Fractal Design North XL Charcoal Black Mesh E-ATX PC Case – 3× 140mm PWM Fans, USB-C & 420mm Radiator Support

The Fractal Design North XL Charcoal Black Mesh is a spacious premium PC case that combines Scandinavian-inspired design, extensive airflow and high-end component compatibility. Designed for powerful gaming PCs, enthusiast systems and professional workstations, the North XL supports large E-ATX motherboards, graphics cards up to 413mm, CPU air coolers up to 185mm and substantial liquid-cooling configurations including a 420mm front radiator.

The Charcoal Black Mesh version combines a distinctive real walnut wood front with elegant metal details and a ventilated mesh side panel. Unlike conventional showcase cases that rely heavily on glass, the mesh version is engineered to give high-performance components additional access to fresh air while retaining the sophisticated appearance of Fractal Design's North series.

Cooling is ready from the factory with three Fractal Design Aspect 14 PWM 140mm fans pre-installed at the front, along with an integrated PWM fan hub. The case can accommodate up to nine 120mm fans or eight 140mm fans when configured appropriately, and the included side fan bracket adds two additional 120mm or 140mm cooling positions unique to the Mesh version.

Quick answer: The Fractal Design North XL Charcoal Black Mesh is a large E-ATX gaming and workstation case with a real walnut front, ventilated mesh side panel, three included 140mm PWM fans, 413mm GPU clearance, 185mm CPU cooler support, USB-C 20Gbps, 420mm front and 360mm top radiator compatibility, flexible SSD/HDD storage and extensive cable-management features.

Key Features of the Fractal Design North XL Charcoal Black Mesh

• Premium E-ATX PC case
• Fractal Design North XL series
• Charcoal Black colour scheme
• MPN / SKU: FD-C-NOR1X-01
• Real walnut wood front detailing
• Elegant brass-style design details
• FSC-certified solid wood design elements
• Ventilated mesh left side panel
• Steel right side panel
• Airflow-focused open front design
• E-ATX motherboard support up to 330mm
• ATX motherboard support
• Micro-ATX motherboard support
• Mini-ITX motherboard support
• 7 expansion slots
• 413mm maximum GPU length
• Approx. 380mm manufacturer guideline with large front radiator
• 185mm maximum CPU cooler height
• ATX PSU support
• Up to 290mm PSU length depending on drive configuration
• 175mm PSU maximum with both HDD trays installed
• 3 × Aspect 14 PWM 140mm fans included
• All three factory fans installed at the front
• Integrated PWM fan hub
• Up to 9 × 120mm fan positions
• Up to 8 × 140mm fan positions
• Top support for 3 × 120mm, 2 × 140mm or 2 × 180mm fans
• Side fan bracket supports 2 × 120mm / 140mm fans
• Rear supports 1 × 120mm / 140mm fan
• 420mm front radiator support
• 360mm top radiator support
• 280mm side radiator support using Mesh side bracket
• 120mm / 140mm rear radiator support
• 2 dedicated 2.5-inch drive mounts
• 2 combined 3.5 / 2.5-inch drive trays
• Up to 2 × 3.5-inch + 4 × 2.5-inch drives in supported configuration
• USB Type-C 20Gbps front connectivity
• 2 × USB Type-A 5Gbps front ports
• Separate audio and microphone connections
• 29mm cable-management space
• Cable-routing grommets
• Integrated hook-and-loop cable straps
• Front and PSU dust filters
• Captive thumbscrews on key removable components
• Tool-friendly removable side, front and top panels
• Dimensions: 503 × 240 × 509mm
• Net weight: 9.7kg
• 2-year Fractal Design warranty

Premium Scandinavian-Inspired PC Case Design

The North series was created to move gaming PC design away from the conventional industrial appearance of many computer cases.

