Bitfenix Prodigy M-ATX Upside down.

[Lucasino8]

Hi OC3D'ers,

first of all I am new to this forum and don't know if there is already a thread about this topic.

Okay so I want to make an upgrade to my current PC. The upgrade will consist out of:
-CPU (4670K)
-RAM (Crucial Ballistix Tactical LP)
-MoBo (ASRock Z87M Extreme 4)
-Case (probably the Prodigy M)
Because I already have the CPU cooler (Gelid Tranquillo Rev. 2), PSU (Corsair CX430) and a quite OK GPU (XFX HD7770 (will be upgraded next). So I want a smaller case than ATX because I attend to Lan-party's sometimes and I just want a challenge for the building process. First I was looking into M-ITX, but found the lack of upgradabity made me want to stay away from it. Then I found this Prodigy M which seems perfect... Except for the airflow design, I mean what where they thinking?! Intake at the top and exhaust at the bottom?
So I saw the review: http://www.overclock3d.net/reviews/cases_cooling/bitfenix_prodigy_m_review/7 and it seemed like it would be pretty easy to transform this case into something with normal airflow. Quoting:
"It's actually pretty simple to do mainly because the feet are exactly the same as the top handle sections, however it isn't just as simple as turning the case upside down. We also swapped the side panel that has the I/O over so that it would be facing us, if you chose to you could put this back to the other side. The final step was to carefully remove the BitFenix logo sticker and replace it in the same position but the correct way up."
So would it just be as simple as putting it upside down, and changing the case badge around?
Because that would be way better I think, and then I would be more certain about my purchase. I will also fit more fans in it where possible.

Thanks for answering, sorry if I am unclear (foreigner ^_^)

 

[Lucasino8]

Bump. Any Prodigy M owner around here?

 

[tinytomlogan]

I think youve got about all the info you are going to get from the review mate.

I will say though look at the Fractal MATX case thats coming out, thats going to make the prodigy look massively cheap and dated IMHO.

I couldnt use the Prodigy M version at all, crappy layout, no window, no cable management - just a bit too 2005 for me

 

[Lucasino8]

You mean the Node 804? Whats the space behind the mobo for, HDD's? Who would fit so many in such a small case? Maybe as a NAS server or something. But it is too big for my liking.

 

[MadShadow]

Here is an extremely informative video on the new Node:
http://www.fractal-design.com/home/news/node-804-showreel

 

[Lucasino8]

That's what I watched. I will not be using any rads, and 1 SSD and 1 HDD so for me the case wouldn't make a lot of sense. Since I will travel with it occasionally, the extra Liters compared to the Prodigy are too much.
Math:
Prodigy M:
404*250*359(in mm)=36259000/1000/1000=~36L
Node 804
344 x 307 x 389(according to the site (video says something different...)=41081512 / 1000 /1000 =~ 41L

Are there any reasons to pick the Node over the prodigy? The prodigy would be easier to carry around and it's some what smaller.

 

[Feronix]

To be honest, the Prodigy isn't that small either (it's the handles that make if bigger). If you really want a small rig, you should go ITX and get something like a CM Elite 130 or the Node 304.

If you want an mATX case with handles, but without having to put it 'upside down' you could have a look at the Xigmatek Aquila which features an interior that is heavily based on the ITX Bitfenix cases, but in an mATX form factor.

On topic; If the front panel is symmetrical (and so are the clips on the back) you might just be able to put the entire front panel on upside down and it will look as it always did. You just won't be able to use the 5.25" bay anymore, but I hope you weren't planning on doing that anyway.

 

[Lucasino8]

Wow, the Aquila is quite nice! It's about as big as the 804 but that's probably because of the handles. I think I will be getting the aquilla, although I wonder since it only has 4 Expansion slots will I be able to put in SLI or CFX with dual slot cooler GPU's and this: http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/Z87M%20Extreme4/index.us.asp mobo?

I will be going for the amazingly small Silverstone SG10. Thanks all.