Page 2 - Physical Look - Outside
It has been a while since I have personally reviewed a Fractal Design case, but there is an air of sophistication when it comes to their enclosures. Today's North Momentum Edition is no different. As I have mentioned previously, the original North was praised for its integration of wood and its overall clean appearance. The first difference with the Momentum Edition is its all-black finish. The front is genuine oak, but now with a splash of black paint for a muted look. Secondly, the Momentum Edition is only available with tempered glass on the side. Otherwise, we still have a rounded boxy structure, combining flat corners on the front and back with curved edges all around the side. The front has a clear opening with several slats of wood running vertically up and down. Air can flow freely between the slat gaps, and the wood adds a very refined appearance. This front area has a mesh backing behind it for dust filtration. Overall, I am quite pleased with this professional-looking enclosure.
In terms of materials, the Fractal Design North Momentum Edition is made of steel, tempered glass, and oak. Everything feels well put together and solid, with no flexing in the side panels. These materials together translate into a light case at 7.9kg. This is likely due to its smaller footprint. With dimensions of 447mm in length, 215mm in width, and 469mm in height, it is a very compact case that does not take up much room. It is at the smaller end of a mid-tower ATX case. If you want a larger option, Fractal Design also offers an XL version of the North Momentum Edition.
At the top, we have all the user-facing I/O on the Fractal Design North Momentum Edition. They are all aligned in a single row. From the left, we have a large circular power button, followed by two 3.5mm audio jacks for headphone out and microphone in. A single combination jack is more appropriate in 2026 in my opinion. Next, there are two USB 3.1 Type-A ports and a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port. A thin indented line connects all these ports and buttons together and it trails off on the right side. On this far side is a diffuser and single white LED power light underneath. I really like this effect, as it creates a gradual fade out of the light. Otherwise, there is no reset button. Behind the I/O is a separate panel with a mesh design. This also allows air to flow through the top region, especially if you are mounting cooling to the top of your system. This top panel easily slides off by pulling it from the rear with a fabric pull tab. It stays attached to the top with plastic clips.
On the other side of the Fractal Design North Momentum Edition, there is a solid steel panel with no ventilation holes here. At the back, there is a large opening at the top for the motherboard I/O. To the right, there is a whole section of elongated holes for airflow. You can mount a 120mm fan here too. Underneath, there are seven expansion slots, which are all perforated for more airflow. They hold to the case with thumbscrews, and they are bridgeless with no metal frame between each slot. Finally, at the bottom, there is a removable bracket with an opening for an ATX-sized power supply.
At the bottom, the Fractal Design North Momentum Edition has a few other areas to note. In the middle, near the back of the chassis, is a plastic frame with fine mesh lining this area. This removable tray is a mesh filter for the intake of your power supply. It sits on metal guides to stay securely in place. There is a foot in each corner to raise the rest of the case up. Each foot is lined with rubber to keep the whole box in place and reduce vibrations transmitted between the case and the surface it sits upon. With the feet attached, the raise the North Momentum Edition off the surface by around 20mm, allowing for enough room for air intake.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. Physical Look - Outside
3. Physical Look - Inside
4. Installation and Conclusion
