BitFenix Colussus Mini-ITX Review

I get very excited when I get a new case in the lab for review.  I get even more excited when the case comes from BitFenix.  BitFenix has been quietly making some of the best computer cases out there.  Their signature SofTouch Surface Treatment is simply amazing.  Having gained popularity with their Colossus case, BitFenix has decided to bring all that style and pizzazz to the Mini ITX platform, and dubbed it the Colossus Mini-ITX.

The Colossus Mini-ITX may be small, but it has the potential to make some big waves.  BitFenix is no slouch when it comes to packing detail and features into their case designs and the Colossus Mini-ITX comes out of the gate with plenty of both.  The interior is modular allowing you to build a rig with plenty of storage or a graphics power house.  The Colossus Mini-ITX has room for a total of eight 2.5″ drives according the specifications listed on the product page, five 3.5″ drives (when not installing 2.5s), and one 5.25″.  Need room for a larger than life graphics card? Just remove one of the HDD cages.  Need a radiator up front or just don’t need any 3.5″ drives installed? Just remove the other HDD cage.

For those that like pre-installed fans for air cooling, the Colossus Mini-ITX ships with two of them.  There is one in the rear and one in the front.  Both fans are of the 120mm flavor and are BitFenix fans.  Need more cooling? No problem, up front you have room for two 120mm fans or a single 140/180/200/230mm fan.  Around back, you can install a 140mm, and up top there is room for two more 120mm fans (or a 240 rad if you remove the 5.25″ bay).

Don’t be fooled by its mini-ITX title, this case isn’t exactly tiny, it measures in at 250 x 330 x 374mm.  The case also sports two USB 3.0 connections and HD audio connections for some silent late night gaming sessions.

Enter Marketing Information:

Futuristic Form
Taking design cues from the legendary Colossus full tower, Colossus Mini-ITX brings a modern, futuristic design without being garish or gaudy. The bold lines and angles give an aggressive look that’s tempered by our luxuriously matte SofTouch™ Surface Treatment, making it an ideal choice for the gaming room, living room, or LAN party.

BitFenix LiteTrak™ Technology
Featured along the front and sides, BitFenix LiteTrak™ enables a continuous unbroken line of light around the case for an incredibly futuristic look. This multimode lighting system can be changed to red, blue, or green at a touch of a button, and even comes with a rotating pulse mode that pulses light and automatically cycles through each color.

Colossal Flexibility
Don’t let the small size fool you – Colossus Mini-ITX packs quite a punch. Graphics cards up to 330mm in length can be easily installed by sliding out the FlexCage™. For water cooling, thick 240mm radiator can be installed on top in push-pull configuration, and radiators up to 200mm can even be installed in front if the heart desires. Add to it compatibility with tower coolers up to 175mm in height, and Colossus Mini-ITX brings colossal flexibility to the mini-ITX form factor.

Epic Storage Potential
Media mavens are going to love the storage potential Colossus Mini-ITX. With no less than five 3.5″ and eight 2.5″ drive locations available, builders with colossal storage needs will feel right at home with Colossus Mini-ITX.

DIY Friendly
There’s building a system, and there’s wrestling with one. Colossus Mini-ITX offers a plethora of features designed to get your rig up and running quickly. Features like tool-free drive locking mechanisms enable fast drive installation, and designated cable management zones ensure a neat and tidy looking interior. The FlexCage™ is removed with a simple squeeze-to-release mechanism, and filtered intakes keep dust on the outside for easy cleanup.

BitFenix Quality
Colossus Mini-ITX comes with a bevy of features that make using and owing a BitFenix product an experience. Rolled-edge cable pass throughs help prevent damage to cables, while quick release dust filters help make clean up a snap. Along with the luxurious powder-coated interior and signature BitFenix logo, Colossus Mini-ITX comes with the kind of legendary quality that BitFenix users have come to know and love.

Materials	Steel, Plastic, SofTouch™
Colors (Int/Ext)	Black/Black,
Dimensions (WxHxD)	250 x 330 x 374mm
Motherboard Sizes	Mini-ITX
5.25″ Drive Bays	x 1
3.5″ Drive Bays	x 5
2.5” Drive Bays	X 8(5 + 2 + 1 )
Cooling Top	120mm x 2 (optional)
Cooling Front	120mm x 2 (1 included) or 140/180/200/230mm x 1 (optional)
Cooling Rear	120mm x 1 (included) or 140mm x 1 (optional)
	x 2
I/O	USB 3.0 x 2, HD Audio
Power Supply	PS2 ATX (bottom, multi direction)
Extras	LiteTrak™ lighting system, SofTouch™ surface treatment, tool-free drive locking mechanisms, filtered intakes