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The Fractal Node 304, on the other hand, strikes a balance between storage, utilities, and support for numerous PCI upgrades in the future. Although both systems support only M-ITX motherboards, the Node 304 provides significantly more space for all internal components.
The video discusses the different sizes and storage options of NAS systems, including various adapters and bays for expanding storage capacity.One of the clearest and most obvious distinctions between the N2 and the Node 304 is the sheer physical size difference. Even though both of these systems offer a somewhat similar level of hardware support and internal cavities for different utilities, there’s a significant distinction between them in terms of physical space. Getting the PSU in is also a bit of a tight squeeze; our test PSU is 180mm with modular connections, essentially longer than the Node 304's spec. As a result, the PCIe slot is rendered essentially unusable to cards longer than the motherboard itself. The problem is that a modular power supply is practically essential for a case like this as there simply isn't anywhere else for the cables to go. I don't think this is a dire situation, but it's one of the places where I feel like the SFX power supply standard really needs to proliferate and would be more ideal. You just don't need a full ATX PSU in a case this size, and space is at a premium. Front: 2 x 92mm Silent Series R2 hydraulic bearing fans, 1300 RPM speed (compatible with 80mm fans) – included Source: Rich Edmonds / Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Rich Edmonds / Windows Central) You should buy this if ...
Included with the NODE 304 is the installation guide, the usual assortment of screws including longer screws to feed through the rubber dampeners to secure 3.5″ drives, and a handful of zip ties. To say that these two devices have approached the subject of ventilation in entirely different manners would be a significant understatement! This discrepancy is particularly striking given the vast differences in size between the two units. Even with a cursory look, it’s evident that the older Fractal Node 304 has superior ventilation. yyrkoon - Tuesday, November 27, 2012 - link May as well call it 300W peak after adding a HDD, and optical drive. a Tad more with an SSD in addition. Today we’re looking at the NODE 304 from Fractal Design. It’s not a new case per se, but rather the original NODE, in a new colour. This steel, mini-ITX case, like most other Fractal Design offerings strives to remain simple and clean on the outside, but feature-rich on the inside.
nice video, as usual, however you could have added N3 to this comparison – volume wise NS is very close to 304 (volume of 304 = 19.6, volume of N3=18.9) A large part of this difference stems from how each system is oriented in terms of its intended use. The Fractal Node 304 is much more focused on storage than on other cloud server applications. This orientation allows the system to be considerably more compact, emphasizing ventilation, with the storage cavity occupying roughly 30 to 40% of the entire enclosure’s physical space.
When the NODE 304 was originally released, we weren’t in a position where we could do a review, so we jumped at the chance to rip one open now. Plus, I have a soft spot for white cases. Nonetheless, will the NODE 304 be more than just a fancy box? Read on to find out. Fractal Design's Node 304 is in many ways a surprising jump forward in case design. We've seen SilverStone, BitFenix, Lian Li, and Cooler Master all try their hands at mITX cases with varying degrees of success, but there's just no set design language when you get down this small. The conventions we take for granted in ATX case design don't really apply here, but Fractal Design has tried for something fairly different with the Node 304, even by mITX standards.Case: Fractal Design Node 804 (yes, I got that 304 brings a pain with cable management and air flows)
After a detailed analysis of the Jonsbo N2 and the Fractal Node 304 NAS cases, it becomes clear that each offers unique advantages tailored to specific user needs. For the modern enthusiast or DIY builder who values sleek design and appreciates newer features like direct-injected storage bays, the Jonsbo N2 is a fantastic choice. Its design, though limiting in some aspects like PCIe upgrades, still offers sufficient versatility for those who don’t require expansive graphics or connectivity solutions. It’s well-suited for users who desire a NAS for standard use without aggressive expansion plans. We've said it before but it bears repeating: desktop systems are getting smaller. ATX is becoming less and less necessary, and mini-ITX-based machines more and more offer the same performance and features that their bigger brothers do. That's just the direction of the technology industry as a whole, cramming everything we need into a space half as large. What's specific to cases is their own evolution running parallel with the technology we're putting into them.as a “side” effect of having there inside ESP32 I have all the data from NAS on my Home Assistant as well The 304 case supports full-length double depth full-height U PCIe cards, allowing users to maximize their PCI card usage. The newer Jonsbo N2, with its more compact design, arguably offers a streamlined ventilation approach due to the significant space occupied by the 3.5″ bays. In the N2, most ventilation can be channeled along a singular path. As long as there are ample spaces between components, the fans can efficiently direct airflow through these cavities, exiting through passive ventilation outlets. Specifically, the N2 offers ventilation on both sides, across the top (directly above the motherboard and CPU fan), and at the rear where a large 120mm fan is positioned behind the storage drives. This video compares two popular DIY NAS cases, the John B In2 and the Fractal Node304, released a decade apart, discussing their hardware design and strengths and weaknesses.
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