Fractal Design North Momentum Edition: A Darker, Cooler Review
▼ Summary
– The North Momentum Edition case features a darker aesthetic with black-stained “Black Oak” wooden front slats, replacing the original’s walnut or oak finishes.
– It is available in a standard size and a larger, more expensive XL variant that includes Momentum 14 fans.
– The case replaces the original model’s gold trim with black trim while keeping the same mechanical chassis design and front-panel port selection.
– A key change is the removal of the vented side-panel option, offering only a tempered-glass side panel.
– The interior maintains features like a removable PSU shroud panel for easier radiator installation and unchanged dust filtration systems.
The Fractal Design North Momentum Edition presents a distinctly darker aesthetic compared to its predecessor. While the original models featured walnut-on-black or oak-on-white finishes, this new version embraces a monochromatic look. Its signature front panel, composed of ten semi-floating wooden slats, is now stained in a finish the company calls Black Oak. This darker theme is consistent throughout, with the previous gold trim replaced by black accents. The chassis itself remains mechanically identical to the standard North, but the Momentum variant is offered only with a 3mm tempered glass side panel, eliminating the vented option available before.
For those needing more space, Fractal also offers a North XL Momentum Edition. This larger version is priced at $209.99 and comes equipped with Momentum 14 fans. The front I/O panel carries over the same practical layout, featuring separate headphone and microphone jacks, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports labeled as USB 3.0, and a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port.
The rear of the chassis is functionally unchanged. It supports a single, vertically adjustable 120mm fan and provides seven expansion slots without separator bars. A removable power supply mounting plate simplifies installation. Dust filtration also follows the original design, with a bottom filter and a front filter that snaps into a removable inner panel.
Gaining access to the interior is a simple process. The tempered glass side panel releases from the top and hooks into the bottom frame. A narrow front-side strip, secured by a knurled screw, can also be removed. This secondary panel reveals a cutout at the front of the PSU shroud, a design feature that eases the installation of a large 360mm front radiator.
(Source: PCMag.com)