Fractal Design Node 605 review - Introduction

A new style of ATX HTPC chassis

We review the Fractal Design Node 605, an all black, all cool and all silent HTPC chassis for Mini ITX and even full ATX motherboards. For this HTPC chassis is all about style, storage, USB 3.0 options and an integrated three-speed fan controller. It's lovely to look at, has a decent size and sure, might be one of the better HTPC or home server chassis we have tested to date. The Node 605 ships in a wider HTPC/AV receiver style chassis that comes with full-sized ATX motherboard support. Four hard drive slots are included on this model, with an integrated card reader, USB 3.0 and Firewire connections. Graphic cards up to 280mm are supported, but that shrinks to 180mm when all drives are fitted. Cleverly hidden behind the access panel on the solid 8mm thick aluminum front panel are two USB 3.0 ports, a FireWire port and a multi-format card reader for multiple formats.

• Solid aluminum front panel
• Supports full ATX motherboards
• Noise-dampening material
• 4 HDD/SSD slots
• Integrated card reader
• Two Silent Series R2 hydraulic bearing fans included
• Supports graphic cards up to 280mm in length (180mm with all hard drives in place)
• USB 3.0 and FireWire front connectors

Technical Specifications

• ATX, microATX, Mini ITX, DTX motherboard compatibility
• 7 expansion slots
• 4 - supports either 2.5" or 3.5" HDD / SSD
• 1 slim-line ODD (only supported with mATX or smaller motherboards)
• PSU compatibility: 180 mm (including any modular connectors) with both hard drive cages mounted or 190 mm (excluding cables and any modular connectors) with one hard drive cage mounted
• CPU cooler compatibility: Approx 125mm with side-mounted fans - For coolers with top-mounted fans, Fractal Design recommends that you add at least 30 mm clearance for decent airflow
• Case dimensions (W x H x D): 445 x 164 x 349 mm (excluding front panel - 440 x 162 x 341 mm)
• Net weight: 6,0 kg