Fractal Design Node 304 review

Performance Analysis

With its fans set to high speed, the Node 304 managed a load CPU delta T of 49°C - equal to the Lian Li PC-TU200 but noticeably cooler than the Cooler Master Elite 120 Advanced. However both the BitFenix Prodigy and Silverstone Sugo SG08 on its high and low speed settings were significantly better at cooling the CPU. Dropping the fans to low speed reduced the noise to a quiet thrum but also saw the CPU delta T rise by a hefty 10°C to 59°C.


The graphics card on the other hand returned some far from mediocre numbers. With the case fans set to high speed, it recorded the lowest GPU delta T on test of 47°C - even better than the Prodigy. While the CPU temperature climbed significantly when we lowered the fan speed, the GPU temperature only increased by 2°C to 49°C. It's clear that the placing the graphics card bang next to a large vent in the side panel allows the Node 304 to provide a cool home for a high-end graphics card.

Conclusion

The Node 304 really impressed us with its looks, build quality and flexible interior. Its size means that it's far smaller than the BitFenix Prodigy too, and should appeal to those wanting to make a truly tiny but powerful PC. While the removable hard disk cages make the Node 304 relatively flexible, the Prodigy still has a huge edge when it comes water-cooling your hardware. However, Fractal Design has made sure that sacrificing 5.25in bays and also any external drive bays has resulted in tangible benefits elsewhere.


These include astounding CPU cooler and graphics card clearance for such a small case, as well as full-size PSU support. If you're determined to watercool the Node 304, all-in-one liquid coolers are definitely an option although you probably need to a take a Dremel to it to fit anything more substantial. CPU cooling isn't amazing, but a beefier cooler than we used will probably help here, while our GeForce GTX 570 1.3GB was cooler than in any other mini-ITX case we've tested recently.

Its price might seem steep at first, especially when you take into account the bargain-tastic Cooler Master Elite 120 Advanced and budget-friendly BitFenix Prodigy. However the Node 304 is better-built than either case and offers significant benefits in some departments too. Fractal's new mini-ITX case should definitely be on your pocket rocket shortlist.