Bitfenix prodigy mini itx review: BitFenix Prodigy Review: The Affordable Performable Mini-ITX

4 мая, 2023

BitFenix Prodigy Mini-ITX PC Case Review

BitFenix Prodigy Mini-ITX PC Case Review

















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  • BitFenix Prodigy Mini-ITX PC Case Review

  • Specifications And Features

  • Packaging And Contents

  • The Prodigy Exterior

  • The Prodigy Interior

  • Building The System

  • Noise Level Test

  • Conclusion

  • All Pages

Page 1 of 8

INTRODUCTION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   I’ve never been fond of HTPC (mini-ITX) systems mainly because they offer very little in terms of performance so especially for someone in my line of work that’s extremely important. Now as some of you know i do own a basic HTPC system (Intel ATOM/Nvidia ION) which i rarely use but the small enclosure it’s housed in (Antec ISK3100-150) doesn’t leave much space for anything else aside the mainboard, memory modules, an slim optical drive and a 2.5″ hard disk drive. Of course there are quite a few larger HTPC cases in the market (such as the V353 by Lian-Li) that offer superior build quality and a more spacious interior for enthusiasts but the end result is not really that different mainly due to the design of the interior. Well Bitfenix seems to be aware of that issue and so just recently they launched their own HTPC (mini-ITX) solution, the quite impressive Prodigy.

 

   Focused on combining superior design with the latest advances in technology, BitFenix creates state-of-the-art computer hardware and peripherals that blur the line between man and machine. Users shouldn’t have to adjust themselves to the way their hardware works. So, we strive to put the user in complete control of his hardware, so that it functions as an extension of his will, and not as another variable he has to compensate for. In the heat of battle, the user should not have to worry about the state of his equipment, which is why BitFenix products are engineered to perform under even the most extreme conditions. No matter how taxing the situation, users can rely on the strength of BitFenix products to perform as they are intended. Finally, BitFenix is about performance. In the top levels of competition, the difference between first and second place can be razor-thin, which means that every advantage counts. BitFenix is about making high-performing products that give users an edge. BitFenix is the result of the collaboration of several veterans in both the technology and gaming industries. From the same minds behind some of technology’s most venerable products, our goal is to create products that grant the user the utmost control, strength, and performance to complete their computing tasks. We understand that some of the most innovative and novel concepts come from the community itself, which is why we take great steps to listen to the needs of our users and develop optimal ways to integrate their ideas into our products. By working closely with the global community, BitFenix is able to engineer solutions that directly address the needs of our users. Combining a deep understanding of gaming and other high-demand computing applications with superior engineering and design know-how, the BitFenix team is dedicated to creating the go-to computing products and peripherals for those who refuse to quit.

 

   Size-wise the Prodigy is certainly not the smallest mini-ITX PC case you can find, far from it since it’s almost 3 times larger than the ISK310-150 by Antec which I’ve been using for the past couple of years. However that also means a more spacious interior for your precious hardware components and so the Prodigy comes ready with space for an 240mm radiator, 170mm tall CPU Coolers, full size PSUs (up to 160mm in length) and 320mm long graphics cards. So it’s crystal clear that since such a spacious interior is something we don’t encounter with mini-ITX PC Cases at all (at least not anywhere around the price range) the Bitfenix Prodigy is a catch right from the get go. However a spacious interior is not the only thing offered by the Prodigy so let’s keep moving and see just what you can expect from it.

 






BitFenix Prodigy Mini-ITX PC Case Review

BitFenix Prodigy Mini-ITX PC Case Review

















Login Form

User Name

Password

Remember Me  

  • Forgot Password
  • Forgot User Name
  • Create Account













  • BitFenix Prodigy Mini-ITX PC Case Review

  • Specifications And Features

  • Packaging And Contents

  • The Prodigy Exterior

  • The Prodigy Interior

  • Building The System

  • Noise Level Test

  • Conclusion

  • All Pages

Page 1 of 8

INTRODUCTION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   I’ve never been fond of HTPC (mini-ITX) systems mainly because they offer very little in terms of performance so especially for someone in my line of work that’s extremely important. Now as some of you know i do own a basic HTPC system (Intel ATOM/Nvidia ION) which i rarely use but the small enclosure it’s housed in (Antec ISK3100-150) doesn’t leave much space for anything else aside the mainboard, memory modules, an slim optical drive and a 2.5″ hard disk drive. Of course there are quite a few larger HTPC cases in the market (such as the V353 by Lian-Li) that offer superior build quality and a more spacious interior for enthusiasts but the end result is not really that different mainly due to the design of the interior. Well Bitfenix seems to be aware of that issue and so just recently they launched their own HTPC (mini-ITX) solution, the quite impressive Prodigy.

 

   Focused on combining superior design with the latest advances in technology, BitFenix creates state-of-the-art computer hardware and peripherals that blur the line between man and machine. Users shouldn’t have to adjust themselves to the way their hardware works. So, we strive to put the user in complete control of his hardware, so that it functions as an extension of his will, and not as another variable he has to compensate for. In the heat of battle, the user should not have to worry about the state of his equipment, which is why BitFenix products are engineered to perform under even the most extreme conditions. No matter how taxing the situation, users can rely on the strength of BitFenix products to perform as they are intended. Finally, BitFenix is about performance. In the top levels of competition, the difference between first and second place can be razor-thin, which means that every advantage counts. BitFenix is about making high-performing products that give users an edge. BitFenix is the result of the collaboration of several veterans in both the technology and gaming industries. From the same minds behind some of technology’s most venerable products, our goal is to create products that grant the user the utmost control, strength, and performance to complete their computing tasks. We understand that some of the most innovative and novel concepts come from the community itself, which is why we take great steps to listen to the needs of our users and develop optimal ways to integrate their ideas into our products. By working closely with the global community, BitFenix is able to engineer solutions that directly address the needs of our users. Combining a deep understanding of gaming and other high-demand computing applications with superior engineering and design know-how, the BitFenix team is dedicated to creating the go-to computing products and peripherals for those who refuse to quit.

