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Fractal Design Node 304 Black Aluminum/Steel Mini-ITX Small Form Factor Computer Case
- Aluminum / Steel Mini-ITX Small Form Factor
- Modular mounting system that accommodates up to 6 HDD/SSD
- Accommodates tower CPU coolers up to 165mm tall
- Integrated Fan Controller
- 2x USB3.0 Audio In/Out Front Ports
- Removable Dust Filters
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Overview
Specs
Reviews (419)
Description
The Node 304 features a unique modular interior for outstanding configurability.
The Node 304 accommodates up to six hard drives. Unused mounting brackets can be removed to allow for long graphics cards, additional airflow, or more space for organizing cables. Additionally, it is equipped with three hydraulic bearing fans, easy-to-clean air filters in all intakes, and two front USB 3.0 ports.
Featuring hybrid functionality, the Node 304 case is ideally used as a cool-running file server, a stylish and quiet home theatre PC, or a powerful gaming system highlighting minimalist and stunning Scandinavian design with maximum functionality.
Features
- Compact, modular interior
- Minimalist design with an elegant aluminum front panel
- Unique new modular mounting system that accommodates up to six hard drives
- Accommodates tower CPU coolers and single-fan water cooling systems
- Filtered air intakes ensure a dust-free environment for internal components
- Three Silent Series R2 hydraulic bearing fans included
- Excellent cooling for all components
- Accommodates ATX power supplies
- Fan controller for all fans included
- USB 3.0 for fast file transfers
Technical Specifications
- Mini ITX, DTX motherboard compatibility
- Two expansion slots
- Six supports for either 3.5in. or 2.5in. HDDs/SSDs
- ATX PSUs, up to 160mm in length (To fit in combination with a long graphics card, PSUs with modular connectors on the back typically need to be shorter than 160mm)
- Graphics cards, up to 310mm in length, when two HDD brackets are removed (Graphics cards longer than 170mm will conflict with PSUs longer than 160mm)
- Tower CPU coolers, up to 165mm tall
- Case dimensions (W x H x D): 250mm x 210mm x 374mm
- Case volume: 19.5L
- Net weight: 4.9kg
- Colors available: Black and White
Cooling and Ventilation
- Two front-mounted 92mm Silent Series R2 hydraulic bearing fans, 1300RPM speed (compatible with 80mm fans) included
- One rear-mounted 140mm Silent Series R2 hydraulic bearing fan, 1000RPM speed (compatible with 120mm fans) included
- One fan controller for all three fans included
- Removable air filters for front fans and PSU
- Fan filter for graphics card
Front Interface
- Two USB 3.0
- One 3.5mm audio in (microphone)
- One 3.5mm audio out (headphone)
- Power button with LED
- HDD LED
Retail Package Contents
- Node 304 Computer Case
- User Manual
- Accessory Box
Additional Information
- EAN/GTIN-13: 7350041080978
- UPC: 817301010979
- Product Code: FD-CA-NODE-304-BL
What's in the Box
Fractal Design Node 304 System Cabinet - Aluminum - 6 x Bay - 3 x Fan (s) Installed - Mini ITX, DTX Motherboard Supported - 4.90 kg - 3 x Fan (s) Supported - 2x Slot (s) - 2 x USB (s) - 1 x Audio Out
Warranty & Returns
Warranty, Returns, And Additional Information
Warranty
- Limited Warranty period (parts): 2 years
- Limited Warranty period (labor): 2 years
- Read full details
Return Policies
- Return for refund within: 30 days
- Return for replacement within: 30 days
- This item is covered by Newegg.ca's Standard Return Policy.
- Read full return policy for details.
Manufacturer Contact Info
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The Fractal Design Node 304 is a compact Mini-ITX case for small-form-factor PC builders who want strong airflow, quiet cooling, and high internal storage capacity, with support for up to six 3.5-inch drives, GPUs up to 310 mm, and CPU coolers up to 165 mm.
Recommended For
- Home NAS and media-server builders who want several 3.5-inch drives in a compact Mini-ITX case, especially for Plex/Jellyfin, backups, or a living-room file server.
- Living-room PC users who want a quiet, understated HTPC case with room for multiple drives and standard air cooling instead of a flashy glass-panel build.
- Small-footprint builders who still want to use full-size ATX power supplies and tall tower air coolers, as long as they plan parts carefully around drive cages and card length.
- ITX gaming builders who prefer a compact, closed-panel case and are willing to trade some storage capacity to fit a longer GPU.