The North XL uses natural materials and understated styling to create a case that can fit comfortably into:

• Modern gaming rooms
• Home offices
• Living spaces
• Creative studios
• Professional workspaces

The front of the Charcoal Black model features genuine walnut detailing, while subtle metal accents complement the dark chassis.

Real Wood Front Panel

One of the North XL's most recognisable design features is its real-wood front.

Rather than reproducing a wood effect with plastic printing, Fractal Design uses genuine wood elements as part of the case design.

The North series uses FSC-certified wood detailing, helping give each case a more natural appearance than a traditional metal or plastic gaming chassis.

Charcoal Black with Walnut Styling

The Charcoal Black version combines its dark chassis with walnut wood tones, making it particularly suitable for builds using:

• Black motherboards
• Dark graphics cards
• Black CPU coolers
• Subtle RGB lighting
• No-RGB professional builds

Mesh Side Panel for Enhanced Ventilation

The FD-C-NOR1X-01 is the Mesh version of the North XL.

Its left side panel is ventilated mesh rather than tempered glass, providing additional airflow directly towards the CPU, graphics card and motherboard area.

Why Choose the North XL Mesh?

The Mesh version is particularly attractive for users prioritising:

• GPU cooling
• CPU cooling
• High-wattage workstation components
• Multiple intake fans
• Lower internal temperatures
• Large air coolers
• Side-mounted fans

It can also suit users who prefer the understated look of a ventilated panel rather than displaying every internal PC component through glass.

Mesh Version Includes an Adjustable Side Fan Bracket

A major difference between the North XL Mesh and tempered-glass version is the included side fan bracket.

The bracket can support:

• 2 × 120mm fans
• 2 × 140mm fans
• Up to a compatible 280mm side radiator

This allows additional cooling to be positioned directly beside important heat-producing components.

Side Fan Bracket Can Be Mounted High or Low

Fractal Design provides two mounting positions for the side fan bracket.

The position selected affects internal component clearance.

High Side-Bracket Position

When the bracket is fitted in the higher position, Fractal Design specifies a maximum GPU width of approximately:

192mm including power connectors and cabling.

The side bracket in this position also reduces maximum CPU cooler height from 185mm to approximately:

155mm

Low Side-Bracket Position

In the lower side-bracket position, maximum GPU width is approximately:

162mm including power connectors and cabling.

If a radiator is installed on the side bracket, radiator thickness further reduces the available graphics-card width.

E-ATX Motherboard Support up to 330mm

The spacious North XL can accommodate motherboard formats including:

• E-ATX up to 330mm wide
• ATX
• Micro-ATX
• Mini-ITX

This makes the case suitable for both conventional gaming motherboards and larger high-end boards designed for enthusiast or workstation systems.

Suitable for Large Enthusiast Motherboards

E-ATX compatibility can be useful for motherboards offering features such as:

• Additional PCI Express slots
• Multiple M.2 NVMe SSD sockets
• Large VRM heatsinks
• Extensive USB connectivity
• High-end networking
• Advanced storage options

Important: Standard North XL Does Not Support Rear-Connector Motherboards

The FD-C-NOR1X-01 is the standard North XL design.

Fractal Design officially lists:

Rear-connector motherboard support: No

This means it should not be confused with the newer North XL RC, which has been redesigned specifically for compatible reverse-connector ATX and Micro-ATX motherboards.

North XL vs North XL RC

The standard North XL and North XL RC are different chassis variants.

• North XL Mesh FD-C-NOR1X-01: conventional motherboard layout, mesh side panel and side fan bracket
• North XL RC: redesigned motherboard tray for rear-facing motherboard connectors

If your motherboard uses ASUS BTF, MSI Project Zero, Gigabyte Stealth or another rear-connector layout, check compatibility carefully and select the appropriate North XL RC model where required.

413mm Graphics Card Clearance

The standard North XL provides an impressive maximum graphics-card length of:

413mm

This is measured with the standard front fans mounted in their normal position.

