It is made for file servers or quiet HTPCs, but can fit long graphics cards too

May 22, 2013 07:42 GMT  ·  By

Every once in a while, a company will release a sort of product that stands out among all the rest, either through a ludicrous amount of top-end features or a skillful blending of the essentials.

A good case may be made for proving that the Node 304 from Fractal Design is one of the latter. After all, it is supposedly made for file servers and HTPCs, but can hold a gaming PC just as easily.

Sure, the interior isn't big enough for full-size and E-ATX or XL-ATX motherboards, but it does fit long graphics cards.

What's more, the case can hold up to six hard disk drives, or SSDs (solid-state drives) and HHDs / SSHDs (hybrid hard drives / solid-state hybrid drives).

Among the key features of Fractal Design's Node 304, besides the compact modular interior, are the following:

“Minimalistic design with an elegant aluminum front panel,” room for a tower CPU cooler and single-fan water cooling systems, filtered air intakes, three Silent Series R2 hydraulic bearing fans, and a fan controller for all spinners.

Given all these perks, it is easy to understand why the press release specifically says all hardware placed inside the newcomer has “excellent cooling.”

The minimalistic design with an aluminum front panel should score points for aesthetics, or understated elegance even.

“Featuring hybrid functionality, the Node 304 case is ideally used as a cool-running file server, a stylish and quiet home theater PC or a powerful gaming system highlighting minimalistic and stunning Scandinavian design and maximum functionality,” the company states.

Fractal Design Node 304 can accommodate ATX power supplies, so there are no concerns involving power availability.

Finally, there are two USB 3.0 ports on the front, or rather the side, along with the expected audio output and microphone jacks.

Price-wise, the Node 304 sells for $89.90 / €69.90 / £69.90 / SEK 799.

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Fractal Design Node 304
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