Like the original Fractal Epoch, the Fractal Design Epoch XL is based on the popular Swedish brand’s North series. One point immediately catches the eye: compared to the North XL, the wood on the front has disappeared. But there are a few other differences that also make the Epoch interesting. And we will take a closer look at these in the Fractal Epoch XL test.
Specifications
| Size (L x W x H) | 503 x 240 x 509 mm |
| Weight | 9.36 kg (Solid), 9.64 kg (TG), 9.75 kg (RGB) |
| Mainboard compatibility | Front connectors (normal): E-ATX up to 275 mm / ATX / mATX / ITX Rear connections (Project Zero / BTF / Stealth): ATX / mATX |
| Front fan positions | 3× 120/140 mm (3× Momentum 14 (RGB) included) |
| Top fan positions | 3× 120, 2× 140 or 2× 180 mm |
| Rear fan position | 1x 120 mm |
| I/O panel | 1× USB-C 20 Gbit/s 2× USB-A 5 Gbit/s 1× combined audio socket |
| 3.5″ drives | 2 slots |
| 2.5″ drives | 4 slots |
| 5.25″ drives | 0 slots |
| Max. CPU cooler height | 176 mm |
| max. GPU length | 425 mm with front fans / 395 mm with front radiator |
| Warranty period | 2 years warranty |
| Price | € 180.80 * (White, TG RGB) € 156.80 * (White, TG) € 134.03 * (Black, TG) € 124.90 * (Black, closed side panel) |
Specifications for different models are listed here. As soon as there are different specifications, the number in bold refers to the model tested here with the exact designation Fractal Design Epoch XL White TG RGB Clear.
Packaging and scope of delivery
- Brown box with two foam shells holds the case, which is in a foil bag
- Printed instructions
- Protective film on the Fractal logo and both sides of the glass panel
- Accessories in a small box on the hard disk carrier in the case
The Fractal Epoch XL comes packaged as you would expect: A large, brown box holds the case with two foam shells, which is protected with another foil. Otherwise, the accessories are reduced to the absolute minimum, which was to be expected at the given price point. A printed manual with safety instructions is also included. And in the case there is a small box containing the screws for mounting all the necessary components, such as the power supply unit, hard disks, SSDs and for the mainboard. There are also a few cable ties.
There are also a few protective films, which are best removed after installation to avoid fingerprints. These protective films are applied to the laser-engraved logo on the front and on the inside and outside of the glass window.
Design and design options
- Case available in five designs (white, white + RGB, black, black + RGB, black without window)
- We tested the white version with RGB fans
- Similarity to the Fractal North XL
- RGB fans light up at the front of the fan frame
The Fractal Epoch XL is available both with and without RGB fans. Both versions are also available in black and the black version without RGB fan is also available without a window. There are therefore five different models of the Fractal Epoch XL. However, the general shape and the front are common to the entire series.
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But back to our version – in the test we have the Fractal Epoch XL White TG RGB, i.e. the white version with a viewing window and RGB fans.
Although the design of the Fractal Epoch XL is quite similar to the North, the wood-free front gives it a completely different look.
The front grille is made of metal and has a fairly fine mesh. In the RGB version from the test, the three built-in front fans have RGB rings in the frame and the light is partly reflected by the fan blades and partly by the front grille. The viewing angle is also relevant here, because from a certain angle, the fan rings are no longer visible, only the reflected light. However, as there are only the three front fans and these only have the RGB rings on the front, there is relatively little light shining into the housing. It therefore makes sense to use additional RGB components here.
Assembly and installation
- Airflow-focused case with three front fans for positive pressure build-up
- Compatibility with motherboards with rear connectors for a clean look
- Plenty of space and easy access to all parts and motherboard connectors
One point that clearly distinguishes the Fractal Epoch XL from the North XL is its compatibility with motherboards with rear connectors, such as MSI Project Zero, Gigabyte Stealth or ASUS BTF. The motherboard tray has been significantly modified for this purpose. On the one hand, it naturally has the holes for the connections, but on the other hand it has been moved forward a little. This leaves more space for the connectors at the rear, but the case also loses compatibility with 140 mm fans in the typical rear position. However, the relevance of these fans is decreasing anyway, since AIO water cooling systems are becoming more common and 120 mm models are even more common anyway.
Otherwise, the case is a typical, modern Airflow case with a power supply cover, in which remaining cables and hard disks can also be housed inconspicuously. There are some pleasant features for installation, such as the ability to open the case without tools, as both the pane and the front side panel and rear cover of the case are secured with knurled screws that can be unscrewed with your fingers and do not fall out. The top of the housing is not secured and can simply be loosened and removed via a textile tab at the rear. The hard disk cages are also secured with knurled screws. However, these were very tightly screwed in at the factory, so that a screwdriver was necessary, at least for the first unscrewing.
Overall, the installation of the Fractal Design Epoch XL proved to be very easy in the test. You don’t get your fingers tangled anywhere in this XL case. The usually critical points, such as the EPS power cable for the processor between it and the I/O panel at the top of the mainboard or the connections at the bottom of the mainboard are all easy to reach. On the one hand, you can simply reach through the open top of the case if you have not already inserted fans or an AIO here, and on the other hand, you also have easy access from the front – even if a standard-thickness AIO has been installed.
Component compatibility
- Different internal structure compared to the North XL changes compatibilities
- Radiators up to 360 mm possible
- Air coolers up to a height of 176 mm possible (i.e. basically all)
- Up to six SATA SSDs and hard disks can be installed (2x 3.5″, 4x 2.5″)
Speaking of AIO: Where the North XL had space for a 420 mm radiator in the front, the Epoch XL is specified for a maximum of 360 mm. This was a little tighter here, so despite the three 140 mm front fans, it could be too tight to install a 420 mm radiator. But 360 mm radiators are more common anyway and one can also be installed in the top of the case, as in the setup from this Fractal Epoch XL review. But users of air coolers are not really limited either: the maximum height of 176 mm offers space for the largest models currently available, which usually reach a height of around 165 mm.