The large clearance makes the case suitable for many oversized modern graphics cards used in high-performance gaming and GPU-compute systems.

Suitable for Large Triple- and Quad-Slot GPUs

The North XL can accommodate many large graphics cards from manufacturers such as:

• NVIDIA GeForce
• AMD Radeon
• ASUS
• MSI
• Gigabyte
• PNY
• Zotac
• PowerColor
• Sapphire

provided the exact card dimensions, power cables and cooling configuration remain within the case limits.

Front Radiator Reduces GPU Length

A front-mounted radiator uses part of the same internal space as a long graphics card.

Fractal Design therefore specifies the maximum GPU length as:

413mm minus the thickness of the installed front radiator.

Example with a 30mm Radiator

If a 30mm-thick radiator is installed at the front:

413mm - 30mm = approximately 383mm maximum GPU length.

Fractal Design's general product marketing rounds this to approximately 380mm GPU compatibility with a large front radiator.

Why This Is Better Than Simply Saying “380mm”

The exact available GPU length depends on radiator thickness.

A thinner radiator leaves more GPU clearance, while a thicker radiator leaves less.

Always compare:

• GPU length
• Radiator thickness
• Fan positioning
• GPU power-connector clearance

Optional Vertical GPU Mounting

The case can also be used with compatible optional Fractal Design vertical GPU mounting accessories such as the Flex 2.

The vertical-riser bracket is sold separately.

Vertical GPU Mount Reduces Maximum GPU Length

Fractal Design states that compatible vertical mounting brackets offset the GPU further into the chassis and can reduce maximum GPU length by approximately:

15mm

This should be considered together with any front radiator.

185mm CPU Air Cooler Clearance

With the side fan bracket not interfering with the cooler area, the North XL supports CPU air coolers up to:

185mm high

This is enough clearance for many large dual-tower air coolers.

Ideal for High-End Air Cooling

The substantial cooler clearance makes the case suitable for users who prefer:

• Large tower CPU coolers
• Dual-tower air coolers
• Quiet low-RPM cooling
• Air-cooled workstation processors

Side Fan Bracket Can Reduce CPU Cooler Height

When the Mesh side fan bracket is installed in its upper position, Fractal Design specifies a reduced maximum CPU cooler height of:

155mm

Users with a tall 160–185mm CPU cooler should therefore check side-bracket placement before adding side fans.

Three Aspect 14 PWM Fans Included

The North XL comes ready for high airflow with three Fractal Design Aspect 14 PWM fans pre-installed at the front.

Each included fan is:

• 140mm
• PWM controlled
• Pre-mounted at the front
• Connected to the supplied fan-control system

Three large front fans provide a strong starting intake configuration without requiring the builder to immediately purchase an additional fan kit.

Integrated PWM Fan Hub

Fractal Design includes a PWM fan hub with the North XL.

The three factory-installed front fans are connected to the hub from the factory.

How the North XL Fan Hub Works

The hub connects to a compatible 4-pin PWM motherboard fan header.

The motherboard can then control the connected fans through BIOS/UEFI fan curves.

The FAN1 connection on the hub is used to receive the RPM feedback signal and distribute the PWM control signal to the remaining connected fans.

The Fan Hub Is Not SATA Powered

The North XL fan hub draws power through the motherboard fan header rather than through a separate SATA power connection.

Because of this, always check:

• The current rating of the motherboard fan header
• The power consumption of connected fans
• Any splitters or daisy-chained fans

before connecting a large number of additional fans to the hub.

Up to Nine 120mm Fans

In its Mesh configuration, the North XL provides mounting capacity for up to:

9 × 120mm fans

depending on the selected mounting arrangement.

Up to Eight 140mm Fans

The case can alternatively accommodate up to:

8 × 140mm fans

when using the available front, top, side and rear positions appropriately.

Front Fan Support

The front supports:

• 3 × 120mm fans
• 3 × 140mm fans

The case already includes three 140mm Aspect PWM fans in this location.

