Dark Sophistication: The Stealthy 16L Fractal Design ERA Carbon Black
The Fractal Design ERA Carbon Black is the definitive choice for builders who believe that “less is more.” While other SFF cases chase industrial or retro trends, this specific model leans into a sleek, “shadow” aesthetic. The sandblasted aluminum panels are finished in a deep matte that absorbs light, while the tinted Tempered Glass top provides a subtle window into your high-end internal components. At Overclock.uk, we recommend the Fractal Design ERA Carbon Black for high-performance gaming rigs or stealthy home office setups where visual noise should be kept to a minimum.
A Texture of Quality
The exterior of this chassis is not just painted; it is anodized and sandblasted to create a premium, tactile texture. This finish feels substantial and resists the oils from fingerprints—a common issue with standard black cases. The sweeping curves of the chassis eliminate the “boxiness” associated with traditional towers, creating a silhouette that flows smoothly from the front to the rear.
To ensure your system remains cool under the glass, every unit includes a secondary, color-matched Black Mesh top panel. This allows you to prioritize thermal performance during intense 4K gaming or heavy video rendering by simply swapping the magnetic panels in seconds. For a deep dive into the thermal characteristics of this layout, you can read the comprehensive KitGuru review of the Era ITX series.
High-Performance Hardware in 16 Liters
This 16-liter frame proves that you don’t need a massive footprint to house professional-grade power. The Fractal Design ERA Carbon Black utilizes an innovative internal layout designed to maximize every millimeter:
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Dual-Slot GPU Support: Install high-performance graphics cards up to 295mm in length. This allows for a wide range of powerful GPUs, transforming the small chassis into a portable gaming powerhouse.
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Flexible Power Supply Support: Features an adjustable bracket system that accommodates ATX, SFX-L, or SFX power supplies. Using an SFX unit is highly recommended by our team at Overclock.uk to free up additional space for cable management.
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Versatile Storage: A modular storage bracket system allows for the installation of up to two 3.5” HDDs or four 2.5” SSDs.
Thermal Engineering: The Chimney Effect
Despite its closed-off look, the chassis is engineered with a “Chimney” airflow design. Air is drawn in through the base and sides—filtered by high-airflow nylon mesh—and exhausted through the top. This natural thermal path is aided by a pre-installed 80mm SSR3 fan at the rear.
For those pushing the boundaries of performance, the case supports top-mounted 240mm AIO liquid coolers. This is a rare feat for a 16-liter case and allows the Fractal Design ERA Carbon Black to tame high-wattage CPUs that would typically thermal-throttle in smaller enclosures. For detailed mounting instructions and clearance charts, you can consult the official Fractal Design ERA ITX User Manual.
Connectivity and Ease of Access
The front I/O is geared toward the modern user. It features a high-speed USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C port for 10Gbps data transfers, along with two USB 3.0 ports and a combined 3.5mm audio/mic jack. Maintenance is equally modern; the side panels use a tool-less push-to-lock mechanism, making internal upgrades quick and painless. You can find the full list of technical specifications on the official Fractal Design product page.
Why Buy from Overclock.uk?
At Overclock.uk, we are SFF enthusiasts. We stock the Fractal Design ERA Carbon Black because it represents the pinnacle of “stealth” compact design. Our team can help you select the perfect low-profile RAM and compact GPU to ensure a smooth build process in this rewarding chassis. With our fast UK delivery and expert support, your new system will be up and running in no time.





