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) |