Review: Fractal Design Node 804

Conclusion

The Node 804 is a micro-ATX chassis that makes clever use of space. Served up in a cube form factor, this sleek-looking box is dwarfed by traditional enthusiast towers yet, with the right components, will more than hold its own in regards to performance.

We're looking forward to seeing end-users and system-integrators build rigs based around this particular frame - it really is crying out for extreme components and elaborate cooling - and the 804 has ultimately fulfilled its goal of bringing higher performance potential to the flexible Node Series product line.

Fractal has ticked a lot of the right boxes for high-end users looking to downsize, but could more have been done to further shrink the Node 804? Were it not for the ongoing reliance on ATX PSUs and large 3.5in storage devices, the rear chamber might have been halved in size to shave off a further few pounds.

But hey, we're nitpicking. Fractal Design is a chassis manufacturer on the right track and the Node 804, priced at £80, is an intriguing micro-ATX solution that enthusiasts should definitely have on their radar.

The Good

Sleek-looking cube form factor
Can house ultra-high-end hardware
Integrated three-step fan controller
Room for up to 10 storage devices
Supports multiple radiators
Liberal use of mesh filters

The Bad

Side-mounted I/O ports
Still feels a bit big on top of a desk

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Fractal Design Node 804

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The Fractal Design Node 804 chassis is available to purchase from Scan Computers*.

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