Top Fan Support

The large top mounting area supports:

• 3 × 120mm fans
• 2 × 140mm fans
• 2 × 180mm fans

This gives builders unusually broad flexibility for airflow or radiator configurations.

Side Fan Support

The Mesh side bracket supports:

• 2 × 120mm fans
• 2 × 140mm fans

This cooling position is specific to the Mesh configuration and can deliver fresh air directly towards the GPU or CPU area.

Rear Fan Support

The rear mounting point supports:

• 1 × 120mm fan
• 1 × 140mm fan

This can be used as an exhaust position or to mount a compact liquid-cooling radiator.

420mm Front Radiator Support

The North XL provides extensive front liquid-cooling compatibility.

Fractal Design officially lists front radiator support for:

• 120mm
• 240mm
• 280mm
• 360mm
• 420mm

Designed for Large 420mm AIO Coolers

A 420mm radiator uses three 140mm fan positions and offers a large cooling surface suitable for high-performance processors.

This can make the North XL well suited to:

• High-end Intel Core systems
• AMD Ryzen 9 systems
• Heavy workstation workloads
• Rendering
• Video production
• CPU-intensive gaming and streaming

Important 420mm Radiator Dimensions

Fractal Design provides additional restrictions for extra-large 420mm front radiators.

The official North XL support guidance specifies approximately:

• Maximum radiator length: 465mm
• Maximum radiator thickness: 40mm

Some 420mm radiators may need to be installed with their tubes positioned at the top because of the design of the PSU shroud.

Not Every 420mm Radiator Is Identical

The “420mm” description refers primarily to fan/radiator class, not a universal physical outer dimension.

Before purchasing a large radiator, check:

• Total radiator length
• Radiator thickness
• End-tank size
• Tube position
• Fan thickness
• GPU clearance

360mm Top Radiator Support

The top panel supports radiators including:

• 120mm
• 140mm
• 240mm
• 280mm
• 360mm

A top-mounted radiator can be useful when you want to preserve the full 413mm front-to-rear GPU clearance.

Top-Mounted AIO Benefits

A top-mounted 240mm, 280mm or 360mm radiator can allow:

• Full front intake airflow
• Maximum GPU length
• Exhaust of CPU heat directly through the top
• Cleaner tube routing in some configurations

280mm Side Radiator Support on Mesh Version

Fractal Design's dedicated North XL support documentation confirms that the Mesh version's side fan bracket can also accommodate a 280mm radiator.

This gives the North XL Mesh an additional liquid-cooling position not available on the standard tempered-glass version.

Side Radiator Affects GPU Clearance

If the side bracket is mounted low, the bracket itself limits GPU width to around 162mm including cabling.

Installing a radiator reduces that available width further by the radiator thickness.

Rear 120mm / 140mm Radiator Support

The standard North XL Mesh supports:

• 120mm rear radiator
• 140mm rear radiator

Fractal Design notes that if a rear radiator is used together with the Mesh side fan bracket, the side bracket must use the appropriate lower mounting position.

No Bottom Radiator Position

The North XL does not officially provide a bottom radiator mounting position.

Its primary liquid-cooling positions are:

• Front
• Top
• Rear
• Mesh side bracket

ATX Power Supply Support

The North XL uses standard ATX power supplies, giving builders a very broad range of PSU choices.

Fractal Design specifies a maximum PSU length of up to:

290mm

depending on the installed storage configuration.

PSU Length Depends on HDD Tray Configuration

The available PSU space changes when the lower drive trays are installed.

Fractal Design specifies:

• With one HDD tray: up to 290mm PSU
• With two HDD trays: up to 175mm PSU

This is important for builders using large high-wattage modular power supplies together with multiple mechanical hard drives.

Allow Extra Cable Space

Even when the PSU itself fits within the stated maximum length, modular power connectors and cable bends require additional practical space.

