There are several major factors you must consider when selecting a new case for your current system, or selecting a new case for a new build....

Sleek and stylish design; filters on all intakes; support for a full-sized graphics card; support for ATX power supplies; support for tower CPU coolers

Various systems interfere with each other; Cleaning filters requires opening case; No external ODD slot; Power plug can be difficult to connect; Only 3 zip ties in the bag

Small form factor systems have become increasingly popular over the past year. The main reason for

– Great build quality; – Support for up to 6 hard drives; – Supports normal ATX power supplies; – 3 fans included with fan controller; – Elegant design; – USB 3.0 support

– Motherboard standoffs are quite hard to install correctly; – Modular power supplies will not work with longer graphics cards; – No 5.25inch drive bays

Everything is getting smaller. With today's emphasis on efficiency and mobility, and processors that do even more with much less power consumption, it is a trend that will probably continue.

Actually would make a great quiet-running file server; HTPC or high-end gaming system; Three fans with included fan controller; One of the smallest enclosures that can still fit high-end GPUs; Still keeps those high-end GPUs cool; Intelligent layout; Fits full size ATX PSUs; Simple; clean and...

Have to cherry-pick a PSU if building a high-end gaming rig; Must choose between full-length GPU and six HDDs; Cable management always a struggle; Odd shape for an HTPC (Hard to place with other home theater components

Fractal Design expands their line of cases with the NODE family aiming to provide unique enclosures to storage and HTPC enthusiasts. We take the little one - the NODE 304 - for a spin to see what scenario it is best suited for.

The Fractal Design Node 304 obviously caters a very specific audience. The guys and gals that need something small and sexy for that functions as a simple net-top, HTPC or the coolest looking NAS/file server ever.

The Fractal Design Node 304 Case is tiny, doesn't have a 5.25" drive, but up to six 2.5" or 3.5" drives can be installed. This is a simple, elegant SFF case that would be perfect for a server or if you require a compact mini-ITX/DTX solution with lots of storage.

One area that has seen substantial growth over the past 18 months is the mini-ITX case market. The realisation that these mini-motherboards can be the basis for some pretty powerful PCs has started to dawn on people, not least the chassis manufacturers.

Its price might seem steep at first, especially when you take into account the bargain-tastic Cooler Master Elite 120 Advanced and budget-friendly BitFenix Prodigy. However the Node 304 is better-built than either case and offers significant benefits in some departments too.

December 10, 2013 by Lawrence Lee Product Fractal Design Node 304 Mini-ITX Case Manufacturer Fractal Design Street Price US$90 Though the mini-ITX form factor has been around for over a decade and become significantly more popular over the past few years, there is no defined case specification like...

- my motherboard has the sata connections at a right angle facing the power supply. Can't connect/disconnect the cables without removing power supply using right angled connectors. This blocks 2 of the 4 ports. Not sure who to blame on this one. - Lots of windows to allow air flow in/out.

- Solid construction - Slapped in a GA-Z170N-WIFI MB, no issue with mounting to stand off post as others mentioned - Has room (barely) for ATX power supply - Accommodates a 212 evo cooling tower with two fans; Barely clears the HyperX Predator 2x16gig sticks

- No Speaker, really Cant hear bios beeps to debug issues if they happen to occur; - No accessible switch for Power Supply - No reset switch - Need to remove just about everything from the case to mount MB (rear fan, cross bar that hold HD brackets, front panel, power supply