Skip to content
Specdex
Compare now
Fractal Torrent · Matte Black — Mid-tower
Fractal

Fractal Torrent · Matte Black

Mid-tower

88
/ 100
From $199
VS
Fractal North XL wins by 3
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

Fractal North XL takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Fractal Torrent · Matte Black lands at 88 and Fractal North XL at 91. That puts Fractal North XL ahead by 3 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Fractal Torrent · 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
Share this comparison: Share to Reddit X / Twitter

Winner by scenario

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

Airflow

Fractal North XL

Compared on the airflow sub-score

Fractal North XL leads on airflow (92 vs 88).

Build

Fractal North XL

Compared on the build sub-score

Fractal North XL leads on build (94 vs 86).

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 Torrent · Matte Black 88
vs
91 Fractal North XL

Score breakdown

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

Specs side-by-side

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

Fractal Torrent · 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 Torrent · Matte Black vs Fractal North XL

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

Fractal North XL scores 91 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 3. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Fractal Torrent · Matte Black worth the price? +

At $199, Fractal Torrent · Matte Black delivers a Specdex score of 88 — 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 Torrent · 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 airflow, Fractal Torrent · Matte Black or Fractal North XL? +

Fractal North XL — leads on airflow (92 vs 88). Compared on the airflow sub-score.

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

Fractal North XL — leads on build (94 vs 86). Compared on the build sub-score.