Fractal Design FD-CA-CORE-1100-BL Core 1100 Black Brushed Aluminum Micro ATX/Mini ITX Case with 120mm Fan
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This case provides a balanced technical foundation for small-form-factor systems. It accommodates motherboards up to Micro ATX and Mini ITX sizes, offering four expansion slots for graphics cards or other PCIe add-in cards. Storage flexibility is addressed with two internal 3.5" bays and three internal 2.5" bays, supporting a mix of hard drives and solid-state drives.
Component compatibility is carefully considered. The interior allows CPU coolers up to 148 mm in height, power supplies up to 185 mm in length, and graphics cards up to 350 mm in length. These clearances ensure support for a wide range of standard and some high-performance components without requiring specialized low-profile parts.
Relevant factors for this section include Motherboard Supported, Number of Fans Supported, Number of Fans Installed, Number of Internal 3.5" Bays. When those points are considered together, they give buyers a clearer picture of how the product is equipped, how it fits into deployment, and what kind of day-to-day role it is meant to support.
Key Product Advantages
The Core 1100 stands out for its straightforward design that prioritizes essential features without unnecessary complexity. Its compact footprint saves desk or floor space while still accommodating standard Micro ATX components, making it an ideal choice for users who need capable hardware in a smaller enclosure.
Build Quality & Aesthetics
The brushed aluminum front panel and black steel construction offer a durable, professional look that fits well in both home and office settings. The clean lines and minimalist design avoid the overly gamer-centric styling found in many budget cases.
Practical Cooling Solution
With one 120mm fan pre-installed and support for additional 120mm or 92mm fans, the case provides adequate airflow for most mainstream components. The dust filter is a valuable inclusion that helps protect your investment by reducing internal dust accumulation.
Thoughtful Front I/O
The front panel includes both USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports for connecting modern and legacy peripherals, plus separate audio input and output jacks for headsets or microphones. This combination covers the most common connectivity needs without clutter.
Deployment / Use Cases
The Fractal Design Core 1100 is particularly well-suited for compact office workstations, home theater PCs, and entry-level gaming systems where space is at a premium. Its Micro ATX compatibility allows for cost-effective motherboard choices while still supporting dedicated graphics cards for light gaming or multimedia tasks.
For small business environments, this case offers a professional appearance that blends into office decor while providing adequate cooling and expansion for productivity-focused builds. The dust filter is especially valuable in environments with higher particulate levels, helping to extend component lifespan and reduce maintenance needs.
Office Workstation Build
Combine with a Micro ATX motherboard, integrated graphics or a low-profile GPU, and standard storage drives for a reliable, space-efficient office computer that handles productivity applications with ease.
Compact Media Center
The case's clean aesthetics and front audio ports make it suitable for living room media PCs. Pair with a Mini ITX motherboard and quiet cooling components for a discreet home entertainment system.
Physical Profile
Measuring 14.09" (358 mm) in height, 6.89" (175 mm) in width, and 16.14" (410 mm) in depth, the Core 1100 occupies a modest footprint that fits comfortably under desks or on smaller work surfaces. The black brushed aluminum front panel provides visual texture while the steel construction ensures structural rigidity.
At 8.38 pounds (3800 grams), the case has substantial weight that contributes to stability and reduces vibration transmission. The brushed finish resists fingerprints better than glossy alternatives, maintaining its professional appearance with minimal cleaning.