Real-World Use Scenarios
- Building a compact home NAS with 4-6 hard drives: users typically choose the Node 304 when they want many 3.5-inch drives in a much smaller footprint than a tower, and the usual experience is strong storage density with workable cooling, but tighter cable routing and more planning than a purpose-built server case.
- Setting up a living-room HTPC or media server: the case is commonly used when someone wants a plain, non-gaming look near a TV, and the likely result is a discreet box that fits media playback and streaming well while still leaving room for multiple internal drives.
- Assembling a small gaming PC for 1080p or light 1440p play: builders use the Node 304 to shrink a desk or TV-area gaming setup without moving to an ultra-restricted SFF case, and the usual experience is that moderate modern parts fit and run fine, though thermals, GPU size, and cable management need closer attention than in newer airflow-focused designs.
- Reusing older ATX PSU, tower cooler, and SATA drives in a smaller build: the Node 304 is often chosen by upgraders who want to downsize without replacing every part, and the likely outcome is a successful compact rebuild if component clearances are checked carefully before purchase.
- Building a quiet always-on home server for backups, downloads, or Plex storage: users regularly pick the Node 304 because it can hold several drives and multiple included fans in a compact shell, and the common experience is low idle noise with sensible fan tuning, but drive vibration and airflow become more noticeable as the case is filled up.
Spec Summary
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Best For | Small-form-factor Mini-ITX and Mini-DTX desktop builds that need many internal drives (up to 6), room for tower CPU coolers up to 165 mm, and GPUs up to 310 mm |
| Case Exterior & Materials | Black aluminum and steel construction with an aluminum front panel and a side panel without a window; side air duct included for directed airflow |
| Physical Dimensions & Weight | Compact footprint: 14.72" x 9.84" x 8.27" (depth x width x height); item weight ~10.8 lbs |
| Motherboard And Expansion | Supports Mini DTX and Mini ITX motherboards with 2 expansion slots |
| Drive Bays & Storage | Modular mounting system accommodates up to six internal 3.5" drives (6 internal bays); no external 3.5" bays |
| Cooling And Fans | Includes three Silent Series R2 hydraulic bearing fans (2x92 mm front, 1x140 mm rear); front supports 2x92 mm; fan controller included; supports air cooling and single‑fan water cooling; filtered air intakes and removable dust filters |
| Front I O And Controls | Front I/O includes 2x USB 3.0 ports plus audio in/out and an integrated fan controller for the case fans |
| Power Supply And Mounting | No power supply included; bottom-mount bay accepts ATX power supplies up to 160 mm in length |
| Compatibility And Clearance | Clearance supports GPU lengths up to 310 mm and CPU cooler heights up to 165 mm; accommodates single-fan water cooling solutions |
| Features & Extras | Modular interior for flexible drive placement, removable dust filters, filtered air intakes, and a minimal aluminum front panel design |
| Model Identifiers | Fractal Design — Node 304 (model FD-CA-NODE-304-BL) |
Reference Q&A
Q: Is the Fractal Design Node 304 a better fit than the Cooler Master NR200 for a storage-heavy Mini-ITX build?
A: Yes, if your priority is fitting multiple 3.5-inch drives in a compact Mini-ITX case. The Node 304 is positioned by Fractal Design as a hybrid case for file-server, HTPC, and gaming use, and it supports up to six hard drives with a modular interior. In comparison, the NR200 is generally chosen for modern airflow-focused gaming builds, with much lower native 3.5-inch drive capacity. Choose the Node 304 when storage density and ATX PSU support matter more than the newer layout trends of performance-first SFF cases.
Q: Should I choose the Node 304 or the Fractal Design Node 202 for a Mini-ITX gaming or living-room PC?
A: Choose the Node 304 if you want more cooling headroom, support for tall tower air coolers, and room for several drives. Choose the Node 202 if your main goal is a slimmer, console-style system for a TV stand or desk. Fractal positions the Node 202 as a slim, premium Mini-ITX enclosure, while the Node 304 is built around flexibility, larger air coolers, and higher storage capacity. The decision is mainly portability and slimness versus easier thermal management and expansion.
Q: Is the Node 304 a better buy than the Cooler Master Elite 130 for a basic Mini-ITX build?
A: The Node 304 is the stronger choice when you want a quieter, more storage-oriented Mini-ITX case with included fans and support for up to six internal 3.5-inch drives. The Elite 130 is typically the budget-oriented alternative for compact gaming builds, with ATX PSU support and room for a dual-slot GPU, but much less internal drive capacity. Choose the Node 304 when storage flexibility and a more refined internal layout matter more than minimizing case cost.
