Fractal Design Node 304 - Black - Mini Cube Compact Computer Case - Small form factor - Mini ITX – mITX - High Airflow - Modular interior - 3x Fractal Design Silent R2 120mm Fans Included - USB 3.0

Product Information

This table succinctly encapsulates the strengths and weaknesses of both NAS cases, aiding potential buyers in making an informed decision based on their specific needs. yyrkoon - Tuesday, November 27, 2012 - link May as well call it 300W peak after adding a HDD, and optical drive. a Tad more with an SSD in addition.

Against other mini-ITX cases housing our four drive server configuration, the Node 304 measured the loudest but the difference was small compared to the BitFenix Phenom and Chenbro SR30169, and the Node 304’s noise increase from the one to four drive configuration was modest. Also, vibration effects were substantially worse with the Lian Li PC-Q18 and BitFenix Phenom, to the point where this factor was more annoying than the airborne acoustics. The Node 304 also boasted the second lowest hard drive temperatures.

Fractal Design's Node 304 is in many ways a surprising jump forward in case design. We've seen SilverStone, BitFenix, Lian Li, and Cooler Master all try their hands at mITX cases with varying degrees of success, but there's just no set design language when you get down this small. The conventions we take for granted in ATX case design don't really apply here, but Fractal Design has tried for something fairly different with the Node 304, even by mITX standards. One of the clearest and most obvious distinctions between the N2 and the Node 304 is the sheer physical size difference. Even though both of these systems offer a somewhat similar level of hardware support and internal cavities for different utilities, there’s a significant distinction between them in terms of physical space.

Rear: 1 x 140mm Silent Series R2 hydraulic bearing fan, 1000 RPM speed (compatible with 120mm fans) – included The Fractal Design Ridge is an evolution of its Mini-ITX chassis design with a focus on aesthetics and functionality. The Ridge is similar to the excellent Fractal Design North as there's no aggressive styling and good use of fabrics for ventilation. Being such a compact chassis, the amount of internal space is limited, but this does allow for the placement of the PC just about anywhere in the home, making it a good console-like chassis. Throw inside a mid-tier GPU and CPU and you'll have an excellent gaming rig for the big screen. On the other hand, the Node 304 not only includes two 92mm fans and a larger 140mm rear-mounted fan but also accommodates CPU coolers with a height of up to 160mm. Owing to the motherboard’s base-level positioning within the chassis, even after installing larger PCIe cards and hard drives, there remains ample space for the market’s most substantial CPU coolers—ideal for high-performance server configurations. For many, these limitations might not deter them from selecting the Jonsbo N2, which remains an excellent choice for a DIY NAS enclosure. However, it’s undeniable that the seasoned Fractal Node 304 provides more space and versatility for expansions. Conclusion: Jonsbo N2 vs Fractal Node 304 NAS Case

The long hard drive activity LED is diffused somewhat, making for a pleasant blue glow. The white power LED underneath the bezel shines brightly downward like a spotlight and is blinding when viewed directly. We recommend leaving it disconnected.