BitFenix Shinobi Case Review – Final Words and Conclusion

Reviewing BitFenixs Shinobi was a treat. Rarely do I ever see such a spectacular case, especially at this price-point.  I still cannot get over how awesome SofTouch feels, and it is incredibly difficult not to be attracted to it everytime you catch sight of the Shinobis anterior.

The Shinobi is a breath of fresh air in the chassis market. It is a case sporting all of the bells and whistles you see from higher-priced cases, and even some features that are unique to the Shinobi.

It is a mid-tower, budget case made for the enthusiast market and still managing to stay elegant in design.  BitFenix has packaged the Shinobi perfectly and hit it spot on, while only making a few compromises. The front panel is lacking USB 3.0, eSATA, and Firewire, but makes up for those shortcomings by featuring a tool-less design, loads of space for wires and video cards, and a large cut-out for the motherboard. I would have liked to see an extra fan or two with the included 120mm fans, but considering the MSRP of the Shinobi and how much you get out of it, there is really no room for me to complain here.

Besides the added bling, is the window version of the Shinobi worth the extra ~$10 over the non-window? I would say so. Aside from the aesthetics (the window), you also get the rear-exhaust fan plus the actual cut-out for it. Furthermore, and the deal-breaker for me, you get a tool-free design with the window version. The non-window supports only the traditional screw-in design so the window flavor is definitely worth it for those who want an overall easier time installing, building, and upgrading.

BitFenix has a real winner here, and it is surprising to think this company is only a little over a year old. The veterans backing BitFenix have done a phenomenal job and are really showing their skills. If they keep designing cases like the Shinobi, it will only be a matter of time before they start dominating the market.

PROS:

• Aggressive pricing
• SofTouch finish
• Clean classic look and well designed
• Excellent build quality
• Copious space for large graphics cards
• Support for up to eight hard-drives
• Lots of room for cable management
• Thumb screws
• Two 120mm pre-installed fans
• Support for up to five additional fans (seven total)
• 3.5 inch bay adapter included
• Large CPU cut-out
• Side-panel with stylish tinted window
• Four USB 2.0 ports
• Dust filters on main intake locations
• Tool-less system on all drive bays
• Available as windowless version

CONS:

• No eSATA, USB 3.0, or Firewire
• Windowless version lacks one fan and tool-less system
• No dust filter on side window
• Not enough space for CPU heatsinks with outward protrusions

.

Page 1: Introduction

Page 2: Packaging

Page 3: Features and Specifications

Page 4: Accessories and Fittings

Page 5: The Exterior

Page 6: The Exterior (Continued)

Page 7: The Interior

Page 8: The Interior (Continued)

Page 9: Noise, Sound, and Thermal Performance

Page 10: Final Words and Conclusion

FOLLOW OUR FORUM DISCUSSION!