Fractal Design has announced its latest premium desktop PC case, the ATX mid-tower Fractal Design North (opens in new tab). The main feature is the use of real walnut or oak wood for the front ventilation slats. Brass and steel details are also mixed in, along with a modular, easily accessible design and ample ventilation.

Designed for ATX, mATX, and ITX motherboards, North supports GPUs up to 355mm long and 300mm with a 360mm front radiator. Out of the box, it features two 140mm aspect PWM fans, three USB ports on the top front panel including one USB-C port, and drive mounts for up to four 2.5" drives and two 3.5" drives.

According to the design-savvy Swedes at Fractal, the case is easily accessible with quick-release side panels and integrated tabs that pop off the top panel easily. Inside, seven bridgeless expansion slots allow for extensive customization.

On the cooling side, the case is designed with an open front and integrated mesh top panel. The full mesh version of the case also includes mesh side panels. Tempered glass side panels are also available as an option.

Overall, the form and shape of the Fractal Design North is very orthodox. It is, after all, a rectangular box. Without the wooden slats, it would not stand out so much. However, it is a very attractive design flourish.

At launch, there will be four different cases available. Chalk White and Charcoal Black, each with the option of mesh or tempered glass side panels.

Weighing 7.6 kg for the mesh type and 7.7 kg for the tempered glass type, they measure 447 x 215 x 469 mm and come with small feet.

The price, which we are interested in, is $150, which is quite reasonable for a very unique and high-quality case. It is also rather refreshing to see a case that is aesthetically pleasing, but achieves this without RGB lights.

Nevertheless, given the price point and overall sleek design, one slight disappointment is the old-fashioned thumbscrews used to secure the side panels.

Also, see here (opens in new tab) for a richly rendered video overview of the new case.