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Fractal Design North vs Fractal Design Terra

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 Fractal Design Terra at 5.6/10.

The Fractal Design North leads on airflow and cooling and value.

The Fractal Design Terra leads on noise.

They score the same on build and ease of building and space and compatibility.

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

Fractal Design Terra

Fractal Design Terra

5.6/10verdict: good, not the best

The Fractal Design Terra is for builders who want a compact, well-finished Mini-ITX system and are happy to choose their own cooling. It suits people planning a full-size graphics card in a 10.4-litre case with an SFX or SFX-L power supply. It is a poorer fit for anyone who wants a big radiator, lots of storage or a roomy, forgiving build.

Typically about £174.95 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

CriterionWeightFractal Design NorthFractal Design Terra
Airflow and cooling30%7/105/10
Build and ease of building20%7/107/10
Space and compatibility20%6/106/10
Noise15%4/105/10
Value15%6/105/10
Overall6.2/105.6/10

Specifications

SpecFractal Design NorthFractal Design Terra
Case type (mid tower, Micro-ATX, small form factor…)ATX mid-towerSmall form factor case, 10.4 L (343 x 153 x 218 mm)
Motherboard sizes supported (E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX)ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITXMini-ITX
Maximum graphics card length (mm)355 mm (300 mm with a 360 mm front radiator fitted)322 mm maximum (drops to 200 mm if a 120 mm radiator is installed)
Maximum CPU cooler height (mm)145 mm77 mm maximum with spine set for CPU clearance; 48 mm when configured for maximum GPU length
Power supply type supported (ATX or SFX) and maximum PSU length (mm)ATX only, maximum PSU length 255 mmSFX and SFX-L, maximum length 130 mm
Radiator support (e.g. 360mm top, 280mm front)Top 120 and 240 mm; front 120, 140, 240, 280 and 360 mm; rear 120 mm; side 2x 120/140 mmOne 120 mm side radiator slot
Fans included and fan mountsTwo 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 0None included; one 120 mm bottom fan mount
Drive bays (3.5 and 2.5 inch)Two combined 3.5"/2.5" bays and two dedicated 2.5" bays; seven expansion slotsTwo 2.5-inch mounts included; no 3.5-inch or 5.25-inch bays

Strengths and weaknesses

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 ›

Fractal Design Terra

  • + Premium anodised aluminium build, with a solid walnut front option
  • + Room for graphics cards up to 322 mm
  • + Owners describe the build as easy
  • − No fans or dust filters included
  • − Weak AIO support and tight clearance for CPU cooling
  • − Two 2.5-inch mounts and no 3.5-inch bays

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want a 240 mm or larger radiator for liquid cooling
  • Anyone needing 3.5-inch drive bays or lots of internal storage
  • Builders who want a cooler and fans included, or a roomy, forgiving case
Read the full Fractal Design Terra review ›

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