The Fractal Design North Case is celebrated for its minimalist, elegant design that blends modern technology with traditional craftsmanship. Its stylish exterior features wood paneling, steel construction, and ventilation, making it one of the best cases for premium builds. However, to maximize the potential of your system, you need to pair it with the right CPU mount.
The best CPU mount for Fractal Design North case depends on your cooling choice. For air cooling, a sturdy backplate mount like Noctua’s SecuFirm2 is great. For AIO liquid cooling, Corsair’s iCUE or Arctic’s Liquid Freezer mounts fit well. Always check compatibility!
In this guide, we’ll explore the best options that are compatible with the Fractal Design North Case, ensuring optimal performance, cooling efficiency, and ease of installation.
Understanding CPU Mounts and Their Importance!
Before diving into the top picks, it’s essential to understand the role of a CPU mount. The CPU mount, also known as the CPU cooler bracket, is responsible for securing the cooling system to the processor.
The Fractal Design North Case is designed with aesthetics and functionality in mind, so choosing a compatible and efficient CPU mount is crucial for keeping your system cool, stable, and visually appealing.
Key Features to Consider in a CPU Mount for Fractal Design North Case:
When choosing the best CPU mount for the Fractal Design North Case, there are several key factors to consider:
- Compatibility: Not all CPU mounts fit every case. The Fractal Design North is a mid-tower ATX case, so the mount must support the dimensions and layout of this case.
- Cooling Efficiency: Effective cooling is crucial to ensure the longevity and performance of your CPU. Whether you choose an air cooler or an all-in-one (AIO) liquid cooler, the mount should provide secure installation and optimal cooling.
- Aesthetic Design: The Fractal Design North Case is designed to look sleek and stylish. The CPU mount should complement this aesthetic, especially if you’re using a tempered glass side panel to showcase your build.
- Ease of Installation: A mount that’s easy to install will save you time and frustration during the building process. Tool-less designs and mounts that are compatible with both Intel and AMD sockets are ideal.
Top CPU Mounts for Fractal Design North Case!
1. Noctua NH-D15 Chromax.Black:
The Noctua NH-D15 Chromax.Black is one of the most recommended air coolers on the market, known for its high-performance cooling and premium build quality. Its all-black design pairs perfectly with the Fractal Design North’s sleek aesthetic, offering a subtle yet powerful look.
- Supports the most recent LGA1700 and AM5 sockets, as well as the AMD and Intel platforms.
- Cooling Efficiency: Dual-tower design with 6 heat pipes ensures top-tier cooling performance, making it perfect for overclocking and high-performance CPUs.
- Aesthetic Design: The all-black finish blends seamlessly with the Fractal North’s design, making it a visually cohesive choice for builds.
- Ease of Installation: Noctua’s SecuFirm2™ mounting system is user-friendly and ensures secure installation on a variety of sockets.
2. Corsair iCUE H150i ELITE CAPELLIX:
For those looking to go the liquid cooling route, the Corsair iCUE H150i ELITE CAPELLIX is a top choice. This 360mm AIO cooler is equipped with RGB lighting, which enhances the look of your build while delivering exceptional cooling performance.
- Compatibility: Fits well in the Fractal Design North Case with its spacious interior, and supports all major socket types, including Intel LGA1700 and AMD AM4/AM5.
- Cooling Efficiency: The 360mm radiator and three ML120 RGB fans provide excellent thermal management, keeping temperatures in check even under heavy load.
- Aesthetic Design: The Capellix RGB LEDs are some of the brightest and most customizable in the market, offering a stunning visual display that complements the minimalist aesthetic of the North Case.
- Ease of Installation: Corsair’s iCUE software makes installation and customization straightforward, allowing you to monitor temps, adjust fan speeds, and sync RGB lighting.
3. be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4:
The be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 is another fantastic air cooler option, known for its near-silent operation and high-performance cooling.
- Compatibility: Designed for Intel and AMD sockets, this cooler fits perfectly within the Fractal Design North Case, with enough clearance for RAM and other components.
- Cooling Efficiency: With a 250W TDP and seven high-performance heat pipes, this cooler is ideal for overclockers and gamers alike.
- Aesthetic Design: Its all-black design and brushed aluminum finish make it a stylish match for the North Case.
- Ease of Installation: The Secure Hold mounting system ensures easy installation and rock-solid stability.
4. NZXT Kraken X73 RGB:
The NZXT Kraken X73 RGB is a powerful AIO cooler that combines performance with a visually striking design. Its infinity mirror and RGB lighting add a futuristic touch to any build.
- Compatibility: The NZXT Kraken X73 fits perfectly within the Fractal Design North Case and supports all major Intel and AMD sockets.
- Cooling Efficiency: The 360mm radiator and Aer RGB 2 fans ensure top-tier cooling performance for even the most demanding CPUs.
- Aesthetic Design: The infinity mirror RGB display on the pump head adds a unique aesthetic that pairs well with the elegant design of the North Case.
