Posted on Thursday, September 18 2014 @ 11:57 CEST by Thomas De MaesschalckBitFenix decided to remove support for 5.25" drive bays, making room for a 2.4" TFT screen with a 240 x 320 pixel resolution in the front bezel of the case. Via a software tool available from BitFenix' website, you can personalize your screen with your own logo or photo.
The interior has room for two 3.5" HDDs, three 2.5" SSDs and there are five PCI slots. The case supports a standard PS2 ATX power supply and has room for up to three fans (of which two 120mm models are included). A I/O panel at the top of the case features two USB 3.0 ports and HD audio jacks.
There are eight different versions of Pandora, you can get the case with or without LCD screen, in black or silver and with or without case window. The BitFenix Pandora line is sold at Caseking.de for 119.90EUR (incl. 19% VAT), the windowed models have the same price as the windowless versions. If you don't fancy the LCD display, you can get the Pandora Core edition for 99.90EUR.
With the release of the venerable Prodigy, BitFenix changed what people expected from compact cases by combining groundbreaking aesthetics with supreme functionality in a compact form factor. Today, the BitFenix Lab is releasing our latest achievement in chassis design - Pandora. Combining a fresh and clean modern look with never-before-seen functionality in a slim form factor, Pandora represents the next level of BitFenix case design.
The Journey
Nowadays, computers are not restricted to the study or computer room. With the advent of digital media and streaming services, more and more PCs are breaking free from their traditional computing environments and moving towards the living room.
With that in mind, BitFenix sought to design a case that would blend in perfectly with this environment. It had to look less like a computer and more like a modern entertainment appliance. Everything from the choice of materials to the finish of the surfaces needed to be attractive when placed beside a TV or entertainment unit.
At the same time, the design had to retain its DIY roots. It needed to be compatible with a wide range of readily-available hardware on the market, be able to keep these components running cool, and it had to avoid the common pitfalls of compact cases by being easy to build in. After months of development, extensive community feedback, and multiple prototypes, Pandora was born.
Style Without Limits
With its clean and uncluttered modern design, Pandora shows its BitFenix pedigree. It begins with a slim profile that is only 160mm wide – only slightly wider than a standard ATX power supply. Surrounding the chassis are brushed aluminum side panels. Available in black and silver, and crafted from a single piece of aluminum, these side panels not only give Pandora a classic and timeless look, but are completely tool-free, giving you convenient access to your system's internals.
Ever since Colossus, people have asked time and time again for a logo that is lit with LED. With Pandora, the BitFenix Labs have taken this idea to the next level by making it not only light up, but also making it infinitely customizable! BitFenix ICON™ is a 2.4" TFT screen that is discreetly hidden behind Pandora's front panel, and can be customized through a simple drag-and-drop interface. Simply connect the USB cable to your motherboard, download the software from the BitFenix website, and drag your picture file onto the software. In seconds, your image file will be displayed in full color – an easy and novel new way to add your own personal touch to your PC.
With many compact case designs, issues like cooling and cable management become serious issues. However, the BitFenix Labs have designed Pandora to not only handle high-end hardware, but also ensure that this hardware runs cool during operation. To this end, Pandora features a direct airflow design which allows airflow to directly reach hot components such as video cards and CPUs. This layout is bolstered by excellent cable management that keeps internal cables under control and prevents them from impeding air flow.
In terms of hardware compatibility, Pandora is no slouch. Graphics cards up to 350mm in length can fit, along with PSUs up to 180mm long. Water cooling radiators up to 240mm in length and 120mm in width can fit comfortably on the front panel, which includes the large majority of all-in-one units on the market. If air cooling is more your speed, Pandora can be outfitted with up to two 120mm fans in front and one 120mm on top. Best of all, all intakes are outfitted with removable dust filters for easy cleanup.
In addition to the standard models, Pandora also comes with optional window side panels to help show off your hardware. For value seekers who are happy with the standard BitFenix aluminum logo badge, Pandora Core versions without BitFenix ICON displays are also available.
Features:
Elegant Slim Design – Sleek curved styling fits in any environment BitFenix ICON™ Programmable Display – Personalize your case with a drag-and-drop interface Brushed Aluminum Side Panels – Elegant Black and Silver variants available Optional Window Side Panel – Large acrylic window for a direct sightline to your hardware Advanced Hardware Compatibility – Fits long dual graphics cards and water cooling radiators up to 240mm Direct Airflow Design – Delivers unobstructed airflow to cool your components DIY Friendly – Pre-installed standoffs, pop-off side panels, and magnetic dust filters SuperSpeed USB 3.0 – Two ports included for blazing file transfers Trouble-free Installation – Large CPU cooler cutout, PCI locking tool, and ample cable management
