[.theMetal]

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Welcome to the Official Fractal Design Node 304 Owners/Info Club
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Information*:
The Node 304 features a unique modular interior for outstanding configurability.

The Node 304 accommodates up to six hard drives. Unused mounting brackets can be removed to allow for long graphic cards, additional airflow or more space for organizing cables. Additionally, it is equipped with three hydraulic bearing fans, easy-to-clean air filters in all intakes and two front USB 3.0 ports.

Featuring hybrid functionality, the Node 304 case is ideally used as a cool-running file server, a stylish and quiet home theatre PC or a powerful gaming system highlighting minimalistic and stunning Scandinavian design and maximum functionality.

Features:

• Compact, modular interior
• Minimalistic design with an elegant aluminum front panel
• Unique new modular mounting system that accommodates up to 6 hard drives
• Accommodates tower CPU coolers and single-fan water cooling systems
• Filtered air intakes ensure a dust-free environment for internal components
• Three Silent Series R2 hydraulic bearing fans included
• Excellent cooling for all components
• Accommodates ATX power supplies
• Fan controller for all fans included
• USB 3.0 for fast file transfers

Technical Specs*:

Spoiler: Here

• Mini ITX, DTX motherboard compatibility
• 2 expansion slots
• 6 - supports either 3.5" or 2.5" HDD / SSD
• ATX PSUs, up to 160mm in length (To fit in combination with a long graphics card, PSUs with modular connectors on the back typically need to be shorter than 160 mm)
• Graphics cards, up to 310mm in length, when 2 HDD brackets are removed (Graphics cards longer than 170 mm will conflict with PSUs longer than 160mm)
• Tower CPU coolers, up to 165 mm tall
• Case dimensions (W x H x D): 250 x 210 x 374 mm
• Case volume: 19,5 Liters
• Net weight: 4,9 kg
• Colors available: Black and White

Cooling / ventilation:

• 2 - Front mounted 92mm Silent Series R2 hydraulic bearing fans, 1300 RPM speed (compatible with 80mm fans) - included
• 1 - Rear mounted 140mm Silent Series R2 hydraulic bearing fan, 1000 RPM speed (compatible with 120mm fans) - included
• Removable air filters for front fans and PSU
• Fan filter for graphics card
• 1 - fan controller for all 3 fans included

Front interface:

• 2 - USB 3.0 (Internal 3.0 to 2.0 adapter included)
• 1 - 3.5mm audio in (microphone)
• 1 - 3.5mm audio out (headphone)
• Power button with LED
• HDD LED

Retail package content:

• Node 304 computer case
• User manual
• Accessory box

Additional Information:

• EAN/GTIN-13: 7350041080978
• UPC: 817301010979
• Product code: FD-CA-NODE-304-BL

Product Page:
Black Version
White Version

Reviews:
Guru3d
Think Computers
TweakTown
AnandTech
Hardware Secrets

Owners:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?key=0Av16_e93qpn6dDYxUVNRelJzRlA3YmtMN2ZYUVpHb3c&output=html&widget=true

To be added to the list:
From here on out, to be added to the list, just start your post off with "Add me" in bold and leave a picture of your Node. I will get you added as soon as possible.

Tips/Tricks:

• .theMetal - A smaller power supply works really well, but with some tinkering you can actually fit much bigger, modular supplies in this case with a long graphics card. Simply remove the power supply bracket (4 screws) and move the supply further from the graphics card then mount it down with velcro or two sided tape of some kind. Many of us have done this and it works well.
• .theMetal - Air cooling works well in the case. From what I've seen I'm almost positive any heat sink will fit in the case and fit is more determined by your itx motherboard than the case its self.
• Mopar63 - (Magnetic replacement gpu filter) The filter I am using is for the Corsair 400R but it fits perfectly. I have actually removed the filter provides by Fractal and use this one only and am having great results. I am seeing temp 3 to4c lower on my video card and it will allow some cards with 2.5 slot coolers to work where before they were loud.
  