This is especially important with:

• 1000W+ power supplies
• 12V-2x6 GPU cables
• Multiple SATA power cables
• Thick braided cable sets

Flexible SSD and Hard Drive Storage

The North XL provides several storage options for both 2.5-inch SSDs and 3.5-inch hard drives.

The official configuration provides:

• 2 dedicated 2.5-inch drive mounts
• 2 combined 3.5 / 2.5-inch drive trays

Up to Two 3.5-Inch Hard Drives

The case includes two large lower drive trays that can accommodate 3.5-inch HDDs.

These are useful for systems requiring:

• Mass media storage
• Video editing storage
• Backup drives
• Game libraries
• Local archive storage

Up to Four 2.5-Inch Drives

Fractal Design confirms that the combined 3.5 / 2.5-inch trays can accommodate a 2.5-inch drive in addition to a 3.5-inch drive.

This allows a supported configuration of up to:

• 2 × 3.5-inch HDDs
• 4 × 2.5-inch SSDs

simultaneously, depending on the chosen installation layout.

Drive Trays Affect Cooling and PSU Compatibility

Because the 3.5-inch drive trays occupy space in the lower-front region, their position can affect:

• PSU maximum length
• Front radiator clearance
• 420mm radiator installation
• Cable routing

Users planning both a large front radiator and multiple HDDs should check Fractal Design's exact drive-tray positioning guidance before assembly.

USB Type-C 20Gbps Front Port

The North XL includes modern high-speed front connectivity with a:

USB Type-C 20Gbps port

Fractal Design identifies this as USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 connectivity on its current product page.

Ideal for Fast External Storage

With a compatible motherboard and USB device, the front Type-C connection can be useful for:

• External SSDs
• High-speed flash drives
• Smartphones
• Cameras
• USB-C docks
• Other high-bandwidth USB devices

Motherboard Header Required

To use the front USB-C connection at its intended capability, the motherboard must provide an appropriate compatible internal USB Type-C header.

Case connectivity cannot exceed the capabilities of the motherboard header and connected USB device.

Two USB Type-A 5Gbps Ports

The front I/O panel also includes:

2 × USB Type-A 5Gbps ports

These are convenient for frequently used peripherals including:

• USB flash drives
• External drives
• Controllers
• Keyboards
• Mice
• Headsets

Separate Audio and Microphone Connections

The North XL provides separate front:

• Audio jack
• Microphone jack

This can be useful with PC headsets using separate headphone and microphone connectors.

Seven Expansion Slots

The North XL provides seven rear expansion slots.

This supports conventional ATX and E-ATX expansion layouts and allows installation of compatible:

• Graphics cards
• Capture cards
• High-speed network adapters
• Sound cards
• Storage controllers
• USB expansion cards

29mm Cable-Management Space

Fractal Design provides approximately 29mm of cable-routing space behind the main motherboard area.

This helps manage:

• 24-pin motherboard cables
• CPU EPS cables
• GPU power leads
• SATA cables
• Fan cables
• Front I/O wiring

Cable Grommets

The standard North XL includes cable-routing grommets around the motherboard tray, helping cables pass into the main compartment cleanly.

Integrated Hook-and-Loop Straps

Fractal Design also provides fixed cable straps to help secure larger cable bundles behind the motherboard tray.

This improves:

• Cable organisation
• Side-panel installation
• Airflow
• Future maintenance

Front and PSU Dust Filters

Dust filters are installed at key intake locations including:

• Front
• PSU intake

Regular cleaning can help prevent dust accumulation on:

• Radiators
• Graphics-card heatsinks
• CPU coolers
• Fan blades
• Power-supply filters

Easy Access for Building and Maintenance

The North XL has been designed to make system assembly and servicing easier.

