The Fractal Design Node 304 obviously caters a very specific audience. The guys and gals that need something small and sexy for that functions as a simple net-top, HTPC or the coolest looking NAS/file server ever.
Manufacturer: Fractal Design
The Fractal Design Node 304 obviously caters a very specific audience. The guys and gals that need something small and sexy for that functions as a simple net-top, HTPC or the coolest looking NAS/file server ever.
- my motherboard has the sata connections at a right angle facing the power supply. Can't connect/disconnect the cables without removing power supply using right angled connectors. This blocks 2 of the 4 ports. Not sure who to blame on this one. - Lots of windows to allow air flow in/out.
- Solid construction - Slapped in a GA-Z170N-WIFI MB, no issue with mounting to stand off post as others mentioned - Has room (barely) for ATX power supply - Accommodates a 212 evo cooling tower with two fans; Barely clears the HyperX Predator 2x16gig sticks
- No Speaker, really Cant hear bios beeps to debug issues if they happen to occur; - No accessible switch for Power Supply - No reset switch - Need to remove just about everything from the case to mount MB (rear fan, cross bar that hold HD brackets, front panel, power supply
I am using the case for a NAS/workstation build. In combination with a Syba JBOD SATA card and a couple of 4x SATA power splitters I can fit my entire collection of HDs into the case. That's 6 3.5" drives for a total of 8TB, a 750GB 2.5" and an SSD.
Stylish, Supports 6 3.5" drives; Compact; Good airflow
Noise: the fans can be heard when on full and medium speed, hard disk noise is easily transmitted through the thin sheet metal, No USB 2.0 front panel support anymore, no where does it say the 2.0 adapter has been dropped; No word from NCIX or Fractal support on the issue; Very disappointing
I like the configuration of this case. The PSU in front and the motherboard on the bottom allows for the use of a big cpu cooler if you are willing to give up the drive storage bays. I found all the screws to be screwed in what seems like as tight as possible.
Best case for itx motherboards and hi density systems. Very clever layout. Im running an 6790k, 7 pro rev 2 cooler and 6 - 3TB hhds and havent had any over heating issues with 24/7 running. If you take out 2 of the hhds you can also fit a full length GPU like a 1080.
While a small case should normally cost less than a large one, in practice I find that's rarely the case. Nonetheless I was pretty impressed with what £60 got me in the Node 304. The finish on the case is soft (possibly powder-coated
About the size of two shoe boxes, the Node 304 Mini ITX case is great for building a high performance computer using the mITX form factor. The GPU can sit comfortably and the hard drive bays are designed to allow a good amount of airflow through the case from the front to the back.
Spacious design - Removable hard disk bays - Fits a GTX 660 - No sharp edges - ATX PSU supported
- Requires creative cable management
One area that has seen substantial growth over the past 18 months is the mini-ITX case market. The realisation that these mini-motherboards can be the basis for some pretty powerful PCs has started to dawn on people, not least the chassis manufacturers.
December 10, 2013 by Lawrence Lee Product Fractal Design Node 304 Mini-ITX Case Manufacturer Fractal Design Street Price US$90 Though the mini-ITX form factor has been around for over a decade and become significantly more popular over the past few years, there is no defined case specification like...
If you're building a new PC and are aiming for the mITX form-factor, chances are good that you'll be placing this PC out in the open, for everyone to see. That being the case (no pun, of course), you no doubt want it to look good, and be reasonably easy to install in.
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