BitFenix Aegis Micro-ATX Chassis Review

Introduction

BitFenix is one of the coolest chassis manufacturers around. Time and time again we’ve seen them continue to innovate, with products that have proven massively successful with gamers and system builders around the world. Today, it looks like we’re in for a repeat performance, with the recent release of their eye-catching Aegis gaming chassis.

The Aegis is packed full of features that will appeal to virtually any system builder, but more importantly, the enthusiast gaming market. With room for ultra high-end graphics cards, modular storage bays, water cooling support, a PSU shroud and a whole lot more. Also, let’s not forget that it comes with their ICON display, a small LCD display hidden in the front panel that allows you to apply custom logos to the front of your chassis!

First impressions of this case are very good. We’ve got the black and red edition, which certainly stands out in more ways than one; it looks like Tony Stark designed a PC case! There’s a huge side panel window for showing off your hardware and a great mixture of glossy trim that accents the stunning red colour of the chassis. Down the side of the front panel, you’ll find plenty of ventilation for any front-mounted cooling. Front fans are optional, so it’s recommended you plan your cooling before you start your build.

A gorgeous glossy red panel on the right side. Both side panels are held in place by a pair of thumb screws at the back of the chassis.

The glossy black front panel looks incredible, but it is a bit of a dust magnet, so you may want to keep a microfiber cloth to hand. Sorry fans of optical bays too, as you simply won’t find any here.

The top of the chassis houses a three-speed fan controller, the power button with a lovely BitFenix logo on it and the reset button. There’s a pair of USB 3.0 ports and HD audio jacks there too; it’s nice to see more chassis ditching the now aging USB 2.0 ports.

The top panel houses even more ventilation, with a lift-out cover for easy maintenance and installation of your fans/radiators.

The overall finish and quality are fantastic, although I wouldn’t have expected anything less from BitFenix, as they often impress with their designs.

Around the back, you’ll find a pair of routing grommets at the top, a pre-installed 120mm exhaust fan, five expansion slots with ventilated covers and the PSU mount; nothing overly interesting, but at least all the basics appear to be in place.

On the bottom, you’ll find four rubber grip feet that provide a stable base for your system; the feet also give good ground clearance for any bottom mounted cooling and your PSU.

The magnetic filter runs the full length of the chassis, making maintenance a quick and easy process.