I'm really liking this case

[Easto]

This Fractal North XL looks really nice.

https://www.fractal-design.com/products ... oal-black/

I also like that they offer it with a mesh side. Unless something new comes along I think this is on top of my list right now. I might even pass on the XL and just get the standard case.

[Philip]

Looks really good.

I do like the 140mm fans, that would keep it quiet with plenty of airflow. Not sure about the mesh side panel, theoretically front intake and back+top exhaust fans should take care of airflow, you don't need the side panel to be entirely open unless you want intake air from there for the CPU, but generally it just stops the airflow from front to back+top imho.

I have a couple of full-tower all aluminum Lian Li cases I've reused for 10+ years, mine has a glass side-panel and casters actually.

[Easto]

I will agree that the ONLY thing that gives me pause is what you mentioned about the mesh side. I can envision that being a huge dust collector. I wouldn't mind something with a solid side panel but for some reason I do not want glass. Fortunately I have some time before committing to anything. What I do like is how the SSD configuration is handled on most new cases. Everything looks so much cleaner than back in the day.

[Philip]

I don't really see the glass panel on mine at all, as the PC is sitting on the ground right next to my desk, transparent side facing the side of my desk drawers. Mesh or glass, it can all be easily covered on the inside with some self-adhesive black 1/4" foam padding, muffles noise pretty well too

[Easto]

I have a couple of full-tower all aluminum Lian Li cases I've reused for 10+ years, mine has a glass side-panel and casters actually.

I really would have no problem using my current full tower case except that I like the idea of having faster USB connectors on the front. I'm sure I could get around that and find a generic USB front panel to fit in one of the front 5.25 slots but I just think it's time for a new case. I'm actually thinking about keeping the current PC in running condition (with only OS drive installed) and keeping it as an emergency backup.

[Philip]

Ah cool, that makes sense. You can make a second PC into a NAS, or/and Linux experiment, etc.
I did put an USB 3 front panel on mine, and I also have a USB 3 hub that goes from a back port to my desk too.