Fractal Design Node 202 - Black - Mini-ITX Slim Profile Compact Small Form Factor Computer Case – Modular interior - USB 3.0

Product Information

I have looked at plenty of ITX cases and couldn't find any that is small enough and could handle a full sized GPU. Perfect balance of temps/perfrormance/noise, if I was to make a new build in this case without modding I'd stick to this method amd have saved myself a lot of messing around.

For perspective, the GPU that I am using barely protrudes beyond the height and width of the 2-slot PCI bracket itself.Some owners of the Node 202 seem to have problems aligning their graphics cards correctly with the screw holes in the PCI slot. Owners of a Vega or GTX/RTX -80 card should be aware of the problem with the vertical setup if no blower cooler is used. Well, I have done some temperature tests today with no fans, 1 fan and 2 fans installed in the GPU bay. With CPUs rated at more than 100W of heat output, single graphics boards carrying similar ratings (and people want to run two! My BitFenix Prodigy was build as a NAS right away so I could build Node 202 the way I want, but unfortunately my GPU has died and I have to wait for a refund to get another one.

Either way, it will be interesting to see what other cases of this calibre emerge in the coming months as homemade Steam Boxes start to flourish.Like the legendary NCASE chassis, the side panels on the Ridge use the same lovely ball joint clips (quiet and effortless unlike Sliger) to snap the side panels into place. The open sides makes it easier to install the motherboard and plug in all the connectors, but if you need to add/service case fans, pulling the bottom off and reattaching it isn’t a fun experience.

As for GPU, I would really suggest going with Nvidia, it runs much cooler and is, therefore, more silent. Important: Interest is calculated from the start of the agreement, which means interest will accrue during the holiday period. Silent PC Review has been providing expert advice and detailed reviews of PCs and peripherals since 2002. Fractal design supplies the Node 202 without any case fans (there is an 80mm fan in the PSU) and while you can add two 120mm fans in the graphics side of the case we choose not to do so. As you can see the cpu cooler comes with a thermal paste (some deepcool one), however I use Gelid GC-Extreme for my PC/laptop all the time.It’s a very soft and welcoming white that lets you know that it’s online, but it’s not capable of burning retinas or causing distraction from inside your entertainment center when the lights are out.