• Front Audio/USB Problem - Some owners have seen issues with the front audio out causing strange noises (when moving mouse, when hard drives read, etc.) The problem is addressed here in this thread.
  
  Basically, there is a problem on the board where the usb and audio out headers sit. To fix it, you take a razer and make a cut down to the copper on the board between the audio and usb ports like this:
  
  Spoiler: Click for Image

  
  
  Thanks to dithes, for talking with Fractal Design and getting a fix. Its reported by a few members to take care of the issue.
  
  Here is another piece of info if the above does not work.
  Quote:
  

  For anyone else who may be having a few unruly USB issues with the front sockets:
  
  I spoke with Fractal about the problem after testing that my 3rd party extension worked fine and following their advice seems to have fixed it for me, was a little unsure at first though:
  
  "on some motherboard the USB 3 + USB 2 Adapter Cable make an issue.
  
  Maybe you cut of the USB 2 wire from the USB 2 / 3 Combo cable?
  
  On some motherboard this fixed the issue."
  

  Spoiler: Click for Image

  

  
  The above image was supplied by Fractal too who assured me: "If this dont fix you issue we can change the hole USB PCB + Cable" when I asked about voiding warranty etc.
  
  Hope that helps, and good luck.

  Thanks to sprucejuice for this information!!
  

If you any tips or tricks for the case, just let me know and I can add them to the list and give you credit.

Recommended Equipment:
As more and more owners come through the thread, the question we see the most is will this power supply fit? So here is a list of the most threads most recommended equipment.

First off, the power supplies:
- Seasonic G-550
- Silverstone ST55F-G

I will continue to work on this list, but this is a start.

More Pictures*:

Spoiler: Black Version Here

Spoiler: White Version Here

Spoiler: Unboxing of White version (Compliments of MetallicAcid**)

Signature:
Official Fractal Design Node 304 Club

Code:

[CENTER][URL=http://www.overclock.net/t/1266342/fractal-design-node-304-owners-club/0_20#post_17415246]:clock: Official Fractal Design Node 304 Club :clock:[/URL][/CENTER]

Spoiler: Edits/Notes

7/6/13: I've taken over the thread to turn it from a new case thread to an actual owners club. I am open to suggestions, so please let me know if you have any comments or any thing else to add.

* All information and pictures are from Fractal Design website

**Credit for the unboxing photos of the White version goes to MetallicAcid. (Thanks for letting me use them! -.theMetal)

 

[SohcSTI]

I love Fractal Design cases. So clean!

 

[BobTheChainsaw]

Is there any way to have an optical drive? I still buy physical discs now and then.

 

[listen to remix]

Holy crap...First the Prodigy Case and now this one. Makes me regret my mATX build.

 

[funfortehfun]

The size of this is only a bit larger than the Sugo's. This case isn't a monstruo like the Prodigy, either. I can see this as being a pretty good case. I'm digging the brushed aluminum, too.
And hurrah, Fractal Design stepped up to remove the frickin' 5.25 drive bays

 

[Scorpion49]

My question is, when and where can I get one?

 

[subnet]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SohcSTI

I love Fractal Design cases. So clean!

Use an external drive, alot of them are USB powered and bootable.
Quote:

Originally Posted by Scorpion49

My question is, when and where can I get one?

No word on this yet.

 

[adjas]

very beautiful case, very well designed.
My next build will be in this case.

 

[drBlahMan]

Nice case but would of been even better if those front fans were 120mm, imo

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobTheChainsaw

Is there any way to have an optical drive? I still buy physical discs now and then.

Buy usb external optical drive & follow these instructions...How to Boot from the USB CD Drive

 

[aCe_eXtreME]

Quote:

Originally Posted by subnet

Use an external drive, alot of them are USB powered and bootable.

this , who uses a cdrom? i havent in years , if i needed to i use a temp one. there has not been one in my case for atleast 9 years. its noisy and wastes space.

u can use virtual cdrom program , there are many free out there that work great.

