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.

When we dug into the Node 304 , I was seriously blown away by its styling. It doesn't seem like it was that long ago that we had another Mini ITX case in from Fractal Design called the Array. I (Wes) was impressed with that case and still keep it around for use to this day.

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.

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

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.

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

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...

About the size of two shoe boxes, the Node 304 Mini ITX case is great for building a high performance computer using the mITX form factor. The GPU can sit comfortably and the hard drive bays are designed to allow a good amount of airflow through the case from the front to the back.

Spacious design - Removable hard disk bays - Fits a GTX 660 - No sharp edges - ATX PSU supported

- Requires creative cable management

There are many Mini-ITX cases on the market, the Fractal Design Node 304 is just one option. I personally think it is one of the best options; for many reasons. The build quality is hard to beat, as is the minimalist design.

If you're building a new PC and are aiming for the mITX form-factor, chances are good that you'll be placing this PC out in the open, for everyone to see. That being the case (no pun, of course), you no doubt want it to look good, and be reasonably easy to install in.