Skip to content
sudopicks
esc

Fractal Design North vs Jonsbo D31 MESH Black

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

all judged against PC cases at a similar price

The Jonsbo D31 MESH Black scores 6.4/10 overall, ahead of the Fractal Design North at 6.2/10.

The Fractal Design North leads on build and ease of building and value.

The Jonsbo D31 MESH Black leads on space and compatibility and noise.

They score the same on airflow and cooling.

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

Jonsbo D31 MESH Black

Jonsbo D31 MESH Black

6.4/10verdict: good, not the best

The Jonsbo D31 MESH Black suits builders putting an ITX, DTX or M-ATX board in a case that takes a large graphics card. It also suits anyone planning a 240, 280 or 360 mm radiator. Buyers must supply their own fans, so it works best for people happy to choose and fit them.

Typically about £59.99 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

CriterionWeightFractal Design NorthJonsbo D31 MESH Black
Airflow and cooling30%7/107/10
Build and ease of building20%7/106/10
Space and compatibility20%6/108/10
Noise15%4/105/10
Value15%6/105/10
Overall6.2/106.4/10

Specifications

SpecFractal Design NorthJonsbo D31 MESH Black
Case type (mid tower, Micro-ATX, small form factor…)ATX mid-towernot listed
Motherboard sizes supported (E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX)ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITXITX / DTX / M-ATX
Maximum graphics card length (mm)355 mm (300 mm with a 360 mm front radiator fitted)330–400 mm
Maximum CPU cooler height (mm)145 mm168 mm
Power supply type supported (ATX or SFX) and maximum PSU length (mm)ATX only, maximum PSU length 255 mmATX; maximum PSU length 100–220 mm; four mounting positions
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 mmTop 240/280/360 mm; rear 120 mm; bottom 240/360 mm
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; mounts: top 120 mm x3 or 140 mm x2; rear 120 mm x1; bottom 120 mm x3 or 140 mm x2; front 120 mm x1
Drive bays (3.5 and 2.5 inch)Two combined 3.5"/2.5" bays and two dedicated 2.5" bays; seven expansion slots3.5-inch x1; 2.5-inch x2

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 ›

Jonsbo D31 MESH Black

  • + Takes 330–400 mm GPUs, depending on PSU placement
  • + Radiator support up to 360 mm at top and bottom
  • + Owners praise easy builds and good temperatures
  • − No fans included
  • − Owners complain about cable routing
  • − No front dust filter for the front fan mount

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want fans included in the box
  • Anyone building with a full ATX motherboard
  • Builders who need lots of drive bays for bulk storage
Read the full Jonsbo D31 MESH Black review ›

More comparisons

Compare all PC cases · Best PC cases