Specifications

Product: Fractal Design North XL RC Charcoal Black TG Dark
Case Type: Full Tower
Motherboard Compatibility: E‑ATX, ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITX
Reverse Motherboard Compatibility: Reverse ATX, Reverse Micro ATX
GPU Max Length: 413 mm
CPU Cooler Max Height: 169 mm
Front Radiator Compatibility: 120, 240, 280, 360, 420 mm
Top Radiator Compatibility: 120, 140, 240, 280, 360 mm
Rear Radiator Compatibility: 120 mm
Front Fan Mounts: 3×120/140 mm
Top Fan Mounts: 3×120 mm, 2×140 mm or 2×180 mm
Rear Fan Mounts: 1×120 mm
Fans Included: 3×Aspect 14 PWM (front)
Front Interface: 2×USB Type‑A 5 Gbps, 1×USB Type‑C 20 Gbps, 1×Audio Jack, 1×Microphone Jack, 1×Power Button
Side Panel Material: Left: Tempered glass, Right: Steel
Dust Filters: Front Dust Filter, PSU Dust Filter
Cable Routing Space: 45 mm
Hook‑and‑Loop Straps: Yes
Cable Grommets: No
Dedicated 2.5″ Drive Mounts: 2
Combined 3.5″/2.5″ Drive Mounts: 2
Expansion Slots: 7
PSU Compatibility: ATX
PSU Max Length: 290 mm
Product Dimensions (L×W×H): 503 × 240 × 509 mm
Package Dimensions (L×W×H): 604 × 355 × 608 mm
Volume: 57.62 L
Net Weight: 9.7 kg
Gross Weight: 11.6 kg
Warranty Period: 2 years

Photos

A black computer case with a wooden panel on the side, photographed from a three-quarter angle.

A black computer case with wooden slats on the front, photographed from a three-quarter angle.

A black tower case with a wooden front panel and a top-down view, showcasing its design and ports.

The Fractal Design North XL Charcoal Black TG Dark case is photographed from a rear view, showcasing its ventilation grills and back panel.

What reviewers say

GamersNexus reviews the Fractal Design North XL in both its Mesh and tempered‑glass (TG) variants, noting that the TG version features a glass side panel while the Mesh version offers an extra bracket for side‑fan mounting. The review highlights the case’s larger footprint compared to the original North, its solid build quality, and its sleek aesthetic. Minor fit‑and‑finish issues are mentioned, such as top panels not snapping securely into place. Overall, the article praises the XL’s spacious interior and design while pointing out a few small construction quirks.
gamersnexus.net ↗
Tom’s Hardware reviewed the Fractal Design North XL as a well‑designed, thermally capable full‑tower case that supports E‑ATX motherboards and large GPUs. The review highlights its attractive mid‑century modern aesthetic, solid build quality, and reasonable price point while noting some drawbacks such as noise levels and dated thumb screws.
www.tomshardware.com ↗
The review praises the Fractal Design North XL for its elegant wood‑decorated front panel, spacious interior, solid build quality, and convenient features such as pre‑installed fans, dust filters, and ample cable management space. The author highlights how the case maintains a mid‑tower footprint while offering significantly more room for high‑end components and water cooling setups.
www.igorslab.de ↗
KitGuru rates the Fractal Design North XL at 8/10, praising its stylish wood and alloy accents, spacious interior, good cooling support for E‑ATX boards, and included 140 mm Aspect fans with PWM control. The review notes that while the case handles high‑end builds well, it lacks side‑mount cooling options for custom loops, has no rear fan, and can become noisy under load. Overall, it is considered a solid choice if you want a large, aesthetically pleasing case but may feel pricey.
www.kitguru.net ↗
PCMag’s review of the Fractal Design North XL (Charcoal‑Black) praises its professional wood‑faced aesthetic, spacious interior that comfortably accommodates EATX motherboards, GPUs up to 413 mm long, and large radiators (up to 420 mm front or a second 360 mm radiator). The case offers ample fan mounting options, a well‑apportioned accessory kit, and a clean design with either mesh or tempered glass side panels. The review notes the lack of a stock exhaust fan and that the optional GPU vertical‑mount adapter is pricey, but overall rates the case as an excellent choice for builders needing extra room without a steep price increase.
www.pcmag.com ↗

Our take

Based on 5 reviews

All five reviewers agree the Fractal Design North XL delivers solid build quality, a spacious interior, and a distinctive mid-century modern aesthetic with wood accents. GamersNexus, Tom's Hardware, Igor's Lab, KitGuru, and PCMag all highlight its capacity for E-ATX motherboards, large GPUs, and extensive cooling support as key strengths. Based on their tests, we conclude this case is a strong candidate for builders prioritizing high-end component support and visual appeal.

However, reviewers split on operational trade-offs: KitGuru and Tom's Hardware note it can become noisy under load and lacks a stock exhaust fan, while GamersNexus points to minor fit-and-finish quirks like loose top panels. PCMag and Igor's Lab emphasize its value despite missing features like side-mount cooling or included rear fans. Buyers should weigh these operational compromises against the case's premium aesthetics and massive internal space.