BitFenix Shinobi XL Chassis Review

1. Introduction2. BitFenix Shinobi XL External3. BitFenix Shinobi XL Internal4. System Installation5. Testing Methodology & Results6. Acoustical Performance7. Closing Thoughts8. View All Pages

The BitFenix Shinobi XL is an impressive chassis on many levels. The huge physical design means it is ideal for a expensive high end system build, and for overclocking the components inside.

The standard thermal performance is exceptionally good. Bitfenix have included three fans and two of them are super sized 230mm units. These powerful fans really push a high volume of air to keep hot running components under control.

BitFenix offer LED fans to customise this case, if you want to modify it further. There is also very good watercooling support, allowing the user to fit two 360mm radiators with plenty of space for reservoirs and pumps, once the 3.5″ bays are removed. If you are willing to invest a little time, the Shinobi XL could be transformed into a silent running case.

Out of the box, the acoustic performance isn't great as the fans push a high volume of air, which subsequently produce noise emissions. The 230mm fans are quiet, but the noise seems to be generated primarily by the 120mm unit. This could be easily improved by replacing the 120mm fan with a quality 140mm fan. Additionally you could fit a low-noise adapter to the 230mm fans as many people won't need them to be running at full speed. Both are inexpensive upgrades.

System installation was easy, although we were disappointed that we couldn't remove the motherboard backplate without removing the motherboard from the case. Unfortunately the cut-out is not big enough for every system (ours included).

The case is currently available from Overclockers in the UK for £119.99 inc vat. It offers good value for money.

Pros

• Impressive thermal performance with 2*230mm fans included.
• Perfect for watercooling set-up.
• 4*USB 3.0 and 1*supercharge port on front of case is brilliant.
• 3.5″ Hard drive bays can be rotated/removed.
• Plenty of space.
• Well built and very sturdy.
• Fits up to XL-ATX motherboards.

Cons

• Case is certainly not the quietest in stock configuration.
• CPU cut-out is not positioned well/ the right size for all motherboards.
• It does take up a lot of space.

Kitguru says: A high airflow case built to last, ideal for overclocked system builds.

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