The Fractal Design Node 202 is a fantastic entry level small form factor (SFF) case for PC builders who want to enter the SFF space and try out their hands at an ITX build. Designed in shoebox-style, the Node 202 also makes a great case for those looking to do a console-style or HTPC build – with plenty of room within this SFF enclosure to house even the biggest of graphics cards – with the RTX 2080 Ti being able to fit in the Node 202!
Coming in at a retail price of $80, the Node 202 SFF case has 10.2L of internal volume, supporting graphics cards of up to 310mm and 3 slot in width. CPU coolers officially are supported up to 56mm, but unofficially SFF builders have reported AIO coolers of up to 58mm are supported in the Node 202. SFX and SFX-L form factor power supplies are supported in this SFF case.
In this build planning
Recommended parts for Node 202 builds
| Component | Design | Recommended part | Retailer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Supply |  | Corsair SF450 Gold |  |
| CPU Cooler |  | Scythe Big Shuriken 2 | |
| Case Fan |  | Corsair ML120 | |
Best PSU for Node 202 Builds
In the SFX form factor power supply market, there really is t
The SF450 Gold is by far the best SFX PSU for entry-to-mid-level builds. We have seen many SFF builders use the SF450 for RTX 2080 Ti and i9-9900K builds – so that really is a testament to what this SFX power supply can achieve. `
Best CPU Cooler for Node 202 Builds
The Fractal Design Node 202 supports CPU coolers of up to 58mm (unofficially), meaning it’s not possible to fit high-performance CPU coolers such as the Dark Rock Pro 4 or Noctua NH-D15.
The air cooler we recommend for the Node 202 over any other (fitting the 58mm height limit) that has been tried and tested by PC builders and will offer the best thermal performance for the Node 202 is the Scythe Big Shuriken 2 Rev. B. This is one of the best CPU coolers for SFF builds, and it is hands down the best-suited CPU cooler for the Node 202.
The Big Shuriken 2 just fits in the Node 202 with a height of 58mm – pushing it very fine – and offers great performance for its small size, as well as impressively low noise levels at load. Often found under $50 – the BS2 Rev.B also offers fantastic value for money – and hence why it gets our top air cooler pick for Fractal Design Node 202 builds. Note that is you do pick the Big Shuriken 2 that you should opt for low-profile RAM to allow for clearance from the CPU cooler.
We recommend not to choose the Noctua NH-L9 or Cryorig C7 for Node 202 builds since the NH-L9 is too low profile for the Node 202 and thus it ends up recycling heat within the case – as well as the Cryorig C7.
Best Case Fan for Node 202 Builds
There are plenty of decent 120mm case fans that will offer near-equal levels of noise and thermal performance for the Node 202 – but one 120mm case fan we recommend time and time again for mid-level builds is the Corsair ML120. This case fan provides great value for its performance, and offers a high RPM range so we would recommend adjusting the fan curve yourself should you pick this case fan.
The ML120 is super silent at low operation and in general, are super quiet if they are running at typical speeds, and rubber corners help noise dampen this 120mm case fan further. It has been noted that this case fan does get quite loud at higher speeds. With the LEDs of the ML120 available in a number of colours, you can really tailor this case fan to the desired look of your next Node 202 build.
Summary
| Component | Design | Recommended part | Retailer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Supply | | Corsair SF450 Gold | |
| CPU Cooler | | Scythe Big Shuriken 2 | |
| Case Fan | | Corsair ML120 | |