Q: Should I pick the Node 304 or the Fractal Design Core 500 for a compact NAS or mixed-use server build?
A: Choose the Node 304 when maximum 3.5-inch drive count is the main goal in a compact Mini-ITX footprint. Choose the Core 500 when you want broader cooling flexibility, including stronger radiator support and a layout that is often easier for mixed gaming or custom-cooled builds. Community discussions consistently frame the Core 500 as more flexible for water cooling, while the Node 304 remains the more storage-dense option out of the box.
Q: Is the Fractal Design Node 304 a good choice for a compact NAS, home server, or HTPC build?
A: Yes. The Node 304 is especially well suited to compact storage-heavy or living-room-style builds because it supports up to six 2.5/3.5-inch drives in a Mini-ITX footprint, includes three fans, and uses filtered intakes. Its main trade-off is that internal space is shared between drives, GPU length, and cable routing, so very storage-dense builds are better than highly expanded gaming builds.
Q: Will the Node 304 fit a full-size graphics card?
A: Usually yes, but only with planning. The case supports GPUs up to about 310 mm, and retailer listings note that longer graphics cards may require removing drive brackets. That means the Node 304 can work for a compact gaming build, but GPU clearance directly trades off against internal drive capacity and ease of cable management.
Q: Is the Node 304 better for storage builds or for high-end gaming builds?
A: It is better for storage-focused, general-purpose, or moderate gaming builds than for maximum-performance small-form-factor gaming. The Node 304's strengths are six internal drive bays, support for tall air coolers, included fans, and ATX PSU compatibility. The trade-off is that its compact layout forces compromises when you combine a long GPU, a large power supply, and multiple drives.
Q: Who is the Node 304 most suitable for?
A: The Node 304 is most suitable for buyers who want a small Mini-ITX case with unusually high drive capacity and straightforward air cooling. It fits users building a home server, HTPC, compact workstation, or understated gaming PC. It is less suitable for buyers who want tempered glass, modern front-panel extras, or the easiest possible fit for oversized current-generation GPUs.
Q: What is the main trade-off versus a newer slim Mini-ITX case like the Fractal Ridge or Terra?
A: The Node 304 prioritizes internal flexibility and drive capacity, while newer slim Mini-ITX cases prioritize smaller volume and cleaner presentation. Compared with a slim case, the Node 304 gives you more room for 3.5-inch drives, taller air coolers, and standard ATX power supplies. In return, it is bulkier and less optimized for the newest ultra-compact showcase-style builds.
Q: Is the Fractal Design Node 304 still a good choice for a compact NAS or home server?
A: Yes, if you want a small Mini-ITX case with high 3.5-inch drive capacity. The main reason people still choose the Node 304 is that it fits up to six internal drives in a compact footprint while also supporting a standard ATX power supply. The trade-off is that internal space gets tight quickly, so cable management, airflow around the drive cages, and future upgrades are less convenient than in newer NAS-focused cases.
Q: Who is the Node 304 best suited for?
A: It is best suited for builders who want a compact Mini-ITX system that prioritizes storage capacity or an understated look over maximum upgrade flexibility. It makes the most sense for small home servers, HTPCs, and modest gaming or workstation builds that can work within its size limits. It is less suitable for users who want frequent hardware swaps, large modern GPUs, or the easiest possible build process.
Q: Can the Node 304 handle a gaming build with a full-size GPU?
A: Sometimes, but only with planning. The case officially supports GPUs up to 310 mm, but in real builds the usable space depends on which drive cages are installed, GPU thickness, and cable routing. A gaming build is practical if you do not need all six drive bays and you check dimensions carefully. It is a weaker fit for large multi-slot GPUs or storage-heavy builds that need every drive mount.
Q: What are the main trade-offs of buying the Node 304 today?
A: The main trade-offs are build complexity and component fit limits. The Node 304 offers strong storage density, support for tall air coolers, and included fans in a small case, but that compact layout creates compromises around GPU clearance, PSU cable space, and cooling optimization when the case is fully populated. It is a practical case for specific use cases, not the easiest all-purpose Mini-ITX case.
Q: Is the Node 304 worth buying for someone who wants easy upgrades later?
A: Usually no. It is worth buying if your parts list is already well-defined and you value compact size plus drive capacity. It is less ideal if you expect to change GPUs often, expand cooling, or add hardware without reworking the interior. The case is more rewarding for planned builds than for frequent tinkerers.