
Radiator support (e.g. 360mm top, 280mm front)	Front 280/360 mm; top 240/280 mm; rear 120 mm	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	Three Momentum 14 included at front; front 3x 120/140 mm, top 2x 120/140 mm, rear 1x 120 mm	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)	not listed	Two combined 3.5"/2.5" bays and two dedicated 2.5" bays; seven expansion slots

Strengths and weaknesses

Fractal Design Meshify 3 (Black Solid)

+ Mesh front with GPU air guide and three fans fitted
+ Tool-less panels and captive thumbscrews ease building
+ Front, top and rear radiator mounts with brackets included
− 349 mm GPU length limit draws owner complaints
− Front radiator makes power cable routing harder
− PSU bay is ATX only, maximum 180 mm long

Skip it if:

Buyers with a graphics card longer than 349 mm
Anyone who wants a glass side panel to show off parts
Builders using a non-ATX power supply or one longer than 180 mm

Read the full Fractal Design Meshify 3 (Black Solid) 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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