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PACKAGING AND CONTENTS
As with the Shinobi, BitFenix packaged the XL in an eco-friendly cardboard box. Around the box is the BitFenix logo and outlines of the Shinobi XL, with technical specifications on the side:
Inside, the XL is surrounded by a plastic bag to prevent scratching and print-marks, with two thick foam spacers holding the chassis intact:
The accessories include a variety of screws, zip-ties for cable management, a 5.25 to 3.5 adapter (not shown), and a fairly comprehensive instruction manual:
- 1 x Shinobi Quick Installation Guide
- 10 x Cable ties
- 5 x 3M Adhesive Rubber Feet
- 9 x Motherboard Standoffs
- 13 x M3 Round Screws (Motherboard Tray)
- 5.25 to 3.5″ Bay Adapter (Not Shown)
- 8 x 6-32 Hex (PSU and 3.5″ hard-drives)
Clear exclusions include extra thumbscrews and a case lock, which is included with the original Shinobi.
ALL AROUND THE EXTERIOR
BitFenix have done an excellent job of porting the front of the original Shinobi to its XL variant. The BitFenix metallic logo is still there, as well as the indented mesh strips on either side. The slight difference in design comes in the drive-bay area. The Shinobi has three 5.25 drive-bays, whereas the XL has five. Furthermore, in the original, the drive-bays extend all the way to either end, connecting with the mesh indentations. For the XL, this is not the case, as the cut-outs are pinched in:
If i can locate one in Australia i think i might replace my Fractal Desihn XL V3, as it has more ports on top, proper radiator holder built in (mine is mounted on top on machined holders). I just need to ensure it will hold all 12 HDD’s, 2 SSD’s and the OD. Water cooled 2600K running 4.8GHz, 16Gb 2133MHz CL9 ram @ 2430MHz, Waiting for funds for a 670/680 (currently 570). Mainboard Asrock Extreme 7 gen 3.
14 drives huh? I’d like to see the final build 🙂
Wanted to apologize for spelling and grammar errors. Something went wrong during the port over to the editor. Will have those fixed soon.
too bad im currently into laptop and only laptops, and will most likely not go back to desktop anymore. i do like the desktop cases they do provide more drives, and obviously more cooling and with the latest motherboard/chipset they can have more than two SATAIII ports, which laptop is currently lacking.
nevertheless, great review
Thanks! 🙂
A lot of people share your way of thinking, and I can’t blame them. It’s just more convenient to use a portable device. As you said, the ability to expand storage isn’t quite there yet without giving up the mobility of a laptop, but hopefully cloud-computing gets to a point where it’s possible.
let me know where to send the pictures….
You can post them on our forums. There are a ton of enthusiasts who would love to see a machine like that!