Only 120 mm is officially specified for a fan in the rear position, but practically speaking, the slots are arranged in such a way that fans in smaller sizes could also be used, i.e. 80 or 92 mm. However, this won’t be relevant for most users of the case unless there are fans lying around that don’t detract too much from the appearance. In the purely black, closed model, the visual aspect is no longer such a deterrent.
As with most current models, there is no option to install 5.25″ drives such as BluRay / DVD drives, fan controllers or card readers in this case (although Fractal Design still offers a modern case with this option in the Pop XL ), but you can install two 3.5″ hard disks, as well as up to four 2.5″ hard disks or SSDs.
This means that the usual six SATA ports on a mainboard can be fully utilized. There is space for two 2.5″ drives on the back of the mainboard tray and for the other parts there are two HDD caddies, each of which can hold one 3.5″ drive and one 2.5″ drive.
Build quality
- High-quality workmanship with no obvious defects
- Screws very tight ex works
- Slightly spongy feel of the power switch
The build quality of the Fractal Epoch XL proves to be very solid in the test – as you would expect from Fractal Design. All the panels feel solid, the paintwork is neat all round and I couldn’t find any real flaws. Only the power button feels a little less responsive, especially in comparison with the North. But even that can be seen as complaining on a high level.
Apart from that, many of the screws are very tight, so that even the knurled screws, which in principle should be easy to loosen with your fingers, must first be loosened with a screwdriver. However, the screws do not come loose accidentally.
A nice feature from the North has been lost: The fan hub. But okay: it’s not really necessary thanks to the daisy-chaining of the new factory fans.
Fan
- Very good factory fans
- RGB fans have an illuminated frame, but no illuminated fan blades
- Proprietary plugs mean that you cannot control the fans individually, you need the supplied adapter cable.
Compared to the North XL, the fans have been upgraded. While the North model still had the rather simple Aspect fans installed, the Fractal Epoch XL has been fitted with the newer, more powerful Momentum fans, which can also be found in the significantly more expensive Meshify 3, for example. The geometry of the fan blades is much more modern and the frames of the fans feel more robust. And in this test, we have the RGB version of the Fractal Design Epoch XL, which does not affect the fan blades, but only the frame with RGB-illuminated rings. No compromises had to be made with the material of the fan blades.
In short, changing the fans not only brings performance benefits, but also a very cool look that is also compatible with other fans with ring-shaped lighting, such as the be quiet! Light Wings. And the sound profile is also unobtrusive and pleasant in contrast to the older and always somehow rather loud Aspect fans.
But where the fans are an upgrade in terms of performance, they also have a disadvantage: the connection is not standard, but uses a USB-C connector and so you always need an adapter cable or a suitable controller to use them. Nevertheless, the adapter is already installed in the Fractal Epoch XL ex works and splits the signal of all three fans into a 4-pin PWM fan connector and an ARGB 3-pin connector. This allows the components to be addressed via a standard mainboard. Conveniently, these are daisy-chain cables that have both an input and an output. And you have to hand it to Fractal: The connections are already more pleasant to use than individual standard plugs.
A look at the price
- More expensive than the original version of the Fractal Design Epoch
- Priced at a similar level to slightly cheaper than the North XL
- Good price-performance ratio
The Fractal Epoch is already impressive for the low price, but the Epoch XL has become a little more expensive. It is currently at about the same level as the North XL – at least the RGB version – the version without lighting is noticeably cheaper. This is despite the fact that the Epoch XL has received a few improvements, such as compatibility with motherboards with rear-facing connectors, such as ASUS BTF / MSI Project Zero. And also the improved fans. Sure – there are a few savings, such as the reduction from dedicated sockets for headphones and microphone to a combined connection. But in practice, there are hardly any relevant disadvantages.
Apart from that, the case has only just appeared on the market and it is to be expected that in the future it could rank just below the North, which is more difficult to work with due to the real wood parts. The RGB-free version of the Epoch XL is already available at a slightly lower price.
Conclusion
When testing the Fractal Design Epoch XL, it is actually quite easy to come to a conclusion: It’s good. This case may not shine with revolutionary features, but it simply performs well in all respects. It offers a good airflow, space for all the usual components, is easy to handle, comes with a powerful set of fans ex works, is well made and despite all this, the price remains within reach. There is little room for criticism – you have to go into great detail to find anything here and these details don’t really detract from the experience in practice. So if you are looking for a solid case that is absolutely suitable for everyday use, very compatible with most individual setups and frustration-free in use – you can find it here. It is a very good case and can be recommended all round.
The only thing I find a little lacking compared to the North is the emotional factor – the uniqueness that the wood offered stylistically. In practice, however, it has to be said that many other manufacturers have now followed suit with wooden details and – ultimately – this doesn’t suit every style. On the other hand, the Epoch XL comes to North with various clear advantages, such as the better fans and compatibility with mainboards with rear connections for a cleaner look. The further development is clearly noticeable here – keep it up, Fractal!
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- Space for many components
- Easy handling
- Reasonable price
- Compatible with motherboards with rear connections
- Very powerful and pleasant sounding fans
- Haptically spongy power switch
- Screws tightened very tightly ex works
- Fans can only be used together due to the proprietary connectors
Fractal Design Epoch XL
Processing
Structure
Equipment
Insulation
Cooling
Price-performance ratio
93/100
The Fractal Epoch XL actually brings together everything you're looking for in a case: space for all realistic components, ease of use, good factory fans, good design and solid workmanship - and all this without taking off in price.