NICE case love the simplicity of lay out and how the back fan is almost made for water cooling. i wonder how "sturdy" or solid the case actually is . that would be a seller for me if it the frame feels solid

 

[nexxusdev]

dont get the front dual 92mm. They have space for a 120 or even 140

 

[subtec]

Quote:

Originally Posted by funfortehfun

And hurrah, Fractal Design stepped up to remove the frickin' 5.25 drive bays

The Array doesn't have 5.25" bays either, which is, AFAIK, Fractal's oldest case. This new case actually seems like a replacement for the Array - a little larger and some layout improvements, but overall very similar.

Quote:

Originally Posted by nexxusdev

dont get the front dual 92mm. They have space for a 120 or even 140

Actually, they don't: the PSU sits in the front, with the exhaust to the side - much like the SG07/08. That's 87mm of the 210mm height of the case, leaving just 123mm. Add in structural bits and material thickness and 92mm is the largest standard size fan that will fit.

As for fitting a dual 92mm rad in front - you'd lose all the HDD bays and you'd be limited to a video card with a shorter PCB. But it seems doable.

It's a nice case, if a little on the larger side for ITX. Aesthetically, probably the best 'shoebox' style case yet. I'd take this over the SG07/08.

 

[Riou]

Wow that is so gorgeous!

 

[thehidecheck]

Actually, word on the street is this will be available august. As a potential future build, Iv'e done a fair bit of snooping and I like what I see. Some less obvious characteristics: It will fit tall coolers(even the d14 with a few mm to spare), airflow looks fantastic, it comes with fractal silent r2 fans(pretty quality stuff), it comes with dust filters for the intake, psu, AND VGA, will retail about $90, comes with a 3 speed fan controller(at the back), and most importantly(;D) amazing gpu ventilation.

Now for my only niggle, psu placement. Dont get me wrong, I agree with the front mounted psu, its the only way to keep an itx form factor with adequate cpu cooler space(I myself prolly gonna stick a havik 140 in there). The problem lies in power cable pass through. Because of this, the psu back cannot sit plush with the left side panel. In pushing the psu towards the middle of the case, gpu clearance will be an issue with power supply cables with psus greater than 160mm in length. I almost think I would have prefered the psu sit plush with the side panel and have a cutout for the power cable pass through to come outside the case. In doing this, or having cutout plates enabling this to be done, they could either allow larger psus or (a greater point)they could keep the 160mm maximum but cut the width of the entire case.

Regardless of my suggestions for this one small niggle, I still think this is a sexy sexy case and should be considered an alternative to the bitfenix prodigy if you want to keep things aircooled.

 

[osaft]

NO 5,25''

...that saves a lot of space and keeps the front clean.
Quote:

Originally Posted by subtec

The Array doesn't have 5.25" bays either, which is, AFAIK, Fractal's oldest case. This new case actually seems like a replacement for the Array...

The Array is ment to be an...an Array. It was somehow natural for it to leave out the optical.
It first came out without the support of dual-slot cards. Because it most likely only needed to fit a RAID card...

This case however is for your main PC. With tower cooler, big PSU and long graphicscard.

I really dont think the Array would be replaced by that.

 

[2002dunx]

But there was loads of room under the HDD cage in the Array to squeeze an optical drive in, my PSU sits under there in mine. Allows me space for my H90 cooler.

dunx

P.S. Don't need another, but like the addition of USB sockets

 

[snikki]

I really love the design of this case. I've been planning on doing a SFF build and this will definitely be the case I'll be using. I googled it and found more pics at anandtech. Link---- [=http://www.anandtech.com/Gallery/Album/2033][/]

 

[Jayrock]

Just as I was about to buy the bitfenix, I saw this thread. Def opting for this instead. Thanks for the post!

 

[staryoshi]

A little large for an ITX case, but it's interesting. I prefer ones that use SFX PSUs now that Silverstone is rockin' out the nice 450w units. At least it isn't a gargantuan "SFF" case

 

[enkay]