Fractal Design Node 202 Review
Category : Cases
Published by Luca Rocchi on 01.07.15
The Node 202 is the first slim form factor HTPC case from Fractal Design. It is compatible with Mini-ITX motherboards and SFX power supplies. Despite the very small size, it's possible to install high-end dual-slot graphics cards and low profile coolers. Fractal Design offers this model in two different versions, with or without their own Integra 450W SFX PSU.
Rating |
| |
Cooling |
Features |
Layout |
Build Quality |
Value for Money |
| Pros |
+ Two 120mm fans for the GPU area |
+ Dust filters
+ Vertical stand
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+ Interior
space
+ Compatible with high-end GPU, dual slot and not low profile |
+ Build quality on a good level |
+ Available with and without PSU |
| Cons |
- No fans included |
|
- Only 2.5 inch drives are supported |
|
- Price is a bit steep |
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Preview
Specifications
| Model: |
Node 202 |
| Case Type: |
HTPC |
| Dimensions: |
145 mm (W) x 463 mm (H) x 388 mm (D) |
| Material: |
Steel |
| Color: |
Black |
| Drive Bay: |
5.25": |
0 |
| 3.5": |
0 |
| 2.5": |
2 |
| Expansion
slots: |
2 |
| Form factors: |
Mini-ITX |
| Cooling: |
Front: |
/ |
| Rear: |
/ |
| Top: |
/ |
| Bottom: |
2x 120mm (graphics card chamber) |
| Side: |
/ |
| Link to the product: |
Node 202 + SFX450 Watt |
| Model: |
Integra SFX 450W, 80Plus Bronze certification |
| 1 x ATX 20+4 pin: |
300 mm |
| 1 x EPS/ATX 12V (4+4) pin: |
400 mm |
| 2 x PCI-E 6+2 + 6+2 pin: |
400 + 100 mm |
| 1 x 2x SATA: |
150 + 100 mm |
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Features
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Product overview
Overview |
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| The Node 202 is the first HTPC solution made by the Swedish company Fractal Design. The case is very compact, measuring only 377 x 82 x 330 mm, with a total weight of 3.5 kg. Traditionally the build quality with cases from Fractal Design is on a very good level; the structure is made entirely from high quality steel, while the cover is made of black plastic with mesh and several air-vents. It's possible to place the Node 202 horizontally as well as vertically thanks to the support included inside the package. The I/O connections are placed on the front of the case and the Node 202 features two USB 3.0 ports paired with the classic small audio panel with 3.5 mm audio jacks. |
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Installation
Overview |
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Despite the dimensions of the Node 202, putting the components inside is very easy. It didn't take too long to install all the hardware into this tiny case, although that is the case with most very compact enclosures. First of all we're going to talk about the internal dimensions. The Node 202 is compatible with low profile CPU heatsinks with a maximum height of 56 mm and it's possible to install long graphics card. Nevertheless we have not been able to use our classic card for case review, the R9 290X from Club 3D due to the fact, that this card features a particularly large cooler. We recommend to use this case with reference graphics card or with medium sized pixel accelerators.
The internal layout is clearly arranged and easy to understand, on the right hand side you will have to place the mini-ITX motherboard and the power supply, while on the left there is the space dedicated to the graphics card. As you can see from the pictures the graphics card uses riser adapter (included). Apart from all this you can install only two 2.5" HDD/SSD in the centre part of the case. |
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Ventilation options
Overview |
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| A closer look at the cooling concept quickly shows, that it's been appropriately made for an HTPC. On all sides of the case there are mesh covered with anti-dust filters. Only on the back there are two slots for 120 millimeter fans. This is actually where the graphics card pulls in fresh are, so if you decide to equip this little case with a high-end VGA, then we would recommend to also install two 120 millimeter fans. |
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Temperatures
| For testing purposes we're using an ASUS P8Z77-I ITX motherboard and an Intel Core i5-2500K CPU, which receives cooling through a stock cooler from Intel. Since our R9 290X from Club 3D is too big for this case you we will only show the CPU temperatures. To put the CPU under full load we're running prime95 for 10 min with an ambient temperature of 27 degrees. |
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All noise dampening panels installed |
Idle (°C) |
Full (°C) |
|
Intel Core i5-2500K |
41 / 42 / 41 / 39 |
72 / 73 / 69 / 70 |
|
Less is better |
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Conclusion
The Node 202 left us with a mix of feelings but overall it's still a good case. The Node 202 is a HTPC solution designed for those who wish to have an elegant PC case built form high-quality materials. The interior space available ensures good compatibility with high-end solutions and low profile CPU coolers. We appreciate the very small size of this HTPC, which even allows the installation of high-end, dual-slot graphics cards.
The internal layout has been very well thought by Fractal Design. This is actually something, which is highly recommendable for a manufacturer. When there are such small cases, it's a must to clearly structure the interior, otherwise installing hardware will be a rather annoying process. Unfortunately there is no space for a Slot-in-ODD and only two 2.5 inch drives can be installed.
Node 202 is available in two versions: there is one with and one without a 450 Watt SFX power supply from Fractal Design. The version we've reviewed features a 450W non-modular Integra PSU with 80 Plus Bronze certification. The cable length is appropriate to the case and you will be able to wire all the components properly.
The Fractal Design Node 202 is available on Geizhals at a starting price of 90 euro for the version without power supply, while the version including the Integra 450W is close to 160 euro. In our opinion, the price for both models is a bit steep. The Fractal Design Node 202 receives
4.5 stars out of 5 .
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