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For our testing today we are using a Core i5 760 system which we will overclock to 4.4ghz later.
Chassis: BitFenix Colossus
Processor: Intel Core i5 760
Motherboard: ASRock P55 Extreme 4
Cooler: Corsair H70 Liquid Cooling
Memory: Corsair 4GB DDR3 1600mhz Dominator & AirFlow Pro
Storage: Corsair F40 SSD
Graphics: eVGA GTX460 SC
Power Supply: ThermalTake ToughPower XT775
Windows 7 Ultimate Edition 64bit
Thermal Diodes
Raytek Laser Temp Gun 3i LSRC/MT4 Mini Temp
Digital Sound Level Noise Decibel Meter Style 2
Firstly let us have a look at the chassis design and airflow, as it comes ‘out of the box’.
The Colossus relies on two massive fans to move air from front to back in a traditional design ethic. Cool air is rammed in from the front over the motherboard and components, then the top exhaust fan pulls hot air upwards and out of the case.
Although Corsair recommend the H70 is mounted with the fans pulling cool air in, we have swapped fan positions for this review as we feel it works better in this particular case. We have discussed the Corsair H70 airflow principle before and you can check it out over here.
One 230mm fan at the front acting as intake and one on the top which is used as an exhaust.
We have placed thermal diodes in 5 case positions – 1; top optical drive bay position. 2; hard drive position. 3; top area between CPU and fan exhaust positions. 4; above PSU, graphics card (s) area. 5; motherboard central ‘dead zone’ area. Ambient room temperatures were maintained at 23c throughout.
In our default configuration the CPU was maintained around 43c under load with all the ambient diodes holding the same idle temperatures, when under load. The airflow in this case is massive and flows well from front to top.
We then overclock the CPU to 4.4ghz which is as far as it will go.
The Corsair H70 manages to keep the 4.4ghz overclock around 60-62 degrees under load, without any increase in temperatures when idle. The only diode temperature to increase is Diode 3 which is around the position of the CPU. The airflow in this chassis is one of the best we have seen to date and is close to the Silverstone Raven 02.
I really like the looks of this, hopefully they sort out the build issues mentioned in the review. thanks.
What a great design ! It wont appeal to people who like lian li, but its certainly dramatic enough to get people looking in a store. I hope they address the problems. I dont get the 140mm fan option at the back? whats up with that idea?
This does not really appeal to me, but I like the way they are trying different ideas, the side panels look great, well externally anyway.
It is a good size, I like the concept idea,s such as front mounting area for buttons. Internally it needs some work, but its a great concept piece. hopefully they fix it.
I really do need to stress that this is either a very brave, or very stupid first case to release.
Some parts look very high class, some look unusual and some look unfinished. Weird they sent this out in the current state. It has a lot of potental as the reviewer said, but as a final product I am not sure I would part with my 130 quid.
The red is quite nice. I like the case and I would probably buy it. Why? well im so bored of aluminum chassis from people like Lian Li who do very little to further this market. its stagnant and I like what bitfenix might be doing over the coming year. Keep up the good work chaps
ITs certainly different, but im not sure I like it. would need to see it in the flesh to really know. I doubt our local store will get these in either.
Bitfenix will be big, trust me. In the next 6 months they have so many dramatic ideas to inject some passion into this industry.
it does nothing for me I’d pass on it
A little too flashy for my taste but at least someone is trying new things and not just copying CM and Antec. I believe the reason for the good airflow is because of the completely closed case with no meshes. Makes the HAFxxx products with a gazillion fans look stupid.
Personally i love my ATCS 840 for its minimalistic looks and the removable motherboard tray. Maybe someday i would be able to afford a Lian Li….