Mini-ITX computers have become more and more popular nowadays. Today we will take a look at one of the largest mini-itx cases we’ve seen so far, it’s called Bitfenix Prodigy. It is a perfect case for a LAN-party machine or file server. Let’s see how it performs and what it can offer in homeserver use.
About Bitfenix:
Check Bitfenix’s webpages at www.bitfenix.com for information about the company.
Specifications & Features:
| Materials | Steel, Plastic |
| Colors (Int/Ext) | Black/Black, White/White |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 250 x 404 x 359mm |
| Internal Dimensions (WxHxD) | 250 x 310 x 340 = 26.35 liters |
| Motherboard Sizes | Mini-ITX |
| 5.25″ Drive Bays | x 1 (removable) |
| 3.5″ Drive Bays | x 5 (3 + 2 modular) |
| 2.5″ Drive Bays | x 9 (5 + 2 + 1 +1 ) |
| Cooling Front | 120mm x 2 (120mm x 1included) or 140/180/200/230mm x 1(optional) |
| Cooling Rear | 120mm x 1 (included) or 140mm x 1(optional) |
| Cooling Top | 120mm x 2 (optional) |
| PCI Slots | x 2 |
| I/O | USB 3.0 x 2, HD Audio |
| Power Supply | PS2 ATX (bottom, multi direction), PSU cage depth 180mm, max PSU depth 160mm |
| Extras | FyberFlex™ Composite handles, SofTouch™ surface treatment, filtered intakes, tool-free drive locking |
The Product:
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Bitfenix Prodigy is a mini-itx made from black painted steel. It is sized about half of a normal midi-atx case. Because of this it therefore it isn’t the smallest mini-itx case available on market, but it has its own pros and cons.
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On top (as well on bottom) of the case there are two plastic handles which ease the transportation of the case. Obviously Bitfenix has had LAN gamers in its mind and I bet every gamer out there will appreciate Bitfenix’s effort to make gamers’ lives a tad easier.
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As we can see, there’s quite alot of space inside the case. The motherboard is located in the back section of the case and the front section is dominated by two (the upper one is missing in the picture) hard disk trays. Optical drive is located above the HDD trays.
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There’s space for a total of five 3.5″ hard disks in the HDD enclosures. The upper one has three removable trays while the bottom one has two. Each of the trays support both 2.5″ and 3.5″ disks. Only 3.5″ ones can be toollessly installed.
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Here’s the 3.5″ HDD installed in the bottom tray. Nothing fancy in it. Just plug the caddy in the tray and it’s done.
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The upper tray is removable (push both upper and lower plastic levers and pull it out). There’s space for three disks.
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Hard disks (normal 3.5″) are installed toollessly in the caddies. Bend the caddy a bit, put the hard disk in the middle and make sure the metallic holders are well in place. Easy as pie.
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There’s a slot for one 2.5″ SSD/HDD below the HDD caddies. You have to remove six screws from the bottom of the case in order to remove the lower HDD caddy.
