Introduction
There is an ongoing thread in the forums titled “What Type Or Style Of Case Do You Guys Use For Your WHS ?” Some like small cases, some like monstrous cases. For a server case, I like to be able to fit lots of drives in a case that won’t break the bank.
One such case you might want to consider is the Bitfenix Shinobi Window.
While it is designed as a gaming case, it meets my criteria of
- lots of drive capacity
- not overly expensive
Even though the Shinobi Window is a steel case, it is quite light. It has style without being over-the-top. Finally, it has some great features.
But enough of this and on to the case!
What’s In The Box?
Per the normal WGS process, we begin by taking a once-around the external packaging and then digging down to see what is inside.
The Shinobi Window arrived just as you see below. Moving around the external packaging, one can see that the product survived the trip and pretty decent shape. We have some nice graphics on one side
that illustrates what the inside and outside of what the product looks like. The opposite side provides some initial assurance that the windowed version was shipped.
This side illustrates the handle push-ins for ease of carrying the box,
and a closer view provides some of the basic specifications of the Shinobi Window.
Once opened, the inside of the box reveals a well packed and protected computer chassis.
Upon removal from the shipping box, a very attractive, yet understated, mid-tower case design reveals itself. The window does not try to overexpose the equipment inside, as it appears poised to provide just a hint of innards of what will be a finished build.
The front of the case has a very nice looking Bitfenix logo. It also appears to reveal a rather boxish style, however,
a closer view does show off the chamfered corners and meshed channels, which gives the case a stylish look.
You will also notice the large meshed section on top for some optional fans, while the following picture
illustrates the power controls, audio ports, and four USB 2.0 ports. Turning the case around to the back side reveals a bottom mount PSU and large exhaust fan
which is further illustrated by looking into the side.
A closer view of the bottom reveals more mesh for additional fans and the Quick Installation Guide.
Upon turning the case around just a bit more, you may notice a fan which will push air across any installed drives and a small cardboard box
containing the typical hardware needed for installing a motherboard. The round objects with the white ends are the case feet. Remove the adhesive protector and stick them on the appropriate spots on the bottom of case. Once “stuck” on, there is a definite feel that these sucka’s will never come off again!
Upon removal of the opposite side cover, you will notice several features. The first is the cutout for the motherboard, which comes in real handy for those who change out heat sinks for those monstrous ones or for the water-cooling crowd. You may also notice the recessed design and pass-thru cutouts for routing and hiding any wiring.
Finally, a closer view of the drive cages reveals a rather nice looking tool-less design for holding in hard disks. These holders are found on both sides of the drive cages.
Finally, the upper cages reveals another nice looking tool-lees design for holding such items as optical drives.
That is an initial tour of the Shinobi Window case and it is time to move on to the
