Fractal Design Node 804 Case for Computer - Black

Fractal Design Node 804 – The Ultimate Cube Case for Compact Builds

The Fractal Design Node 804 is a meticulously engineered cube case that delivers exceptional performance, versatility, and aesthetics in a compact footprint. Designed to accommodate both Micro‑ATX and Mini‑ITX motherboards, this case excels as a workstation, media server, or high‑performance gaming rig.

Design & Build Quality

Crafted from premium aluminum with brushed finishes, the Node 804 offers a sturdy yet lightweight chassis. Its cube geometry maximizes interior space while maintaining an ultra‑compact exterior that fits comfortably on desks or in tight server rooms. The front panel features a clear tempered glass window, allowing users to showcase internal components and lighting without compromising structural integrity.

Cooling & Fan Support

The case is engineered for optimal airflow:

• Front Intake: Supports up to three 120 mm fans or a single 140 mm fan, providing flexible cooling options.
• Top Exhaust: Accommodates one 120 mm fan, ensuring efficient heat dissipation from the GPU and CPU.
• Rear Exhaust: Standard 120 mm exhaust port for balanced airflow.
• Optional Radiator Mounts: The design allows installation of a 240 mm radiator on the front or a 280 mm radiator on the top, making it ideal for liquid‑cooled systems.

Drive Bays & Expansion

The Node 804 offers generous storage options:

• 4 × 3.5″ HDD/SSD Bays: Fully removable with tool‑free access, enabling high capacity storage configurations.
• 2 × 2.5″ SSD Bays: Secure mounting for NVMe or SATA SSDs, ideal for fast boot drives.
• Front Drive Tray: Optional 3.5″/2.5″ drive tray for additional storage flexibility.
• PCIe Slots: Supports up to two expansion cards with a maximum width of 4 slots, suitable for GPUs, sound cards, or network adapters.

Motherboard Compatibility

The case supports:

• Micro‑ATX (mATX): Full-size board with ample I/O and expansion options.
• Mini‑ITX: Compact board for ultra‑small builds, allowing a single GPU or low‑profile components.

Power Supply Options

The Node 804 can house:

• Standard ATX Power Supplies up to 150 W in the front, ideal for entry‑level systems.
• High‑Wattage ATX PSUs (up to 650 W) mounted on the rear panel, providing ample headroom for powerful GPUs and overclocking.
• Optional 12VHPWR Connectors for next‑generation graphics cards that require higher power delivery.

Cable Management

The interior layout includes dedicated cable routing channels, a rear panel cutout for clean PSU cables, and ample space behind the motherboard tray. This design simplifies building and maintains airflow by keeping cables organized and out of the way.

Front Panel Connectors

• USB 3.0 (x2): High‑speed data transfer for peripherals.
• Audio Jack: Standard 3.5 mm line‑in/out for headphones and microphones.
• Power Button, Reset, LED Switch: Convenient front‑panel controls.

Installation Guide

1. Attach the motherboard standoffs to the tray.
2. Mount the motherboard and secure it with screws.
3. Install the power supply in the rear or front, depending on wattage.
4. Insert the GPU into the PCIe slot(s) and secure it.
5. Attach fans to the designated mounting points.
6. Mount storage drives in their respective bays.
7. Connect all cables: power, data, front‑panel connectors.
8. Close the case panels and perform a final cable check.

Use Cases

• Home Theater PC (HTPC): The Node 804’s quiet operation and ample storage make it perfect for media streaming setups.
• NAS / File Server: With up to four 3.5″ drives, it can serve as a robust network‑attached storage solution.
• Gaming Workstation: The case supports high‑end GPUs and liquid cooling, enabling powerful gaming rigs in a small footprint.
• Professional Workstations: Ideal for CAD, video editing, or software development where space is at a premium but performance cannot be compromised.

Conclusion

The Fractal Design Node 804 stands out as a versatile, high‑quality cube case that blends form and function. Its robust build, extensive cooling options, generous drive bays, and support for both Micro‑ATX and Mini‑ITX motherboards make it an excellent choice for builders seeking a compact yet powerful system. Whether you’re assembling a quiet home theater PC, a high‑performance gaming rig, or a reliable NAS, the Node 804 delivers reliability, performance, and style in one sleek package.