Fractal Design highlights several tool-friendly access features:

• Slide-off side panels
• Quick-release front section
• Integrated top-panel pull tab
• Captive thumbscrews
• Removable drive mounts
• Removable PSU bracket
• Removable Mesh fan bracket

Captive Thumbscrews

Captive screws remain attached to the component or panel when loosened, helping prevent small screws from being misplaced during assembly.

Fractal Design uses captive thumbscrews on components including:

• HDD brackets
• SSD bracket
• PSU bracket
• Fan bracket
• Side panels

503 × 240 × 509mm Dimensions

The official external case dimensions are:

• Length: 503mm
• Width: 240mm
• Height: 509mm

Overall dimensions:

503 × 240 × 509mm (L × W × H)

Internal Chassis Dimensions Without Protrusions

Fractal Design separately lists dimensions without feet, protrusions and screws at approximately:

490 × 240 × 490mm

57.62-Litre Case Volume

Fractal Design lists an overall case volume of approximately:

57.62 litres

This gives the North XL substantially more internal space than the standard North while retaining a conventional tower layout.

9.7kg Net Weight

The empty North XL Charcoal Black Mesh weighs approximately:

9.7kg

A finished high-performance build can weigh considerably more once components such as a large graphics card, PSU and liquid cooler are installed.

Ideal for High-End Gaming PCs

The generous hardware and cooling compatibility makes the North XL particularly well suited to powerful gaming systems.

A high-end configuration could include:

• E-ATX or ATX gaming motherboard
• Intel Core Ultra or AMD Ryzen processor
• Large high-performance graphics card
• 360mm or 420mm AIO cooler
• High-wattage ATX power supply
• Multiple NVMe SSDs
• Additional storage drives

Suitable for Workstation Builds

The large internal layout is equally useful for professional PCs handling demanding workloads such as:

• 3D rendering
• CAD
• Video editing
• Software development
• AI workloads
• Content creation
• Photography
• Simulation

subject to the compatibility requirements of the chosen hardware.

Suitable for High-Wattage Graphics Cards

High-performance GPUs generate substantial heat and often require significant space around the graphics card.

The North XL Mesh combines:

• 413mm GPU length
• Ventilated mesh side panel
• Three 140mm front intake fans
• Optional side GPU-directed fans

to create a particularly attractive layout for powerful graphics hardware.

North XL Mesh vs North XL Tempered Glass

The two standard North XL versions share many core dimensions and cooling capabilities, but their side-panel configuration is different.

North XL Mesh

• Ventilated left mesh panel
• Includes side fan bracket
• Supports 2 × 120/140mm side fans
• Supports compatible 280mm side radiator
• Greater direct side ventilation

North XL Tempered Glass

• Tempered-glass left panel
• No side fan bracket
• Provides full view of internal components

The Mesh version is therefore likely to appeal more to buyers prioritising cooling flexibility, while the TG version focuses more strongly on displaying internal components.

North XL vs Standard Fractal North

The North XL is substantially larger and more flexible than the original North.

Compared with the standard North, the XL version offers:

• E-ATX motherboard support
• Longer GPU clearance
• Larger CPU cooler clearance
• 420mm front radiator support
• 360mm top radiator support
• Three included 140mm front fans
• Greater storage and cable-management flexibility

The original North remains a better fit where a more compact ATX chassis is preferred.

North XL vs North XL RC

This exact model is the standard North XL Mesh, not the North XL RC.

The North XL RC has a redesigned motherboard tray designed for compatible rear-connector motherboards.

The standard Mesh model instead provides:

• Conventional motherboard compatibility
• Mesh side ventilation
• Side fan bracket
• 185mm CPU cooler clearance without side bracket interference

Important Motherboard Compatibility Note

The standard North XL Mesh officially supports:

• E-ATX up to 330mm
• ATX
• Micro-ATX
• Mini-ITX

Rear-connector motherboard support is officially listed as No for FD-C-NOR1X-01.

