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Fractal North XL · Matte Black — Full-tower
Fractal

Fractal North XL · Matte Black

Full-tower

91
/ 100
From $189
VS
Fractal North XL — Full-tower · Walnut accents · E-ATX
Fractal

Fractal North XL

Full-tower · Walnut accents · E-ATX

91
/ 100
From $189
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, Fractal North XL · Matte Black lands at 91 and Fractal North XL at 91. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick Fractal North XL · Matte Black if…

  • ✓Tool-less panels on most
  • ✓Cable-management channels
  • ✓Dust filters

Pick Fractal North XL if…

  • ✓Gorgeous walnut front
  • ✓E-ATX and 420 mm rad support
  • ✓Quiet mesh airflow
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Airflow

Tie

Compared on the airflow sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Build

Fractal North XL

Compared on the build sub-score

Fractal North XL leads on build (94 vs 89).

Features

Fractal North XL

Compared on the features sub-score

Fractal North XL leads on features (88 vs 84).

Value for money

Tie

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Effectively tied — similar score-per-dollar at MSRP.

Fractal North XL · Matte Black 91
vs
91 Fractal North XL

Score breakdown

Fractal North XL · Matte Black
91
airflow 91
build 89
features 84
value 86
Fractal North XL
91
airflow 92
build 94
features 88
value 90

Specs side-by-side

Fractal North XL · Matte Black versus Fractal North XL — full spec comparison
Spec Fractal North XL · Matte Black Fractal North XL
Type
Full-tower
Full-tower
MB support
—
E-ATX, ATX, mATX, ITX
Fans
—
2× included
Max GPU
—
413 mm

Fractal North XL · Matte Black

Pros
  • +Tool-less panels on most
  • +Cable-management channels
  • +Dust filters
Cons
  • −Fan inclusion varies
  • −GPU clearance limits for triple-slot cards
  • −Weight on glass panels

Fractal North XL

Pros
  • +Gorgeous walnut front
  • +E-ATX and 420 mm rad support
  • +Quiet mesh airflow
Cons
  • −Large footprint
  • −No vertical GPU mount included
  • −No included fan hub

FAQ: Fractal North XL · Matte Black vs Fractal North XL

Which is better, Fractal North XL · Matte Black or Fractal North XL? +

Both score 91 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Fractal North XL · Matte Black worth the price? +

At $189, Fractal North XL · Matte Black delivers a Specdex score of 91 — strongest in airflow.

Is Fractal North XL worth the price? +

At $189, Fractal North XL delivers a Specdex score of 91 — strongest in build.

Does Fractal North XL · Matte Black or Fractal North XL last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for build, Fractal North XL · Matte Black or Fractal North XL? +

Fractal North XL — leads on build (94 vs 89). Compared on the build sub-score.

Which is better for features, Fractal North XL · Matte Black or Fractal North XL? +

Fractal North XL — leads on features (88 vs 84). Compared on the features sub-score.