- Width
- 6.89" (175 mm)
- Depth
- 16.14" (410 mm)
- Height
- 5.83" (148 mm)
- Weight
- 8.38 lb (3800 g)
- Length
- 7.28" (185 mm)
Highlights
- Supports both Micro ATX and Mini ITX motherboard form factors
- Includes one pre-installed 120mm fan for immediate cooling capability
- Features a dust filter to reduce internal particulate accumulation
- Provides two internal 3.5" bays and three internal 2.5" bays for storage flexibility
- Front I/O includes USB 3.0, USB 2.0, and separate audio input/output ports
- Black brushed aluminum finish offers professional, fingerprint-resistant aesthetics
- Accommodates CPU coolers up to 148mm and graphics cards up to 350mm
- Backed by a 2-year limited warranty from Fractal Design
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Fractal Design |
| Manufacturer Part Number | FD-CA-CORE-1100-BL |
| Brand Name | Fractal Design |
| Product Line | Core |
| Product Series | X3 |
| Product Model | FD-CA-CORE-1100-BL |
| Product Name | Core 1100 |
| Product Type | Computer Case |
| Technical Information | |
| Motherboard Supported | Micro ATX,Mini ITX |
| Number of Fans Supported | 1 |
| Number of Fans Installed | 1 |
| Fan Size Supported | 4.72" (120 mm),3.62" (92 mm) |
| Installed Fan Size | 4.72" (120 mm) |
| Installed Fan Size Details | 1 x 120mm |
| Features | Dust Filter |
| Bays | |
| Number of Internal 3.5" Bays | 2 |
| Number of Internal 2.5" Bays | 3 |
| I/O Expansions | |
| Total Number of Expansion Slots | 4 |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| Total Number of USB Ports | 2 |
| USB Port Details | 1 x USB 3.0,1 x USB 2.0 |
| Total Number of Audio In Ports | 1 |
| Front Audio In | Yes |
| Total Number of Audio Out Ports | 1 |
| Front Audio Out | Yes |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Color Family | Black |
| Product Color | Black |
| Product Material | Brushed Aluminum |
| Cooler Type | Fan/Liquid Cooler |
| Maximum CPU Cooler Height | 5.83" (148 mm) |
| Maximum PSU Length | 7.28" (185 mm) |
| Maximum GPU Length | 13.78" (350 mm) |
| Height | 14.09" (358 mm) |
| Width | 6.89" (175 mm) |
| Depth | 16.14" (410 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 8.38 lb (3800 g) |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | 2 Year |
User Manual
FAQ
What motherboard sizes does the Fractal Design Core 1100 support?
The Core 1100 supports both Micro ATX and Mini ITX motherboard form factors. This flexibility allows builders to choose between the more expandable Micro ATX platform with additional PCIe slots and connectors, or the extremely compact Mini ITX format for the smallest possible footprint. The case includes standoff holes and mounting points specifically designed for these two popular motherboard sizes.
Does this case come with any fans pre-installed?
Yes, the Fractal Design Core 1100 includes one 120mm fan pre-installed. This provides immediate airflow for your system without requiring additional fan purchases for basic cooling needs. The case also supports installation of additional 120mm or 92mm fans if you require enhanced cooling performance for higher-power components or warmer environments.
What storage drive bays are available in this case?
The Core 1100 provides two internal 3.5" drive bays for traditional hard drives and three internal 2.5" drive bays for solid-state drives or laptop hard drives. This configuration supports a mix of storage types, allowing you to combine high-capacity HDDs with faster SSDs in a single system. The bays are designed for tool-less installation in most configurations.
What front panel ports does the Core 1100 include?
The front panel features two USB ports (one USB 3.0 and one USB 2.0) along with separate 3.5mm audio input and output jacks. This combination covers the most common peripheral connections, with USB 3.0 providing faster data transfer for external storage devices while USB 2.0 maintains compatibility with older accessories. The audio ports support both headphones and microphones.
What are the maximum component dimensions this case can accommodate?
The Core 1100 can accommodate CPU coolers up to 148mm (5.83 inches) in height, power supplies up to 185mm (7.28 inches) in length, and graphics cards up to 350mm (13.78 inches) in length. These dimensions support most standard components, including many aftermarket CPU coolers, ATX power supplies, and mid-range to high-end graphics cards, though particularly large enthusiast components may require verification.
What warranty coverage does Fractal Design provide for this case?
Fractal Design backs the Core 1100 with a 2-year limited warranty. This coverage protects against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. For warranty service or support, you would need to contact Fractal Design directly with your proof of purchase. The warranty period is standard for computer cases in this price category.
| Qty | Price | Available |
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