Important GPU Clearance Note

The standard maximum GPU length is 413mm.

With a front radiator installed, subtract the radiator thickness from the 413mm maximum.

For example:

413mm - 30mm radiator = approximately 383mm GPU clearance.

Important GPU Power Cable Note

Graphics-card compatibility involves both card length and width.

Large GPUs using 12V-2x6 or other high-current power connectors also require enough lateral clearance for the power cable to bend without excessive strain.

This is especially important when using the Mesh side fan bracket.

Important Side Fan Bracket Note

Installing the side fan bracket can reduce CPU cooler and GPU width clearance.

Fractal Design specifies:

• Maximum CPU cooler without side bracket restriction: 185mm
• Maximum CPU cooler with upper side bracket: approximately 155mm
• High bracket GPU width: up to approximately 192mm including cables
• Low bracket GPU width: up to approximately 162mm including cables

Important 420mm Radiator Note

Not every radiator marketed as 420mm has identical external dimensions.

Fractal Design's support guidance gives a maximum front 420mm radiator size of approximately:

• 465mm total length
• 40mm radiator thickness

Some radiators must be mounted with their tubes facing upwards.

Important PSU and HDD Tray Note

Maximum PSU length depends on the lower drive configuration.

• One HDD tray: up to 290mm PSU
• Two HDD trays: up to 175mm PSU

Drive-tray position can also affect compatibility with large front radiators.

Important Fan Hub Note

The included fan hub is powered through a motherboard PWM fan header rather than a separate SATA power connector.

Check the maximum output of the motherboard fan header before connecting numerous additional fans or fan splitters.

Important USB-C Note

The case includes a 20Gbps USB Type-C front port.

A compatible motherboard internal header is required, and actual transfer performance is limited by the motherboard and connected USB device.

Important Mesh vs Tempered Glass Note

FD-C-NOR1X-01 is the North XL Charcoal Black Mesh.

It has a ventilated mesh left side panel rather than tempered glass.

Do not mix specifications or imagery from the FD-C-NOR1X-02 Charcoal Black TG Dark version.

Fractal Design North XL Charcoal Black Mesh Technical Overview

• Brand: Fractal Design
• Series: North XL
• Model: North XL Charcoal Black Mesh
• Colour: Charcoal Black
• MPN / SKU: FD-C-NOR1X-01
• EAN / GTIN-13: 7340172706533
• UPC-12: 843276106539
• JAN: 4537694326902
• Case Type: Large Tower / E-ATX PC Case
• Left Side Panel: Ventilated Mesh
• Right Side Panel: Steel
• Front Design: Real Walnut Wood / Open Airflow Design
• Motherboards: E-ATX up to 330mm / ATX / Micro-ATX / Mini-ITX
• Rear-Connector Motherboard Support: No
• Expansion Slots: 7
• Maximum GPU Length: 413mm
• Approx. GPU Length with Large Front Radiator: 380mm manufacturer guideline
• Maximum CPU Cooler Height: 185mm
• Maximum CPU Cooler with Upper Side Fan Bracket: Approx. 155mm
• Power Supply: ATX
• Maximum PSU Length: Up to 290mm depending on drive configuration
• PSU with Two HDD Trays: Up to 175mm
• Included Fans: 3 × Aspect 14 PWM 140mm
• Included Fan Position: Front
• PWM Fan Hub: Included
• Total 120mm Fan Capacity: Up to 9
• Total 140mm Fan Capacity: Up to 8
• Front Fans: 3 × 120mm / 140mm
• Top Fans: 3 × 120mm / 2 × 140mm / 2 × 180mm
• Side Fans: 2 × 120mm / 140mm
• Rear Fan: 1 × 120mm / 140mm
• Front Radiator: Up to 420mm
• Top Radiator: Up to 360mm
• Side Radiator: Up to 280mm on Mesh side bracket
• Rear Radiator: 120mm / 140mm
• Dedicated 2.5-Inch Mounts: 2
• Combined 3.5 / 2.5-Inch Trays: 2
• 5.25-Inch Bay: None
• Front USB Type-A: 2 × 5Gbps
• Front USB Type-C: 1 × 20Gbps
• Front Audio: Separate Audio + Microphone
• Cable-Management Space: 29mm
• Cable Grommets: Yes
• Hook-and-Loop Cable Straps: Yes
• Dust Filters: Front + PSU
• Dimensions: 503 × 240 × 509mm
• Dimensions Without Feet / Protrusions / Screws: 490 × 240 × 490mm
• Volume: 57.62L
• Net Weight: 9.7kg
• Package Dimensions: 604 × 355 × 608mm
• Gross Weight: 11.9kg
• Warranty: 2 Years

