Fractal Design Node 202 Black Slim Profile Mini-ITX Computer Case

Reviews(215)

4.1
TOP FAVORABLE REVIEW
Quality materials, useful features. Excellent case.

-Dust filters (One vent does not have one, however it is intended to be an exhaust port).
-Construction quality and combination use of plastic and metal provide rugged design and minimal weight.
-Cable management (PSU) area behind SFX power supply bay is ample enough to keep this case looking great.
-Measurements are accurate.
-Plenty of clearance for a full size GPU*
-Temps are good thanks to strategically placed in/out vents
-IO ports are of good quality.
-Included PSU cable from the back of the case to your PSU is the perfect length
-Front button light (single, non HDD light) is bright enough to see but is matted as to not cast light; simply "glows".
-Sexy af
-Included GPU riser assembly is surprisingly sturdy, feels very safe.
*check measurements of your card before purchasing.

-Removing the bottom layer is a bit violent, I feel like I'm about to break it. The only reason to even need to remove the bottom layer would be to clean the dust filter under the PSU and expansion bay or to adjust the expansion card support; both of these may have been handled without the need to remove the bottom layer (eg: tool-less adjustment of card support and including the dust filters inside the actual case somehow).
-Replacing the bottom layer risks damaging the front ports on the case. You have to really pay attention when replacing, making sure to slide the ports into their slots before pushing back down.
-(VERY nit picky) would have preferred inset access screws on the bottom of the case so they were flush with the housing.
-(also nit picky) the riser card doesn't have a clip to keep your expansion card fastened like a motherboard does, however since everything is tightened down elsewhere anyway, it's not really a problem.
-Miscellaneous and unavoidable design annoyances, such as no full size power supply support, very low CPU cooler clearance, etc; that's kind of the point though, so not really a con.

I am modding this case to hold two 3.5" HDDs. The only way this is conceivably possible is to use a short GPU (Gigabyte's short GTX 970 in my case) and custom building a mount that attaches to the 120mm fan mount at the end of the expansion card bay. It would be possible to fit a single HDD under a full size GPU near the bracket, however the card would need to have a blower style fan so the HDD didn't cover a normal fan and cause temperature issues.

Those asking if they could squeeze a taller CPU cooler should understand that the measurements for this case are incredibly accurate. If you use a 58mm cooler, you will have some bowing in your case and some pressure on your motherboard.

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VS
TOP CRITICAL REVIEW
A good case, but make sure to check the PSU

Nice & compact case.
Plenty of tie-down spots for cable management.

The first case I've got arrived with a dead PSU. Had to return it and get a replacement (which took effin' forever. Next time I'll just buy from Amzn).
If you're going to use two 2.5" drives in the supplied drive cage, you'll have to bend the power cable in a really weird way to make it work.

None

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Warranty & Returns

Warranty

Limited Warranty period(parts): 1 year

Limited Warranty period(labor): 1 year

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Return Policies

This item is covered by Newegg.ca's Standard Return Policy

Features & Details

  • Steel Mini-ITX Slim Profile Case
  • Intelligent thermal interior design highlighting separate motherboard and graphics card chambers
  • Highly versatile case that can be set up both vertically and horizontally
  • 2x USB3.0 Audio In/Out Front Ports
  • Removable Dust Filters

Specifications

Model
BrandFractal Design
SeriesNode 202
ModelFD-CA-NODE-202-BK
Details
TypeMini-ITX
ColorBlack
With Power SupplyNo
Power SupplySFX PSUs up to 130mm long (not included)
Power Supply MountedRear
Motherboard CompatibilityMini ITX
Side Panelwithout Side Window
Expansion
Internal 2.5" Drive Bays2
Expansion Slots2
Front Panel Ports
Front Ports2 x USB 3.0 / Audio
Cooling System
Fan OptionsTotal fan mounts: 2 x 120mm in graphics card chamber
Dimensions & Weight
Max GPU Length310 mm
Max CPU Cooler Height56 mm
Max PSU LengthSFX PSUs up to 130 mm long
Dimensions3.46" x 14.84" x 13.07" with feet/screws/protrusions 3.23" x 14.84" x 13.07" without feet/screws/protrusions
Weight7.72 lbs.
Additional Info
FeaturesFeaturing a sleek and elegant design that will fit in any space or room Extremely small footprint with a volume of only 10.2 liters A highly versatile case that can be set up both vertically and horizontally Supports Mini-ITX motherboards, SFX power supplies and graphics cards up to 310mm in length Provides a smart thermal interior design highlighting separate motherboard and graphics card chambers Strategically placed air filters for a dust free interior
Additional Information
First Listed on NeweggDecember 10, 2015
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Overview

Overview