Fractal Design Node 804 Micro-ATX Cube Case with Window - Black

Fractal Design Node 804 Micro‑ATX Cube Case – Black

The Fractal Design Node 804 is a compact yet versatile cube case that delivers exceptional build quality and thoughtful design for enthusiasts who demand both performance and aesthetics in a small footprint. Its sleek black finish, brushed aluminum front panel, and transparent side window make it an attractive centerpiece for any desk or media room.

Form Factor & Dimensions

The Node 804 is built around the Micro‑ATX (mATX) motherboard form factor, offering a balance between expandability and size. The case measures approximately 16 cm (height) x 32 cm (width) x 30 cm (depth), making it easy to fit into tight spaces while still accommodating powerful components.

Build Materials & Aesthetic Design

• Brushed aluminum front panel provides a premium look and excellent heat dissipation.
• The transparent side window is made from tempered glass, allowing users to showcase RGB lighting or internal component arrangements.
• All panels are secured with sturdy screws and reinforced edges for durability.

Cooling & Fan Compatibility

The Node 804 supports up to three 120 mm Fractal Design Silent Series R2 fans, which can be installed on the front, rear, or top of the case. The design includes:

• A dedicated fan controller with a simple rotary dial for easy speed adjustment.
• Pre‑installed 3‑pin connectors that allow direct connection to the motherboard’s PWM headers.
• Optional support for 280 mm water cooling radiators, enabling high‑performance liquid cooling setups within a compact chassis.

Drive Bays & Storage Options

The case offers flexible storage solutions:

• Four 2.5″/3.5″ drive bays for hard drives or SSDs, with mounting brackets that can be swapped between sizes.
• A single optical drive bay (optional) for DVD/Blu‑ray readers, which can be removed if not needed.
• All drive cages are designed to minimize vibration and noise transmission.

Expansion Slots & Motherboard Compatibility

The Node 804 provides:

• A full-length PCIe x16 slot for GPUs, with a reinforced frame that supports up to 2.5 kg GPU weight.
• Three additional PCIe slots (x1/x4) for expansion cards such as sound or network adapters.
• Support for Micro‑ATX and Mini‑ITX motherboards, giving users the flexibility to choose between more expansion options or a smaller board footprint.

Power Supply & Cable Management

The Node 804 is designed with an internal space that can accommodate a standard ATX power supply unit (PSU). While the case does not include a PSU, it offers:

• A dedicated rear panel for PSU cables, ensuring neat routing.
• Pre‑cut cable management holes and Velcro straps to keep cables organized and out of airflow paths.

Front I/O & Connectivity

The front panel is equipped with:

• USB 3.0 Type‑A ports for high-speed data transfer.
• A headphone jack and a microphone input for audio peripherals.
• An optional power button with LED indicator, which can be customized via the motherboard’s BIOS settings.

Installation & Build Experience

Fractal Design has engineered the Node 804 to simplify the building process:

• The case includes a tool‑free drive bay installation system, allowing quick swapping of drives.
• All mounting points are clearly marked, and the included screws match standard sizes.
• The front panel’s brushed aluminum finish is resistant to fingerprints, keeping the case looking pristine over time.

Ideal Use Cases

• Home Theater PC (HTPC): The compact size and quiet fan design make it perfect for media centers.
• Gaming Builds: With support for full-length GPUs and optional liquid cooling, gamers can enjoy high performance in a small form factor.
• Workstations & NAS: The multiple drive bays and robust build quality suit professional workloads and network-attached storage solutions.

Conclusion

The Fractal Design Node 804 Micro‑ATX Cube Case – Black stands out as a well-balanced chassis that marries style, functionality, and build quality. Its thoughtful design features—such as the brushed aluminum front panel, tempered glass side window, and comprehensive cooling options—make it an excellent choice for builders who want a compact yet powerful system without compromising on aesthetics or performance.