On the same panel you find a power and reset switch, the two previously mentioned USB 3.0 ports, headphone and microphone ports. This is where we need to advise of another issue, though very small, the headphone and microphone ports are not labelled, so it’s trial and error when you first hook them up. Finally, the HDD and power LED are here, in a lovely vodka bar blue.
Test Build
The main area internally is for a mITX motherboard. We have an MSI Z87I Gaming installed and it sits perfectly with no overhang. For our build we have removed the HDD caddies in preparation for a future water cooling build so we have installed two SSDs in the door for the initial build test.
Our test build for now comprises of the following,
- Processor: Intel Core i5-4670K CPU @ 3.40GHz
- Motherboard: MSI Z87I GAMING AC (MS-7887)
- Graphics: PNY XLR8 GeForce GTX 770
- Memory: 16GB Corsair (PC3-19200)
- Drives: Samsung SSD 840 PRO Series 256 GB x2
- PSU: Thermaltake Smart SE 730W
Let’s have a look at the build;
As you can see we have a full size graphics card and PSU installed. The mITX motherboard is really the only component that is a small form factor. We reckon the chassis is 780 GTX compatible, and if not, it won’t be far off.
We literally threw this together and the cabling shows this. Due to the small internal dimensions it can get very messy, not good if you are OCD.
Depending on your mITX mother board, some components may foul on the internal fans, though ours set up is working out well. (except that cabling eek!)
We are using the stock CPU cooler which is very low profile and there is some head room for a taller HSF, though be mindful of the top ventilation if you intent to install fans in there as well.
BitFenix Phenom Mini ITX Chassis Review
Package and Bundle - 8
Build - 9.5
Price - 8
Consumer Experience - 9.5
8.8
There is not too much for us to say, we love it. This chassis is aimed at a builder who will not go SLi or Crossfire. That’s ok, the high end graphics cards can handle all games without too much of an issue, at appropriate settings. PSU and oversized components are the only issue with this chassis, and not having an optical drive, but who has one of those things!
