Fractal Design Node 304
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According to our computer case expert
The Fractal Design Node 304 Black computer case is very compact, but it's still suitable to cool your parts. This mini PC has soundproofing material on the sides, front, and top. Because of this, the sound of the fans in the case is less audible, while the air flow stays optimal. On top of that, there is space for multiple fans in the case. Or you can install water cooling. Thanks to the built-in cable management system, your case stays tidy. As a result, you can easily upgrade your memory or exchange your video card in the future. Thanks to the dust filter, your case also stays clean and your computer parts last longer.
Form factor (IT casing) | Mini PC | |
Form factor (motherboards) | Mini-DTX, Mini-ITX | |
Maximum length video card | 310 mm | |
Expansion slots | 2 | |
Dust filter |
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My project was to build a NAS and/or Sever cabinet, with as much space as possible for hard drives, but small enough to hide in my meter cupboard. That does mean that you have to give up space for all your other internal components, but since a NAS server doesn't require a lot of CPU power, a mini-ITX motherboard fits in perfectly. Make sure you add an ultra low CPU fan cooler, because there is little space for a standard or high fan.
Components that I ordered with it that are ideal are: Asus H87I-Plus - motherboard (with DVI, HDMI and audio onboard) Intel Pentium G3420 - decent CPU, but you can choose a better one Scythe Kozuti 40mm Super-Low Profile - utlra low CPU cooler Kingston HyperX Genesis 8 GB DIMM DDR3-1600 Kit - good value for money OCZ Fatal1ty 550W - more than enough power for your motherboard and 6 HDDs, and it's modular so you only install the power cables you need and leave the rest out. And that is very handy, because you have little space in this cabinet. 6x 2TB HHDs - assemble your own choice. 32G Philips USB3.0 drive - I run my OS from the external USB drive so that all the HDDs are available to me for RAID and LVM.
The case feels super solid and has a solid frame. The HHD's mounts have rubber spacers to minimize the vibrations from your disks. There are 2x HHD fans and 1x case fan that are controlled via an internal switch on the back of the case (high, medium, low). Handy if you want to place the cabinet in your living room and want to hear as little noise as possible. I myself put it in the meter cupboard, so sound is not a problem and the fans are set to high by default. The placement of the power supply is very clever. That is because it is placed upside down so that it sucks in cool air from the bottom of the cabinet and immediately blows it out again at the side of the cabinet.
Installing all components is just as sweet. You want to create as much free space as possible so that the air flow is ideal. With some Velcro you can bundle all SATA and power cables nicely and attach them to the sides of the frame.
When you're done building, you'll have a beautiful, solid, heavy-duty, no-fuss cabinet that's easy to fit into tight spaces.
Koen Schalk
8 February 2014
Automatically translated from Dutch
I was looking for a new case for my PC. My previous housing was also one from Fractal Design. When I looked where the Node 304 was still available, it was only in stock at Coolblue for a favorable price. Ordered on Monday afternoon and it was delivered the next day at 9.45! Was packed well. Then removed the housing and put all parts in the new housing. It just took some getting used to with the cable management in this system.
Kay Vanweersch
15 February 2016
Automatically translated from Dutch
Product number | 322561 |
Manufacturer code | FD-CA-NODE-304-BL |
Brand | Fractal |
Warranty | 2 years |
Processing of your defect | Carry-in warranty |
Form factor (IT casing) | Mini PC | |
Form factor (motherboards) | Mini-DTX, Mini-ITX | |
Panel door | ||
Cable management | ||
White noise reduction | ||
Dust filter |
Width | 25 cm | |
Depth | 37,4 cm | |
Height | 21 cm | |
Weight | 4,9 kg | |
Color | Black | |
Power connector location | Below | |
Material | Metal |
Fan controller |
Maximum height CPU cooler | 165 mm |
2.5-inch Bays (HDD) | 0 | |
3.5-inch Bays (HDD) | 6 | |
5.25-inch Bays | 0 | |
Maximum length video card | 310 mm | |
Expansion slots | 2 |
Headphone jack | ||
Microphone connector |
