Graphics card sizes for Fractal 304

[LorenzoFranco]

Hi everyone,

I'm currently looking at building a mini PC, using the FRACTAL DESIGN NODE 304 Mini ITX Case.

I'm thinking of buying my a cheap 980 or 980Ti as the Pascals are on their way, so I was wondering what size graphics card this case can hold?

Also, could anyone have this case give their opinion on the airflow of this case?

Thanks all

 

[keynes]

If you can add it in the configurator then it shouldn't be an issue, you can also check dimensions of GPUs from the manufacturers website

 

[Oussebon]

Though bear in mind that if you add a GTX 960 (or whatever) in the configurator that won't mean that any old GTX 960 will fit, it just means the ones PCS use will fit. Some 960s might be longer, some might be shorter.

Graphics cards, up to 310mm in length, when 2 HDD slots (1 HDD hanging bracket total) are removed (Graphics cards longer than 170 mm will conflict with PSUs longer than 160mm)

http://www.fractal-design.com/home/product/cases/node-series/node-304-black

And to answer the next question:

Dimensions 150mm x 86mm x 140mm

http://www.corsair.com/en-gb/vs-seriestm-vs550-550-watt-power-supply

 

[LFFPicard]

I have the 304, granted I do not have a dedicated card in it but I did read up on it.
You will indeed loose 2 drive bays (1 caddy) to accommodate the space required for any card. Also the inside is a little tight so if you plan to do any work yourslef be warned. I fitted 4 Drives after purchase and had to re-wire half the system due to space constraints.

You also will not be able to fit any extra fans in the case, but the ones fitted do a great job cooling. There is a double fan on the back of the case that draws heat out from the HDD caddys so if your card takes up one of those section heat will be drawn from that too. There is also fans on the left side along the most exposed part of the motherboard which also allows for good airflow.

The only issue I have with the case is the I/O panel. It is not exactly a perfect fit so if you get the Maximus board you might find the bios reset buttons on the back get stuck on the I/O panel. All I did was file this out a little to stop it catching, otherwise the machine got stuck in a reset loop haha

Hope this helps!

 

[Sling23]

Hi LorenzoFranco,

Thank you for getting in contact with us regarding the FRACTAL DESIGN NODE 304 Mini ITX Case.

I have spoken to one of our head builders regarding this case and he recommends not going above a 970 GPU. A 980 GPU should fit if it is a reference card but anything larger than this will struggle to go in without significantly modifying the case to accommodate this.

Many Thanks

PC Specialist.

 

[LorenzoFranco]

Thanks for the replies everyone!

From the consensus I don't think I'll go for a mini-PC anymore, considering how tight the fits seem to be!