Consumercarts is reader-supported. Learn more
be quiet! Light Base 900 vs Fractal Design North: Comparison
be quiet! Light Base 900 vs Fractal Design North: the included fans difference
On included fans the spread is 50%, be quiet! Light Base 900 4 against Fractal Design North 2, so be quiet! Light Base 900 takes it. be quiet! Light Base 900 also leads on gpu clearance, 495 mm on the be quiet! Light Base 900 versus 355 mm on the Fractal Design North. There is a split on motherboard support as well, E-ATX, XL-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX on the be quiet! Light Base 900 versus ATX on the Fractal Design North. Case type is not the same on both, Full-Tower on the be quiet! Light Base 900 versus Mid-Tower on the Fractal Design North. There is a split on panel type as well, Tempered glass side and front on the be quiet! Light Base 900 versus FSC-certified walnut wood front with mesh backing; mesh side... on the Fractal Design North.
Who each one is for
The be quiet! Light Base 900 is the one to take for E-ATX workstation or high-end gaming builds and 420mm custom loop or large AIO setups, though it is not built for small desks or limited under-desk space and anyone prioritizing silence over looks. The Fractal Design North suits buyers wanting a distinctive, furniture-like case that still performs thermally and builders prioritising quiet stock operation. It is the wrong buy for buyers planning around the absolute largest flagship GPUs, 355mm runs close to current flagship lengths. Our rating of the be quiet! Light Base 900 (8.5/10): A great full-tower for anyone who wants Dark Base Pro-level capacity with a brighter, glass-forward look at a lower price. Our rating of the Fractal Design North (9/10): A genuinely furniture-like ATX case that still cools and runs quietly, limited only by a 355mm GPU ceiling that flagship cards approach.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- be quiet! Light Base 900
- be quiet!
- Fractal Design North
- Fractal Design
Motherboard Support
- be quiet! Light Base 900
- E-ATX, XL-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
- Fractal Design North
- ATX
Case Type
- be quiet! Light Base 900
- Full-Tower
- Fractal Design North
- Mid-Tower
Model
- be quiet! Light Base 900
- Light Base 900 FX
- Fractal Design North
- North
Panel Type
- be quiet! Light Base 900
- Tempered glass side and front
- Fractal Design North
- FSC-certified walnut wood front with mesh backing; mesh side panel option
GPU Clearance
- be quiet! Light Base 900
- 495 mmBest
- Fractal Design North
- 355 mm-28%
Included Fans
- be quiet! Light Base 900
- 4Best
- Fractal Design North
- 2-50%
Which one should you pick?
Choose be quiet! Light Base 900 if you want the higher GPU clearance (495 mm vs 355 mm) and the higher included fans (4 vs 2).
Choose Fractal Design North if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | be quiet! Light Base 900 | Fractal Design North |
|---|---|---|
| be quiet! Store | View on be quiet! Store | |
| Amazon | $149.00 View on Amazon | |
| Newegg | View on Newegg |
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Verdict
be quiet! Light Base 900
8.5 / 10 Expert Rating
A great full-tower for anyone who wants Dark Base Pro-level capacity with a brighter, glass-forward look at a lower price.
Fractal Design North
9 / 10 Expert Rating
A genuinely furniture-like ATX case that still cools and runs quietly, limited only by a 355mm GPU ceiling that flagship cards approach.