What Is Included?

• 1 × Fractal Design North XL Charcoal Black Mesh PC case
• 3 × Fractal Design Aspect 14 PWM 140mm front fans
• 1 × Integrated PWM fan hub
• 1 × Mesh side fan bracket
• 2 × Combined 3.5 / 2.5-inch HDD trays
• 2 × Dedicated 2.5-inch mounting positions
• Fan-bracket accessory hardware
• PC case accessory box
• User manual

Who Is the Fractal Design North XL Mesh Best For?

• High-end gaming PCs
• E-ATX motherboard builds
• Large graphics-card installations
• 420mm AIO builds
• 360mm top-AIO builds
• High-end air-cooled systems
• Powerful workstation PCs
• Content-creation systems
• Rendering workstations
• Users wanting excellent airflow
• Users preferring natural wood styling
• Users wanting a PC case suitable for a living space or home office
• Systems requiring multiple SSDs or HDDs
• Builders who want three large PWM fans included

Who Should Consider a Different PC Case?

A different case may be more appropriate if you specifically require:

• A smaller compact ATX chassis
• A tempered-glass side panel
• Built-in rear-connector motherboard support
• More than seven expansion slots
• More than two 3.5-inch HDD trays
• A 5.25-inch optical-drive bay
• Integrated RGB lighting
• A dual-chamber case layout
• A case significantly shorter than 509mm

Why Choose the Fractal Design North XL Charcoal Black Mesh?

The Fractal Design North XL Charcoal Black Mesh combines high-end PC hardware compatibility with a design that looks very different from a conventional gaming case.

Its genuine walnut front detailing and understated Charcoal Black finish provide a sophisticated Scandinavian-inspired appearance, while the ventilated mesh side panel and open front maintain the airflow required by modern high-performance components.

Three Aspect 14 PWM 140mm fans are supplied from the factory, providing a strong front intake configuration and reducing the need to immediately purchase additional cooling hardware.

Cooling expansion is extensive, with capacity for a 420mm front radiator, 360mm top radiator, 280mm side radiator and 140mm rear radiator, as well as up to nine 120mm or eight 140mm fan positions.

The spacious interior supports E-ATX motherboards up to 330mm, graphics cards up to 413mm and CPU air coolers up to 185mm, making it suitable for powerful gaming GPUs, enthusiast processors and workstation hardware.

Storage support includes two dedicated 2.5-inch positions and two combined 3.5 / 2.5-inch trays, while 29mm cable-routing space, grommets and fixed cable straps help keep large power and data cables organised.

Modern front connectivity includes a 20Gbps USB Type-C port and two 5Gbps USB Type-A ports, giving fast access to external storage and peripherals.

The Mesh version also adds cooling flexibility through its removable side fan bracket, allowing two additional 120mm or 140mm fans or a compatible 280mm radiator to direct cooling towards the CPU or graphics card.

Choose the Fractal Design North XL Charcoal Black Mesh if you want a spacious E-ATX case with real walnut styling, excellent airflow, three included 140mm PWM fans, 413mm GPU compatibility and serious 420mm liquid-cooling support.