With a build quality that was noticeably better than what we had seen from BitFenix in the past, the Phenom was a seriously slick mATX case that looked great while accommodating high-end hardware and still managing to be a lot of fun to work with. After seeing the quality BitFenix is capable of delivering, we jumped at the opportunity to test the Aegis, a new arrival with some unique features including a customizable 2.8-inch 240x320 icon display, which was first seen on the Pandora PC case.
Gamers can also choose between five different colors: red, blue, black, yellow and white. We’ll be testing what we call the ‘TechSpot blue’ version, which is bright blue and solid black, though we forgive anyone for seeing it as white and gold. With its range of color options, customizable logo and imposing design, the Aegis is an overload of aesthetic goodness. That said, this is no show pony either. BitFenix’s latest MicroATX-tower can belch out heaps of hot air while accommodating a 280mm and 360mm radiator, making it the perfect choice for gamers obessed with overclocking.
Aegis External Design
The Aegis features a shield-inspired front panel that is black regardless of which case color you go with. Although the front panel has been constructed entirely from plastic, it still looks good and feels well made. The color transition from the steel door panels to the front panel is also seamless, so you can’t tell BitFenix is working with two different materials here.
As it turns out, not all models come with the 2.8-inch icon display, and although we asked for the supporting version for our review, we received the base model. Therefore, our blue sample features a glossy black front panel with no defining characteristics. BitFenix did throw in a small case badge of their company logo which you can stick on the front of the case if you wish.
Update: BitFenix shipped out the version with the icon display for us to have a look at. Above we have used the Windows software to change the icon to display the TS logo. This is a very cool feature indeed. The screen’s image quality is considerably better than what I was able to show in the photo above.
The plastic front panel is quite large and you can mount the front in-take fans within this panel to save room inside. The panel is well ventilated while the ventilation is covered in a fine mesh to help reduce the build-up of dust. Behind the plastic front panel is a large magnetic fan filter that covers either two 140mm fans or three 120mm fans.
The left side panel has a massive case window to let gamers show off their creation. The opposite case door is solid and we love how great the blue looks on our sample – the paint job is striking.
Moving to the top of the Aegis reveals another large plastic panel which looks just as good as the front panel. On top we have the I/O panel which looks great and gives the case a lot of functionality.
Along with the standard USB 3.0 ports and audio jacks, BitFenix has included a large power button with their logo on it, as well as a three-stage fan controller that can handle up to four fans. Behind the I/O panel is another large ventilated panel that can be removed for cleaning.
Around back, there is a fairly typical layout for an mATX case. The power supply is mounted in the bottom while there are five PCI expansion slots above it which brings us to the motherboard I/O panel and a rear exhaust fan.
Underneath the Aegis are four rather large feet and a huge magnetic dust filter which will keep your power supply clean as well as the other internal components. Externally the BitFenix Aegis is a great looking computer case that will no doubt appeal to the gaming community.