 

   Size-wise the Prodigy is certainly not the smallest mini-ITX PC case you can find, far from it since it’s almost 3 times larger than the ISK310-150 by Antec which I’ve been using for the past couple of years. However that also means a more spacious interior for your precious hardware components and so the Prodigy comes ready with space for an 240mm radiator, 170mm tall CPU Coolers, full size PSUs (up to 160mm in length) and 320mm long graphics cards. So it’s crystal clear that since such a spacious interior is something we don’t encounter with mini-ITX PC Cases at all (at least not anywhere around the price range) the Bitfenix Prodigy is a catch right from the get go. However a spacious interior is not the only thing offered by the Prodigy so let’s keep moving and see just what you can expect from it.

 






review and testing of the BitFenix ​​Prodigy

case

Table of contents

  • Introduction
  • Packing and contents
  • Appearance and design
  • Interior structure
  • Cooling system
  • Specifications
  • Test bench
  • Test methodology, utilities used
  • Test results
  • Noise
  • Conclusion

Introduction

BitFenix ​​is ​​a relatively young player in the computer components market, until recently not so well known in Russia. Natives of CM Storm and Abit founded the company in 2010, choosing the production of computer cases as their main line of business. In addition to them, the assortment of this brand includes fans and some peripherals, including those for modding.


Overclockers.ru laboratory has already visited several BitFenix ​​cases. Thanks to our partner, Regard, another contender positioned for assembling compact systems, BitFenix ​​Prodigy, is next in line.


It is somewhat unique, it can be attributed to the miracle of engineering, which is reflected in the name of the model. Among the features of the model under consideration, one can note a bright and unusual style, support for Mini-ITX form factor motherboards, high CPU coolers and long video cards, the ability to install up to five 3.5-inch hard drives, an advanced cooling system with the ability to customize and install two two-section coolant radiators . And what is important: all these chips are provided in a small-sized format.

recommendations

BitFenix ​​Prodigy review Let’s start by examining the packaging of the case and the accessories that come with it.

Packaging and Contents

BitFenix ​​is ​​packaged in a small cardboard box. Its dimensions are: 455 x 300 x 410 mm (L x W x H). At the same time, its mass is not so small, the gross weight is about 8 kg. There is no color printing on the surface of the package, the design is made in black and white.

Nevertheless, the information content is in full order. In addition to the specifications that can be found on one of the sidewalls, the buyer is presented with several pictures of the case, including its internal part, as well as the main design features of the model.

Not without the traditional carrying handles. Inside, the case is standardly packaged in transparent polyethylene and sandwiched between two foam dampers-clamps.

The accessories are located inside the case in a cardboard box. The package contains only the minimum necessary for assembling a PC, especially a set of screws, which at a glance seems quite scarce.

BitFenix ​​Prodigy comes with:

  • Set of screws for mounting the system board and other devices;
  • Wire holder;
  • USB 3.0 to USB 2.0 adapter;
  • User’s Manual.

Appearance and design

First of all, it should be noted that BitFenix ​​Prodigy boasts a variety of color options. More precisely, there are six of them: black, white, orange, red, blue and green. Impressive, isn’t it? You can roam in full.


BitFenix ​​Prodigy is designed as a «small tower» in the Mini Tower format. Its dimensions are: 250 mm wide, 404 mm high and 359 mm deep with an internal volume of 26.35 liters. The net weight is 6.7 kg. The case material is SECC cold-rolled steel ~0.8 mm thick.

BitFenix ​​Prodigy is made in an atypical design. And although the case itself is essentially a standard box of a cubic shape, the first thing that catches the eye is the plastic upper and lower arches, which give the product a very impressive look. The upper arches serve as handles for carrying the system unit, the lower ones serve as legs-stands. I would say that this is one of the main aesthetic components of the product.

As you can see, BitFenix ​​Prodigy is not that small, especially if you take into account the supported form factor of the motherboard is only Mini-ITX. Some manufacturers manage to fit microATX boards into similar dimensions. Anyway, BitFenix ​​Prodigy has enough free space to accommodate a tall CPU cooler and a long graphics card.

The front of the BitFenix ​​Prodigy is made of plastic and is fully perforated. The upper part is occupied by one 5.25-inch bay, closed with a ventilated plug. Along the perimeter, the panel is edged with a silver insert, and a shiny manufacturer’s logo in the central part also stands out.

Panel — completely removable, detaches with a simple pull towards itself. Behind it you can see a large ventilation grill, with a seat for a fan (one or more, this will be discussed in the corresponding section).

The panel is held in place by four plastic latches around the perimeter. If necessary, the removed panel can be cleaned of dust from the inside.

Computer controls moved to the front of the right side panel. Here are the PC power and reset buttons, two USB 3.0 ports (connected with an internal USB 3.0 connector or as USB 2.0 using the included adapter) and a pair of standard 3.5 mm mini-jack audio jacks (HDA + AC’97). There are also two LED indicators that signal the operation of the computer and the activity of the disk subsystem.