Bit Fenix Nova Chassis Review – Your Straight-Forward Chassis

TECHNOLOGY X TEST BENCH

Today’s build was pretty basic, we ran into a few hiccups along the way that we usually don’t run into but nothing that really stopped us from being able to finish our build. First, we had to install three of the motherboard stand-offs ourselves which usually isn’t an issue but the Nova didn’t come with anything to tighten them in place with. Fortunately we have a nut-tightening piece that worked. Next we had to sort through all the screws to choose which ones were right and we needed. For a beginner, as this case seemingly would be intended for, they may run into issues trying to screw the wrong screw into the standoff and could strip your stand-off. There are no extra so this could be a costly mistake. We like to see the different accessories and tool’s separated so that way it is easy to see what is for what. Once we got the motherboard in place we started with our PSU. Popped that into place and tightened it in, went to hook up the CPU cable and noticed there is no pass-through in the top corner where usually with cases we see one. Not a major issue but does affect cable-cleanliness of your system. Installing the front fan was a little bit of a pain as it’s a very tight area and our Jetflo 120 just fit. We had no issue with our 120 radiator or video card so there is enough space for the essentials. Closing the back panel was kind of pain as well once we had our cables all pushed to the side and ready to close the case. The very limited back space is definitely felt when you are done installing. There is plenty of room for changing your cooler once installed to the chassis, so no worries there but be aware, 120 is the max you will get in this chassis. Also, the max height for any CPU coolers is 160mm, PSU max 220mm and VGA up to 320mm and 140mm tall.

FINAL THOUGHTS & ANALYSIS

Bit Fenix has definitely taking a good stab at making a functional budget chassis. We will compliment them on that much. Making a good-looking functional chassis under $100 isn’t the easiest feet but they have done so. Coming in at $69USD ($95.26CDN on amazon.com at the time of this review…Dang Exchange rate) the Nova is a decent case for what you get. A few extra’s wouldn’t’ hurt, such as replaceable PCI covers or a pass-through for the CPU power cable. Also, adding just a few cm’s to the complete size would allow for much better cable-management and would help install the fans and other components. Dust covers are very important as well and one for the front is necessary, regardless of panel build. But none of these issues are deal breakers for us and therefore earns the Nova our Bronze Seal.

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