Bitfenix Colossus M Review
Category : Cases
Published by Luca Rocchi on 20.05.14
Colossus M is one of the latest cases from BitFenix. This enclosure is compatible with mATX and mini-ITX motherboards, and offers a very sophisticated design. In addition to the classic lines, the Colossus features a SofTouch finish and aggressive multicolor LED strip, which the manufacturer calls LiteTrak.
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Today we are taking a look at one of the smallest cases from Bitfenix, the Colossus M.
| Page 1 - Introduction | Page 5 - Installation |
| Page 2 - Preview | Page 6 - Ventilation options |
| Page 3 - Bundle | Page 7 - Conclusion |
| Page 4 - Product overview |
Preview
Specifications
| Model | Bitfenix Colossus M |
| Case Type | Mini-tower |
| Dimensions | 250 x 374 x 330 mm |
| Material | Steel, plastic |
| Color | Black |
| 5.25'' drive bay | 1 |
| 3.5'' drive bay | 5 |
| Expansion slots | 5 |
| Form factors | mATX, Mini-ITX |
| Cooling |
1 x 120 mm Bottom (included) or 1 x 140/180/200/230/240 (optional) 1 x 120 mm Rear (included) or 140 mm x 1 (optional) 2 x 120 mm Top (optional) |
| Page 1 - Introduction | Page 5 - Installation |
| Page 2 - Preview | Page 6 - Ventilation options |
| Page 3 - Bundle | Page 7 - Conclusion |
| Page 4 - Product overview |
Bundle
Overview |
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| The Bifenix Phenom bundle is pretty straight-forward. The actual box is made out of cardboard with all the basic informations printed on it. Inside, we found the Colossus wrapped up in a plastic bag, and safely placed inside two big pieces of styrofoam, so that even the roughest shipping can't break it. Along with the case itself, the bundle also includes an instruction manual, which is always helpful, and a few other things: a little plastic bag with enough screws needed to assemble your system, an USB 3.0 to USB 2.0 converter, so that you can use the front USB ports even if your motherboard does not have USB 3.0 connectors. |
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| Page 1 - Introduction | Page 5 - Installation |
| Page 2 - Preview | Page 6 - Ventilation options |
| Page 3 - Bundle | Page 7 - Conclusion |
| Page 4 - Product overview |
Product overview
Overview |
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The external part of Colossus M is made with black matte SofTouch material of good quality and workmanship, in the central part is inserted the Bitfenix logo and a large LED strip which also passes through the sidepanels . In order to maintain a clean and classic design, Bitfenix has equipped the front with a door with a magnetic closure. The top side is also made out of matte black SofTouch, and it features a big opening with a removable dust filter, which is useful for the assembly of the system and for the installation of additional fans. The left sidepanel is absolutely smooth and without to any opening. On the right panel there is space for I/O connections such as power/reset buttons , two USB 3.0 ports and audio connections. Both side panels are secured to the PC case with two thumb-screws, something you are never tired of seeing. On the bottom panel we find four hard plastic feet with a shiny metal finish, which also lift the case up so that the PSU can get all the fresh air it needs. The adjustable legs make the case really stable, even committing no way to swing it. On the back of the case, there are 5 expansion slots for the graphics card. |
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| Page 1 - Introduction | Page 5 - Installation |
| Page 2 - Preview | Page 6 - Ventilation options |
| Page 3 - Bundle | Page 7 - Conclusion |
| Page 4 - Product overview |
Installation
Overview |
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| First of all, we analyze the space dedicated to the installation of the motherboard. The tray is placed in a vertically and, as you can see from the pictures, there is a huge window that will help you for the installation of huge backplate. The power supply is placed in the front of the case in a vertical position with the fan facing outwards. Despite the rather small size, Colossus M allows the installation of large heatsinks and long video cards. Since it has 5 PCI-Express, you can use the case for multi-GPU configurations and also with sound cards. Colossus M, as mentioned, is a small case but offers a wide compatility with storage solutions infact is able to accomodate up to 5x 3.5" HDDs and SSD 8x 2.5". In addition to the 5.25" slot placed on the top part, there is a vertical rail that offers all support that you need for the installation of storage devices. We used a medium sized tower heatsink (160mm) with a card rather long, that measures about 27 cm, without encountering any problems. |
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| Page 1 - Introduction | Page 5 - Installation |
| Page 2 - Preview | Page 6 - Ventilation options |
| Page 3 - Bundle | Page 7 - Conclusion |
| Page 4 - Product overview |
Ventilation options
Overview |
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| Colossus M offers more than just the usual amount of cooling solutions for air and liquid systems. At the top of the case there is enough space to install two 120 mm fans or, alternatively, a 240 millimeters radiator. Below, at the bottom, Colossus M offers the possibility to install fans from 120/140/180/200/230 millimeters. Finally in the back, close to the heat sink and the CPU, there is a slot for the 120 mm fan. Definitely interesting solutions, the bundle includes two black 120 mm fans, 3-pin and with a low rpm and noise. | |
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| Page 1 - Introduction | Page 5 - Installation |
| Page 2 - Preview | Page 6 - Ventilation options |
| Page 3 - Bundle | Page 7 - Conclusion |
| Page 4 - Product overview |
Conclusion
| General | + | - | |
| The Bitfenix Colossus M is a well though, Micro ATX, mini ITX case where the interior layout is very well done and one can see from a first glance that the engineers at Bitfenix have thought a lot to make this case practical. We would have loved it if the Colossus M was two centimeter wider. That additional width should be between the right side panel and the motherboard tray, which would give you more options for cable management. |
- Design - Micro ATX and Mini ITX compatibility |
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| Manufacturing quality / Ergonomics | + | - | |
| Overall the build quality is on a very good level. Bitfenix did not make a mistake to go for a super thin side panel to save weight. They use solid metal sheets which gives the case good stiffness and a solid appearance. Furthermore putting the components in place is rather easy. There is overall plenty of flexibility being provided and it's only between motherboard tray and right side panel where we would love to see an additional one or two centimeters of width. This would make cable management much easier. | - Build quality - Interior Space |
- Cable management on the back of the motherboard tray | |
| Design | + | - | |
| The design is always a rather subjective, but in our opinion the design of the case is unique and well done. The front is simple but elegant at the same time, especially about the mini front door. The multicolor LED is an interesting addition that gives the case look quite unique. | - Design |
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| Recommendation | + | - | |
| We can recommed the Colossus M to anyone who is looking for a small case which not only offers plenty of space, but can even cope with enthusiast grade hardware. In addition the case offers many cooling solutions, for who loves air and water cooling. On Geizhals.eu we found prices to start at 93.90 Euro, which is reasonable, but not a bargain. | -
Gaming-PC |
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| Rating | |||
| The Bitfenix Colossus M gets good 4.5 out of 5 stars. | |||
| Page 1 - Introduction | Page 5 - Installation |
| Page 2 - Preview | Page 6 - Ventilation options |
| Page 3 - Bundle | Page 7 - Conclusion |
| Page 4 - Product overview |