Case · MODEL NOTES
Fractal Design North XL Charcoal Black TG
A large wood-front showcase that earns its size only when your parts need the room.
North XL Charcoal Black TG makes a clear visual choice with a wood front and glass side. Its larger chassis can simplify some component selections, but the meaningful decision is the final radiator and drive arrangement. Do not confuse the XL’s limits with the smaller North or the mesh-side version.
Consider it when
- A build intended to be visible rather than hidden under a desk.
- A large air cooler or checked front 420 mm liquid-cooling layout.
Look again when
- A limited desk footprint where a smaller tower would do the same job.
- A long GPU combined with a front radiator using the no-radiator clearance.
The checks that can change your choice
A front radiator changes 413 mm to 380 mm
The documented front 360/420 mm radiator arrangement reduces GPU length allowance to 380 mm. Check fittings and the power connector as well; the largest headline clearance does not describe that build.
Drive trays set the PSU envelope
The PSU limit is 290 mm with one HDD tray and 175 mm with two. Decide how many mechanical drives you need and allow cable access before choosing a long power supply.
Published specifications
Wood-front large case; tempered-glass side; GPU clearance 413 mm; air cooler clearance 185 mm.
| Brand | Fractal Design |
|---|---|
| Exact model | North XL Charcoal Black TG |
| Form factor | Large mid-tower |
| Case motherboard support | E-ATX, ATX, micro-ATX, Mini-ITX |
| Case GPU length limit | 413 mm; cooling and layout can reduce this |
| Case CPU cooler height limit | 185 mm |
| Case PSU formats | ATX |
| Case PSU length limit | 290 mm; allow cable and drive-cage space |
| Radiator mount: front / 120 mm | GPU up to 380 mm; manufacturer front-radiator configuration; thickness-specific clearance still requires manual |
| Radiator mount: front / 240 mm | GPU up to 380 mm; manufacturer front-radiator configuration; thickness-specific clearance still requires manual |
| Radiator mount: front / 280 mm | GPU up to 380 mm; manufacturer front-radiator configuration; thickness-specific clearance still requires manual |
| Radiator mount: front / 360 mm | GPU up to 380 mm; manufacturer front-radiator configuration; thickness-specific clearance still requires manual |
| Radiator mount: front / 420 mm | GPU up to 380 mm; manufacturer front-radiator configuration; thickness-specific clearance still requires manual |
| Radiator mount: top / 120 mm | Check mounting dimensions and occupied positions |
| Radiator mount: top / 140 mm | Check mounting dimensions and occupied positions |
| Radiator mount: top / 240 mm | Check mounting dimensions and occupied positions |
| Radiator mount: top / 280 mm | Check mounting dimensions and occupied positions |
| Radiator mount: top / 360 mm | Check mounting dimensions and occupied positions |
| Radiator mount: rear / 120 mm | Check mounting dimensions and occupied positions |
| Radiator mount: rear / 140 mm | Check mounting dimensions and occupied positions |
Top supports 120/140/240/280/360; front 120/240/280/360/420; rear 120/140 mm. PSU limit is 290 mm with one HDD tray, 175 mm with two. A front 360/420 mm radiator reduces GPU limit to 380 mm. Confirm E-ATX width.
A different choice worth checking
These alternatives address related choices. Recheck their platform, connections and fit before treating one as a replacement.
Parts lists using this exact model
These lists show the surrounding components and the tradeoffs. They are editable planning examples, not measured systems.
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Sources and review notes
RigAtlas connects manufacturer specifications to component choices. This page is document-based analysis; it does not claim a hands-on test or a current store offer.
- Fractal Design — exact model specificationsEvidence checked
- Fractal Design — supporting specification or manualEvidence checked
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