At COMPUTEX 2014 this year, we saw a couple new cases that BitFenix was working on. Products that were definitely a departure from their usual industrial design. One of the cases that looked like it would definitely make it to market was the BitFenix Pandora, which caters to people that want something that is more elegant, that fits better in environments where that huge blinged out gaming rig won’t. Today, BitFenix opens the box on this new case.
The BitFenix Pandora is wrapped in a brushed aluminum finish that comes in both a black and silver. Windowed options are even available for those who still want to show off their system. The slender profile definitely makes it fit into more places without looking like a “box”, yet it still has space for longer dual graphics cards, radiators up to 240mm in size, with ample room for cable management. A new direct airflow design keeps things cool, along with a large CPU cut out for easy cooler installation. The case is also fully filtered to keep dust bunnies to a minimum, and are easily removable for cleaning.
Of course, one of the most interesting features is the BitFenix ICON front 2.4 inch LCD display, which can be programmed to display not only the standard BitFenix logo, but also, any logo you wish, from JPGs to GIFs. Software is available for download which makes changing the graphic a simple drag and drop affair. This display is optional, so if you like the BitFenix Logo, and don’t want to change it, then you can save a few bucks.
BitFenix has a video up showing off all the features of the new Pandora below…
The BitFenix Pandora, in black or silver, will have options for windows and without, and the BitFenix ICON display, and without. Pricing will be range from $109 US for the “Core” version in either color, with no window or ICON display, up to $139 US, fully loaded. A full press release is posted below with more details.
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BitFenix Pandora – Style Without Limits
Brushed aluminum and integrated LCD logo bring MATX design to the next level
(BitFenix Design Lab, September 18, 2014) – 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.
When 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.
| Pandora | ||||
| Materials | Aluminum, Steel, Plastic | |||
| Colors (Int/Ext) | Black/Black, Black/Silver | |||
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 160 x 420 x 465 | |||
| Motherboard Sizes | Micro ATX, Mini-ITX | |||
| LCD Module | 2.4″ TFT, 240 x 320 pixels | |||
| 3.5” Drive Bays | x 2 | |||
| 2.5” Drive Bays | x 3 | |||
| Cooling Top | 120mm x 1 (included) | |||
| Cooling Front | 120mm x 2 (1 included) | |||
| PCI Slots | x 5 | |||
| I/O | USB 3.0 x 2, HD Audio | |||
| Power Supply | PS2 ATX (bottom, multi direction) | |||
| Extras | Brushed Aluminum Side Panels, BitFenix ICON Programmable Display, Cable Management | |||
| Pandora | Black | Silver | Core Black | Core Silver |
| P/N | BFC-PAN-300-KKXL1-RP | BFC-PAN-300-KSXL1-RP | BFC-PAN-300-KKXN1-RP | BFC-PAN-300-KSXN1-RP |
| EAN | 4716779446708 | 4716779446746 | 4716779446722 | 4716779446876 |
| UPC | 886027005835 | 886027005873 | 886027005859 | 886027006405 |
| Pandora Window | Black | Silver | Core Black | Core Silver |
| P/N | BFC-PAN-300-KKWL1-RP | BFC-PAN-300-KSWL1-RP | BFC-PAN-300-KKWN1-RP | BFC-PAN-300-KSWN1-RP |
| EAN | 4716779446715 | 4716779446883 | 4716779446739 | 4716779446890 |
| UPC | 886027005842 | 886027006009 | 886027005866 | 886027006429 |
For more information on Pandora, please visit http://www.bitfenix.com.
About BitFenix
BitFenix is the result of the collaboration of several veterans in both the technology and gaming industries. From the same minds behind some of technology’s most venerable products, BitFenix creates hardware and peripherals that grant the user the utmost control, strength, and performance to complete their computing tasks. Combining a deep understanding of gaming and other high-demand computing applications with superior engineering and design know-how, the BitFenix Team is dedicated to creating the go-to computing products and peripherals for those who refuse to quit. For more information, check out http://www.bitfenix.com.
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