14 DAY TRIAL // There is a new case in Fractal Design's portfolio, one that will do quite well as a high-end but compact gaming rig that also doubles as a nice backup server, due to the sheer storage support in such a small size.
Well, maybe it's not all that accurate to say that the case is small. It is short, yes, and it is made for Micro-ATX motherboards, but it is definitely wider than normal.
In fact, it is twice as wide as you might be used to, making it look almost like two micro-ATX mini towers glued together.
Fortunately, the brushed aluminum front panel will make it impossible for any idea of the sort to last for long in your mind. The Node 804 (that's the name of the chassis) looks like a perfectly respectable small form factor case. Minimalistic, but otherwise fully endowed.
And there's definitely enough room inside for everything essential to a PC, and then some.
The motherboard tray is vertical. That has not changed, even though the width of the chassis would have allowed for horizontal placement if it came down to it.
Nevertheless, Fractal Design went with the dual-compartment design, dividing the newest invention into two.
It allows you to install the graphics cards and other add-on boards on the left hand side, while the storage devices and power supply unit go on the right hand side.
Also, though it might be hard to imagine, the left hand side has room for a large 240 mm radiator at the front (vertical), while the right hand side should have space for a 280 mm radiator of its own.
Clearly, Fractal Design thinks that there could be use in water cooling. And with micro-ATX cases equipped with overclocking support, as well as CPU coolers as tall as 160 mm, there may very well be much reason to use them.
Nonetheless, if you don't feel like using water coolers, you can employ normal fans too. In fact, there is room for seven of them, with three Fractal Design Silent Series R2 120 mm models included right off the bat. And all intakes have removable dust filters to boot.
And, finally, since we've actually waxed poetic about the storage, there is space for up to right 3.5-inch drives (HDDs/SSDs/SSHDs/HHDs) and four 2.5-inch drives. Or you could install 10 of the former and two of the latter instead, that works too.
All in all, the Fractal Design Node 804 case measures 370 x 207 x 412 mm / 14.56 x 8.14 x 16.22 inches and has a price of $109.99 / €99.99 / £79.99. Shipments will begin in May 2014.