- Ease of Installation: NZXT’s CAM software provides an intuitive interface for monitoring performance and adjusting fan speeds and lighting, making installation a breeze.
5. Arctic Liquid Freezer II 280:
For those seeking a balance between price, performance, and cooling efficiency, the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 280 is an excellent choice. It’s a 280mm AIO cooler that provides excellent cooling without the premium price tag of other options.
- Compatibility: The Arctic Liquid Freezer II 280 fits comfortably in the Fractal Design North Case, supporting all major sockets, including Intel LGA1700 and AMD AM4/AM5.
- Cooling Efficiency: The 280mm radiator and PWM-controlled fans ensure efficient cooling even under heavy load.
- Aesthetic Design: While it lacks the flashy RGB lighting of other coolers, its minimalist design is a great match for the North Case.
- Ease of Installation: Arctic’s easy-to-follow instructions and pre-applied thermal paste make installation straightforward, even for beginners.
Conclusion:
When building a PC in the Fractal Design North Case, the CPU mount plays a critical role in ensuring the stability, cooling efficiency, and aesthetic appeal of your system. Whether you opt for a high-performance air cooler like the Noctua NH-D15 Chromax.Black or a visually stunning AIO cooler like the NZXT Kraken X73 RGB, selecting the right CPU mount will make a significant difference in the overall performance of your build.
For users looking for the best blend of cooling, aesthetics, and compatibility, we highly recommend the Corsair iCUE H150i ELITE CAPELLIX or the Noctua NH-D15 Chromax.Black. Both offer exceptional cooling performance and sleek design, making them perfect for the Fractal Design North Case.
FAQ’s:
1. What is the best CPU cooler for the Fractal Design North Case?
The best CPU cooler depends on your cooling needs, budget, and aesthetic preferences. Popular options include the Noctua NH-D15 Chromax.Black for air cooling and the Corsair iCUE H150i ELITE CAPELLIX for liquid cooling. Both offer excellent cooling performance and are compatible with the Fractal Design North Case.
2. Can I install a liquid cooler in the Fractal Design North Case?
Yes, the Fractal Design North Case supports various liquid cooling configurations, including 240mm and 360mm radiators, making it suitable for high-performance AIO (All-in-One) liquid coolers like the Corsair iCUE H150i and NZXT Kraken X73.
3. What size radiator fits in the Fractal Design North Case?
Radiators up to 360 mm in the front and 240 mm in the top can be installed in the Fractal Design North Case. This offers flexibility for a wide range of liquid cooling setups, ensuring optimal thermal management.
4. Which CPU coolers work with the newest AMD and Intel processors?
Several coolers are compatible with both Intel LGA1700 and AMD AM5 sockets. Models like the Noctua NH-D15, Corsair H150i, and Arctic Liquid Freezer II 280 offer broad socket compatibility, making them suitable for the latest CPUs.
5. How well does ventilation and cooling work with the Fractal Design North Case?
Yes, the Fractal Design North features excellent airflow with multiple fan mounting options and ample space for radiators. Pairing it with a high-quality CPU cooler ensures optimal thermal performance for gaming or professional workloads.
6. Should I choose air cooling or liquid cooling for the Fractal Design North Case?
The choice between air cooling and liquid cooling depends on your preferences. Air coolers like the be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 are easier to maintain and quieter, while liquid coolers like the NZXT Kraken X73 offer better performance in high-heat scenarios and have more customizable aesthetics, such as RGB lighting.
7. Can I use RGB coolers in the Fractal Design North Case?
Yes, the Fractal Design North Case is fully compatible with RGB coolers. Coolers like the Corsair iCUE H150i ELITE CAPELLIX and NZXT Kraken X73 come with RGB lighting that can be customized to match your build’s theme.
8. Is it easy to install a CPU mount in the Fractal Design North Case?
Yes, the Fractal Design North Case offers a spacious interior that makes CPU cooler installation straightforward. Coolers with tool-less mounting systems like the Noctua NH-D15 or Corsair H150i are especially user-friendly, ensuring a smooth installation process.
9. How does the aesthetics of the CPU cooler affect my build with the Fractal Design North Case?
The Fractal Design North Case is known for its sleek, minimalist appearance. Choosing a cooler that complements this style, such as the Noctua NH-D15 Chromax.Black or be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4, will enhance the overall look of your build, especially if you have a tempered glass side panel.
10. Does the Fractal Design North Case support high-end overclocking builds?
Yes, with the right CPU mount and cooling solution, the Fractal Design North Case is suitable for high-end overclocking. Coolers like the Noctua NH-D15 or the Corsair H150i provide the necessary thermal management for overclocking powerful CPUs.
11. Can I install multiple fans in the Fractal Design North Case along with the CPU cooler?
Yes, the Fractal Design North Case supports multiple fan configurations. You can install fans on the front, top, and rear to complement your CPU cooler, ensuring excellent airflow throughout the case.
