Bitfenix Phenom mITX Case Review

Introduction

- After the huge success of Bitfenix on the release of its Prodigy, Bitfenix provides another option for those enthusiast who wants a compact computer that can cater long/high-end graphics card and tower heat sinks. Last year, Bitfenix introduces Phenom. Phenom has two variants, mITX and mATX. What we will be reviewing here is Phenom mITX. This case is larger than other ordinary mITX cases but still, easy enough to carry around especially for LAN PARTY. Now, let’s see how much this Prodigy successor offers.

Specifications
- The specification shows promising feature of the case. This mITX case is capable of handling 11 - 2.5” drive bays, 6 – 3.5” drive bays. It also includes 2 fans located at the front and rear of the case.
Materials ------------------ Steel, Plastic, SofTouch™
Colors (Int/Ext) ------------------ Black/Black, White/White
Dimensions ------------------ 250 x 330 x 374mm (WxHxD)
MoBo Sizes ------------------ Mini-ITX
3.5” Drive Bays ------------------ x 6 (5 + 1 using included adapter)
2.5” Drive Bays ------------------ x 11 (5 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 1 using included adapter)
Cooling Top ------------------ 120mm x 2 (optional)
Cooling Front ------------------ 120mm x 2 (1 included) or 140/180/200/230mm x 1 (optional)
Cooling Rear ------------------ 120mm x 1 (included) or 140mm x 1 (optional)
PCI Slots ------------------ x 2
I/O ------------------ USB 3.0 x 2, HD Audio
Power Supply ------------------ PS2 ATX (bottom, multi direction)
Extras ------------------ Tool-free drive locking mechanisms, SofTouch™ surface treatment, filtered intakes
*above specification is provided by Bitfenix

Packaging
- The packaging is like other box for cases. It comes in a box, it has 2 styrofoam blocks that protects the top and bottom part of the case. It is also shrouded in plastic like most other cases. Nothing special with the packaging.

Accessory Box
- The case comes with an accessory box. Inside of the box, we can see a bag of screws, USB 3.0 to USB 2.0 adapter, spare thumb screws and some p-clips. Assembly guide is also included.

Exterior Tour

- Bitfenix Phenom gives an elegant, attractive, slick looking case. Material used are plastic and metal. The Phenom is available in black and white. The size of this case is 330mm in height, 250mm width and 374mm long. As we all know, Bitfenix Phenom is a successor of Prodigy but we can see a significant difference on its outer appearance. The wobbly brackets are now gone.

-Front Panel


-Side Panel


Top Panel


Bottom Panel


Back Panel

Interior Tour

- There is a little difference can be seen in the interior between Phenom and Prodigy which is a good thing because this brought Prodigy to its success. It has the same motherboard layout, has the same cable routing holes with edge protector which is a great feature of both cases. The case also includes 2 x120mm fans, 1 located at the back panel and 1 in front panel.

- PSU is directly located at the bottom part of the motherboard tray and it has a compact space, high-end/long PSU will probably not fit inside, but a bit of tweaking/modding on the case will do the trick. Since the PSU bracket is removable, we can use spacers and long screws to cater long/high-end PSU. PSU also have rubber gourmets to prevent vibration.

- You can see a drive cage which is detachable and can be rotated. To remove the upper part of the HDD cage, just simply squeeze the two plastic levers, and for the bottom part of the HDD cage, you need some help of screw drivers to remove the screws which can be seen at the bottom of the case. If you want to rotate the cage, there is a manual included for a step by step procedure on how to rotate it. The case holds a total of 11 x2.5” drives or 6 x3.5 drives. The cage also use a tool less approach for the 3.5” drives and you need to use some screws for the 2.5” drives. It is a bit wobbly and there is no snap sound when trying to lock the adapters into the cage.

- You will also notice the 5.25” removable drive cage on the upper part of the cage, but there is no 5.25” drive can be used since the front panel has simply no corresponding hole, but the 5.25” drive cage comes up with the 3.5”/2.5” adapter for hdd/ssd mounting.
- Front panel can accommodate 120mm x2 fans or 140/180/200/230mm fan same as the Prodigy.

Conclusion
- For a mini-ITX case, Bitfenix Phenom is surprisingly BIG. Same as its predecessor (Prodigy), Phenom offers an extra space for water cooling, tower CPU coolers and long/high-end graphics cards. It is also one of the first case that supports large number of drives (2.5” and 3.5”). The case is so stable, exterior is well built, clean and classy looking which is refreshing to see. Around 4th quarter last year, Phenom was introduce to the market having a price around RM300.00, it really is a PHENOMenal case. This mITX version of Phenom is certainly packed with features and it is customizable but this case have minor flaws into it.
- The case lacks some ventilation. Front panel lacks air vents. It really have a nice looks but those 7 tiny holes on both sides are not enough to provide good air intake. Connecting some of the holes and removing a bit of the plastic on the gap at the bottom part of the front panel might be a good idea. The case also lacks side vents for the GPU. You might want to take caution if you plan on installing overclocked CPU and GPUs unless you plan to use water cooling. Speaking of water cooling, a radiator in the front panel is a no-no unless you will do some modding works. The upper hard drive cage is also a bit wobbly, running a high RPM hard drive might cause some vibration but you have other options where to put your hard drive since this case offers a lot of option where to install your hard drive.

Final Words
- This case is certainly very functional for a mITX case. A case with a capacity of six 3.5” drives or eleven 2.5” drives, you will definitely have lots of space for storage for a small case – or just remove the hard drive cages to provide space for your custom water cooling or high-end/long graphics card. Appearance wise, Phenom definitely kicks some ass. Some modding needs to be done for the air vents. We would like to see what Bitfenix has in store by way of add-ons, like having an optional front panel with better air vents and having a cut-out for a 5.25” bay, a side panel with air vents. There are still some rooms for improvement for this case.
- Overall, I like what Bitfenix did with Phenom. They continue to respond to customer feedbacks, which is a great thing for a company. I think Phenom is a great addition to Bitfenix case army. I would also like to see BitFenix release a new case which is inside the standard size of mITX case. All in all, Phenom offers an excellent selection for enthusiasts.
- If you are in dilemma of choosing between Prodigy and Phenom which both case have the water-cooling ability, it all comes down to airflow and looks. Prodigy provides better air flow while Phenom provides the look. Either way, both can be covered up by some modding works. But late last year, Bitfenix introduces the Colossus M which is said to have the water-cooling ability, airflow and the looks. I hope I can get a hand on it for a review soon.

My thanks to BitFenix, BitFenix Malaysia and Inter-Asia Technology Sdn Bhd for this Phenom Mini-ITX case.

“There is no such thing as a perfect case, it all depends on the eye of the beholder.”

Nicely done review, enjoy the chassis

thanks clem.