Fractal Design Ridge

[Darksaber]

The Fractal Design Ridge is essentially the successor to the Node 202, launched all the way back in 2012. The Ridge sports an all new interior and exterior design, but also manages to squeeze in two 140 mm fans while allowing a sizeable 2.5-slot GPU to fit at the same time. So, if a unique form-factor case is your jam, the Ridge should be on your short list!

Show full review

 

[CyberCT]

Interesting case. Undervolting and MHz limiting modern CPUs for that clock speed / voltage sweet spot will surely play out well in this case. I wonder if some easy modding would allow a massive GPU to fit in there with the 140mm fans removed. NVIDIA founders editions that blow air right through the card and out the back should work well here, too.

 

[Fouquin]

I've been waiting for a proper revisit to the low profile ITX standing chassis from Fractal. Though I don't use it anymore, the Node 202 is still one of my favorite cases. Fit a perfectly powerful build in it 5-7 years ago that in turn could fit in my suitcase for traveling. It had a LOT of physical limitations and quirky design decisions (find me a 202 owner who didn't bend or break at least one of the HDD or PSU tray locking tabs) but it did a great job for the money, especially when it was one of maybe three options on the market for the form factor.

 

[Chrispy_]

Nice looking little thing but Fractal could really stand to make a short-depth, consumer-standard 17" width HTPC case. The Node 202 would be great but it doesn't fit the other AV kit people likely have under their TV.

 

[CyberCT]

The 80mm fans for the top don't take up nearly the whole width of the case. It would have been great if they made them 92 mm fan mounts up top instead, and in the front of the case in front of the GPU (as an option).Extend the perforation too.

 

[Dirt Chip]

Makes me want to build one just for fan.
Such minimalistic beauty.

 

[RegaeRevaeb]

Nice looking little thing but Fractal could really stand to make a short-depth, consumer-standard 17" width HTPC case. The Node 202 would be great but it doesn't fit the other AV kit people likely have under their TV.

This is a gaming console replacement (i.e. I mean this to say GPU focused). Silverstone makes a few HTPC cases of note, though they could use fresh takes. They fit mATX boards and therefore arguably more connectivity via PCIe to fit the varied needs of the segment (and I think there could be better hybrids if we'd have seen any better LP graphics card offerings above the A2000).

 

[Chrispy_]

This is a gaming console replacement (i.e. I mean this to say GPU focused). Silverstone makes a few HTPC cases of note, though they could use fresh takes. They fit mATX boards and therefore arguably more connectivity via PCIe to fit the varied needs of the segment (and I think there could be better hybrids if we'd have seen any better LP graphics card offerings above the A2000).

Yeah, Silverstone are the undisputed king of the 17" HTPC case. I'm using one right now on the machine I'm sat at (GD04)

Like you said, they're old. Many of them have optical bays and 3.5" storage mounts. Whilst not "new", the E-variants of the FTZ and RVZ cases use 90 degree PCIe risers on an mITX board to prioritise airflow and space around a GPU, exactly like in the Fractal Node 202.

When I first saw this I was hoping it was an update to the Node 202 but it's a different size class altogether.

 

[aktpu]

It's nice, but pricey

 

[Garrus]

Frankly at this point the case needs to come with the ITX board installed. Since you can't buy any reasonably priced mini ITX boards from most stores anymore...

 

[Easy Rhino]

Finally something powerful that can sit on your desk and not look like a child's toy.

 

[lexluthermiester]

Finally something powerful that can sit on your desk and not look like a child's toy.

I was thinking that too. This case looks very smooth and stylish. With the right selection of parts it would make for an excellent minimalist PC!

 

[Vayra86]

Man I am so close to jumping on this for the next HTPC iteration... perfect place for my 1080 once it gets upgraded... and man is this box beautiful. Well designed, sturdy... The way its supposed to be.

But no dust filters?! What the... Come on FD...

 

[_JP_]

@Darksaber, if you still have the case and if possible, could you please check this out for me?
By the picture you took and specs Fractal provides, I cannot tell but am curious if with the Aspect 14s installed, you can stuff 80x80x32mm fans at the top, instead of the usual 25mm depth.

 

[konga]

seems like it would run cooler if they opened up the ventilation a little more. it seems oddly restrictive despite the lack of a filter. that's probably well over 50% solid material in the perforated spots.

 

[joey2shoes]

It's beautiful, almost the perfect case for my daughter's build but I can't wrap my head around the lack of filters, this thing is going to be a dust magnet. Compared to my fractal design define running positive pressure through the filters - 3 years in and not a spec of dust in there.

 

[Kyan]

I will probably buy a mini itx board and put my actual system into it when I will upgrade. It look nice for a console, multimedia pc. I'm just hoping Valve will release Steam OS 3 by that time