Fractal Meshify 2 Nano ITX Computer Case Review: A Compact Powerhouse

Fractal Meshify 2 Nano ITX Computer Case Review: A Compact Powerhouse

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Fractal Meshify 2 Nano ITX case is a compact marvel designed to house powerful hardware within a sleek and functional footprint. It’s not just about size though; this case is packed with features, including excellent airflow, a tempered glass side panel, and plenty of room for high-end components. In this review, we’ll delve into the details of this impressive case, examining its strengths, weaknesses, and overall performance.

Features

The Fractal Meshify 2 Nano is designed for the discerning ITX builder who wants a case that offers both style and functionality. Some key features include:

  • Compact Design: The ITX form factor allows for a small footprint, perfect for desktops with limited space.
  • Tempered Glass Side Panel: Showcase your build with the elegant tempered glass side panel.
  • Excellent Airflow: The case features a well-designed ventilation system with strategically placed fans and dust filters, ensuring optimal cooling for your components.
  • Spacious Interior: Despite its compact size, the Meshify 2 Nano offers enough room for high-end components, including long graphics cards and large CPU coolers.
  • Easy Build Process: The case is designed with a user-friendly layout and tool-less design, making installation a breeze.
  • Flexible Storage: The Meshify 2 Nano offers a combination of 3.5″/2.5″ and dedicated 2.5″ drive mounts, providing ample storage options for your needs.

Performance

The Fractal Meshify 2 Nano excels in thermal performance. The well-engineered airflow system, aided by the included Dynamic X2 GP-14 and GP-12 fans, effectively dissipates heat from even the most demanding components. During our testing with a high-end Ryzen 9 processor and a powerful RTX 3080 graphics card, we observed excellent temperature readings across the board. The case remained remarkably quiet even under load, a testament to its well-balanced cooling system.

Pros & Cons

Like any product, the Fractal Meshify 2 Nano has its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a summary of the pros and cons:

Pros

  • Excellent airflow for optimal cooling
  • Sleek design with tempered glass side panel
  • Spacious interior for high-end components
  • User-friendly design and build process
  • Flexible storage options with multiple drive mounts
  • Quiet operation even under load

Cons

  • Limited expansion slots (only 2)
  • May require careful cable management due to limited space

Final Verdict

The Fractal Meshify 2 Nano ITX case is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a compact, stylish, and high-performing PC case. It offers exceptional airflow, a sleek design, and ample room for high-end components. While there are some minor limitations in terms of expansion slots and cable management, these are easily outweighed by the case’s overall strengths. If you’re building a powerful ITX system, the Meshify 2 Nano is a compelling and highly recommended option.

Specifications

Feature Specification
3.5″/2.5″ drive mounts 1 (included)
Dedicated 2.5″ drive mounts 3 (2 included)
Expansion slots 2
Front interface 1x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C, 2x USB 3.0, Audio I/O, Power button, Reset button
Total fan mounts 6x 120 mm or 3x 140 mm (Top 140 mm fans needs to be max 15 mm thick)
Front fan 2x 120/140 mm (1x Dynamic X2 GP-14 included)
Top fan 2x 120 or 1x 140 slim fan (max 15 mm thick)
Rear fan 1x 120 mm (1x Dynamic X2 GP-12 included)
Bottom fan 1x 120 mm (requires removal of HDD tray)
Dust filters Top, front and bottom
Cable routing space 15-25 mm
Cable routing grommets Yes
Fixed cable straps Yes
Tool-less push-to-lock Top, front and side panels
Captive thumbscrews SSD and PSU brackets
Left side panel Tempered glass
Right side panel Steel
Motherboard compatibility Mini ITX / Mini-DTX
Power supply type ATX
Front radiator 120/240, 140/280 mm (316 mm max height, 146 mm max width, 280 recommended in “push” configuration for easier fit)
Top radiator N/A
Rear radiator 120 mm
Bottom radiator N/A
PSU max length 165 mm recommended (200 mm without HDD-tray and modular air duct)
GPU max length 331 mm 306 mm with front fan
GPU max thickness 57 mm / 2.8 slot
CPU cooler max height 167 mm
Case dimensions (LxWxH) 396 x 205 x 361 mm
Case dimensions w/o feet/protrusions/screws 384 x 205 x 345 mm
Net weight 5.9kg (TG)
Package dimensions (LxWxH) 412 x 277 x 462 mm
Gross weight 7.1kg (TG)