Fractal Design North vs MSI MAG PANO 100L PZ WHITE

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 MSI MAG PANO 100L PZ WHITE at 5.6/10.

The Fractal Design North leads on airflow and cooling.

The MSI MAG PANO 100L PZ WHITE leads on space and compatibility and noise.

They score the same on build and ease of building and value.

The biggest difference is airflow and cooling, where the Fractal Design North scores 7/10 to the MSI MAG PANO 100L PZ WHITE's 3/10.

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

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MSI MAG PANO 100L PZ WHITE

5.6/10verdict: good, not the best

The MSI MAG PANO 100L PZ WHITE is for builders who want a glass showcase mid tower and will buy their own fans. It suits people planning a back-connect motherboard build or a liquid-cooled system with large radiators. It is a poorer fit for anyone who wants a case that is ready to run with fans fitted.

Typically about £57.99 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK

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

Scores, criterion by criterion

Criterion	Weight	Fractal Design North	MSI MAG PANO 100L PZ WHITE
Airflow and cooling	30%	7/10	3/10
Build and ease of building	20%	7/10	7/10
Space and compatibility	20%	6/10	8/10
Noise	15%	4/10	5/10
Value	15%	6/10	6/10
Overall		6.2/10	5.6/10

Specifications

Spec	Fractal Design North	MSI MAG PANO 100L PZ WHITE
Case type	ATX mid-tower	Mid Tower
Board sizes	ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITX	Regular: ATX / Micro-ATX / Mini-ITX; Back-connect: ATX / Micro-ATX
Max GPU length	355 mm (300 mm with a 360 mm front radiator fitted)	380 mm (US datasheet, Pangoly and reviewers); global datasheet gives 400 mm
Max cooler height	145 mm	166 mm
PSU support	ATX only, maximum PSU length 255 mm	ATX; maximum PSU length 200 mm; no PSU included
Radiators	Top 120 and 240 mm; front 120, 140, 240, 280 and 360 mm; rear 120 mm; side 2x 120/140 mm	Top 120/240/360 mm; Side 120/240/360 mm; Bottom 120/240/360 mm; Rear 120 mm; Front NA
Fans	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	None pre-installed; top 3 x 120 / 3 x 140 mm; rear 1 x 120 mm; side 3 x 120 / 2 x 140 mm; bottom 3 x 120 / 2 x 140 / 2 x 160 mm; front NA
Drive bays	Two combined 3.5"/2.5" bays and two dedicated 2.5" bays; seven expansion slots	3 x 2.5" and 2 x 2.5"/3.5" combo

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 ›

MSI MAG PANO 100L PZ WHITE

+ Three-sided 4 mm tempered glass with a 270-degree look
+ Supports 360 mm radiators at top, side and bottom
+ Back-connect board support with 90 mm routing space
− No fans pre-installed
− Front lists no fan or radiator support
− Only two 3.5-inch-capable drive bays

Skip it if:

Buyers who want fans included from the start
Anyone needing several 3.5-inch drive bays for bulk storage
Builders who want a front fan or radiator mount

Read the full MSI MAG PANO 100L PZ WHITE review ›

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