Assembly

You should first install the ODD and any SSDs into the front. Make sure to also install the PSU at this point to route any and all cables before firmly attaching the I/O and case leads, as you may otherwise not be able to remove the front panel without detaching everything.


Installing the mATX motherboard is done by traditional means. My large top-down cooler easily fits and 120 mm tower coolers should do so as well. Long graphics cards also have plenty of room, so you could definitely stuff a bunch of potent gear into the NODE 804.


Installing the 3.5" drive onto a white cage is a breeze as you can do so outside of the chassis. Once filled, simply slide the cage back into the case to secure it with its thumbscrews.


You may also install a drive into the motherboard's compartment, but doing so requires the use of screws, so you will have to tip the chassis on its side to do so.


Installing the PSU bears no surprises - simply use the screws Fractal Design included to hold it in place. Given the way the drives are arranged, there is no realistic limit to the length of the PSU - every variant out there should easily fit.


With everything installed, the NODE 804 makes a very clean impression. Even though I installed storage drives into the motherboard's compartment, routing their cables did not cause a readily visible mess as it has been nicely contained inside the smaller part of the chassis. While the two straps on the floor of the chassis do help in keeping everything in place, I would still prefer traditional zip ties as they allow you to apply more force. Velcro straps, on the upside, allow for easy access without having to sacrifice zip ties every time.

Finished Looks

With the side panels in place, the Fractal Design NODE 804 makes a great impression. A blue LED lights up in the front, and another LED sheds some of its light onto the working surface.


You can clearly see all the parts inside the main compartment, thanks to the large window. Those who want to show their expensive SSDs off may also do so nicely, thanks to the two placement possibilites on the floor. In the rear, the connectors are where you expect them to be for such a unique cube chassis. Still all readily accessible, you should not have any issues connecting leads to these.