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

Product Information

At idle the system was effectively silent but under load we could clearly hear the fans spinning up as the hardware got hotter. Using benchmark software to stress components is a worst case scenario and while the fan noise was clearly audible it didn't cause any problems.

So when building a rig there's a few things to consider, especially with thermal performance. The Node 202 can trap heat and it's crucial to find ways to get around this. Thankfully I got the answers. I also decided to include the larger Silverstone SFX-L sized PSU to show that even with a larger PSU installed, there is plenty of room to route the cables in the Ridge. Dust-Free – Where ever we see an intake vent, we see a dust filter. With such a small foot-print, keeping dust out of this PC case is more important than with a mid-tower as dust can add heat. While the dust filters aren’t the easiest to access it’s great to see them included. On the graphics side of things the Sapphire ITX R9 285 idled at 41 degrees and rose to 78 degrees under extreme duress. There is absolutely no cause for concern with those figures. With that bar removed, the whole PCI Riser assembly can be removed for the safe installation of the motherboard.

Introduction

All that said, those are very impressive results. With a 95w TDP processor, you would likely experience similar or better results.

Showing off more of the chassis’ rear, you can see a C13 female for the internal power cord. Beware that it’s position might conflict with any motherboards that use an oversized heatsink over the rear IO (i.e. MSI Z390 itx) but for most boards that stay within the limits of the keep out zone, it shouldn’t be an issue. Instead of using a snap in design that can be a real bear to remove, they opted for a more premium design that is screwed into place with 2x screws that can be removed if getting to the 8-pin connector on the motherboard proves too difficult. Here is a nice closeup of the mesh featured at the front. It reminded me of the subtle color patterns on Nike’s ever-so comfortable Flyknit lineup but it’s more rugged feeling like a canvas. If you have a cat that likes to sharpen it’s claws on things, you have been warned! If you’re still using the added clutter caused by 2.5″ SSD drives, you’ll be pleased to see that the Ridge hasn’t forgot about you, and that it supports 4x 2.5″ SSD drives in total. The case includes a tool less design for the installation of 2x SSDs which makes installing those drives a snap, the other 2x SSD installation points will require the use of screws. Still not widely adopted on all ITX motherboards, this is the USB 3.1 Gen 2 header that enables the USB-C port at the front of the case.

Packaging & Bundle

Inside the box is an additional accessories box that includes 2 stands, a PCIe riser, anti-vibration O-rings, PSU/Mobo screws, screws for the installation of the stands, zip ties, 4x Fractal branded velcro ties, and another extremely well detailed manual. Having reviewed the ERA and now the Ridge chassis, it’s clear that Fractal’s manuals put everyone else to shame ( see for yourself here). The manual is highly respectful of first time builders and breaks things down really well. Even as a veteran in this industry, I can appreciate how well they illustrate everything for the next generation of SFF enthusiasts.