Joined in 2023 
82 
63 About this deal
Both the Jonsbo N2 and Fractal Node 304 NAS enclosures cater to DIY builders and are compatible with MRTX and DTX motherboards. The larger Node 804 accommodates m-ITX, attracting numerous users. However, MITx technology has witnessed significant advancements over recent years. Today, you can easily find ITX motherboards that support the most current Intel Core and IMD processors. This progress effectively negates any past limitations these compact motherboards may have posed. Within the context of the N2 and Node 304, the motherboard placement varies considerably. If you’ve been in the market to buy yourself a desktop NAS enclosure on your road towards building the perfect private cloud that is completely under your control, then there is a pretty good chance that you have looked at the Jonsbo N2 case and the Fractal Node 304 NAS enclosure. These are 2 DIY NAS cases that have been released around a decade apart, yet they are both among the most popular and most recommended desktop cases in the market. It’s surprising how 10 years can pass, yet these two server cases still hold prominence. This prominence leaves you with the ultimate question: which one is best suited to your rather compact private server needs? That is what we’re covering in today’s article. We are going to compare these cases, their strengths and weaknesses, and hopefully, by the end of it, you’ll know which one is going to proudly house your future data storage cloud. Source: Rich Edmonds / Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Rich Edmonds / Windows Central) You should buy this if ...
The video discusses the differences between two PC cases in terms of storage, size, and scalability. In summary, regarding motherboard and CPU installation, the Fractal Node 304 offers notably more space and cooling versatility than the N2, notwithstanding the decade gap in their respective release dates. Up next, we’ll explore PCIe installation, highlighting another key distinction between the two models. Jonsbo N2 vs Fractal Node 304 NAS Case – PCIe Upgrades Rear: 1 x 140mm Silent Series R2 hydraulic bearing fan, 1000 RPM speed (compatible with 120mm fans) – included A lot of Fractal Design PC cases are known for their airflow capability, but we think it's the Fractal Design Torrent case that does it the best right now. This is one of those PC cases that screams airflow from the moment you look at it. The front of the case is essentially a grille that lets the most amount of air inside the chassis. You can install fans on the front panel for better airflow too. There's space to install three 120mm or 140mm fans on the front. You get two Dynamic GP-18 or two Prisma AL-18 140mm fans pre-installed out of the box depending on the version of the case you get. In addition to that, you can install as many as three 120mm, three 140mm, or two 180 mm fans at the bottom of the case. May I use nonECC memory for Supermicro X11SCL-iF + i3-9100F? I've heard that it's possible to use nonECC memory with i3, and it's impossible with Xeon, is it true? I just don't want to spend more money on memory than CPU+Motherboard cost.Front: 2 x 92mm Silent Series R2 hydraulic bearing fans, 1300 RPM speed (compatible with 80mm fans) – included
The video discusses the different sizes and storage options of NAS systems, including various adapters and bays for expanding storage capacity. It’s no surprise to our regular readers and other TG staff members that I go coo-coo crazy over cases, even going so far as to change my forum title here at Techgage to “basket chassis”. What really blows my skirt up though, is when a case comes along with a fresh design that looks good while remaining functional. After all, a good-looking case that doesn’t do what’s needed is just a fancy box.CPU Cooler: Intel heatsink from combo OR CoolerMaster V4 GTS (Optional) - I've it already from old PC 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. While the maximum size support for motherboards is microATX, you can get a good deal on older boards that work with powerful Intel processors for running Plex Media Server, virtual instances, and other server-related tasks. There are also some good gaming motherboards in this segment that will make for great PC foundations. 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. 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.
The Fractal Node 304 can accommodate virtually any PCIe card, regardless of its height, length, or depth. Designed during the peak of GPU cryptocurrency mining, the Node 304 mitigates the single PCIe slot limitation inherent in M-ITX motherboards by providing ample space for almost any card—eliminating the need for a riser or expander card. This flexibility is not just due to its generous physical dimensions but also its thoughtful design: the side housing the PCIe slots boasts a large, ventilated, mesh-protected panel, which significantly boosts active airflow.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. 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. On the other hand, the Node 304 not only includes two 92mm fans and a larger 140mm rear-mounted fan but also accommodates CPU coolers with a height of up to 160mm. Owing to the motherboard’s base-level positioning within the chassis, even after installing larger PCIe cards and hard drives, there remains ample space for the market’s most substantial CPU coolers—ideal for high-performance server configurations. The Fractal Node 304 positions the motherboard horizontally at the base of the case, complemented by the aforementioned ventilation panel underneath. Conversely, the N2 places the motherboard closer to the case’s top, yet it still maintains horizontal alignment. While both designs allow for the attachment of a PCIe card without necessitating a riser or sister board, the varied placements result in considerable differences in CPU cooler support. CPU fans, heat sinks, or coolers—regardless of terminology—are indispensable for 24/7 server operation. The more robust your CPU, the more substantial and sophisticated your cooling solution must be. If your system involves a moderate setup, like a top-tier Celeron or Pentium, the issue is less pressing. Many motherboards in this category come with an attached micro CPU fan or are compatible with horizontally-positioned CPU fans that are around an inch in height. However, advanced processors require more intricate coolers with integrated fans, copper piping, and a design that sits slightly above the motherboard to ensure optimal airflow.
Related:
Great Deal 
New Comment