BitFenix Introduces Enso Case and Alchemy 3.0 Addressable RGB Magnetic LED Strips
by Joe Shields on November 17, 2017 1:30 PM EST- Posted in
- Case
- Cases/Cooling/PSUs
- mid-tower
- bitfenix
- RGB
Bitfenix has added a new mid-tower to its chassis lineup dubbed the Enso. The Enso comes with a metallic front and a tempered glass side panel to display the components inside. The front panel has integrated addressable RGB illumination in each corner which gives the case a unique look. Bitfenix has worked closely with ASUS and the AURA Sync software to ensure the case and the new Alchemy 3.0 RGB Magnetic LED strips can be synchronized using the AURA Sync software or using the pre-installed controller on the back of the case. The Enso supports motherboards from Mini-ITX to E-ATX (Up to 272mm) and supports radiators both in front and on the rear exhaust for increased compatibility.
The top of the case has locations for fan mounts and a mesh cover, or if none are used up top, users can place a solid panel on it for noise reduction and airflow. Dust filters on the Enso, two located on the front one on the bottom, slide out from the side instead of from the top or bottom allowing for easier access and maintenance. Outside of the tempered glass panel, the remainder are finished in a matte black. If a black case doesn’t tickle your fancy, it also comes in white with tempered glass side panel as well.
The IO panel sits on the top of the case and includes two USB 3.0 ports, power and reset buttons, an RGB LED button, microphone and headphone jacks, as well as LEDs for power and drive activity. No support for USB 3.1 Type-C connectivity, however. Exterior measurements for the mid-tower case are (W)210mm x (H)489mm x (D)454mm (8.26 x 19.13 x 17.84-inches).
The Enso has a simple interior design without obstructions, like a drive cage, for example, to thwart airflow inside and keep noise levels down. Bitfenix mentions the intakes are hidden on the front panel and helps with the clean design aesthetic. Though the look is clean, It makes me wonder where the intakes are and how much airflow can really get in there compared to an open front style case. That aside, the power supply is separated from the rest of the case in its own chamber which will help hide the wires and improve airflow. The space will fit ATX and standard Power Supplies up to 160mm in length. It also gas pre-cutout grommets and 23mm of space behind the motherboard tray for cable management purposes.
As far as locations to mount storage, the Bitfenix has 3 2.5-inch bays and 2 3.5-inch bays (usable as 2.5-inch also) which is about par for the mid-tower sized course. There is support for 2x120/2x140mm fans in the front, 2x120mm up top, and 1x120mm on the rear. It comes with a 120mm fan from the front (black) and a 120mm fan in the rear (static RGB). The front of the case supports 2x120mm or 2x140mm sized radiators up to 35mm thickness while on the rear a 1x120mm size will fit. The maximum GPU length is 340mm(13.38-inches) which will nearly any on the market. The maximum height for a CPU heatsink is 160mm(6.29-inches) which will also fit some pretty tall units. As always, confirm the specifications for proper fitment.
Alchemy 3.0 Addressable RGB LEDs
The Alchemy 3.0 addressable LEDs are also a new edition to the lineup and offer more lighting options than non-addressable RGB LEDs.Using the AURA Sync software and a 3-pin addressable header, a nearly infinite amount of looks are possible. The new strips are magnetic and have a 3M adhesive strip to allow for easier installation and relocation on the metal panels. They use SK6812 TriBright SMD LEDs which are also found in their other products. The strips can be purchased with an optional controller that is pre-programmed with multiple single-color modes and three multi-color rainbow modes. Like the strips, it also has a magnet attached for easier mounting.
Pricing was not listed however the Enso Case in white is available at Newegg now for $80 while the Alchemy 3.0 strips I was unable to source online.
| BitFenix Enso | ||
| Model | Enso | |
| Case Type | ATX Mid-Tower | |
| Dimensions | (W)210 x (H)489 x (D)454mm (8.26 x 19.13 x 17.84-inches) | |
| Color | Black or White | |
| Body Material | Steel, Plastic, Tempered Glass | |
| Net Weight | 7kg(15.4lbs) | |
| External Drive Bays | None | |
| HDD/SSD Bays | 2 x 3.5" (or 2 x 2.5") and 2 x 2.5" | |
| Expansion Slots | 7 | |
| Motherboard Type | Mini-ITX, MicroATX, ATX, E-ATX (to 272mm) | |
| System Fan | Front: 2 x 140mm or 2 x 120mm (1 x included - black) Top: 2 x 120mm Rear: 1 x 120mm (1 x included - static RGB) |
|
| I/O Ports | 2 x USB3.0 3.5" HD Audio/Mic |
|
| VGA Card Support | 340mm | |
| CPU Cooling Support | 160mm | |
| PSU Support | ATX (to 160mm) | |
| Radiator Support | Front: 1 x 240mm or 1 x 280mm (35mm thickness) Rear: 1 x 120mm |
|
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Source: BitFenix
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ddrіver - Friday, November 17, 2017 - link
The white one is pretty neat. I've waited a long time for this whole RGB trend to produce something pretty. My next case.seamonkey79 - Friday, November 17, 2017 - link
For real. I've been thinking about a new build to replace my 2600k and think I found the case it'll go in.Morawka - Friday, November 17, 2017 - link
meh never was a fan of the white cases. I'm always tempted to buy a white PCB motherboard to go with it and that severely limits your options. I guess if you found the right board it would be alright.Alistair - Friday, November 17, 2017 - link
There are no air vents. Bad case. Unless you are putting a low powered system in there.Valantar - Saturday, November 18, 2017 - link
Yep. Apparently the _only_ way for air to enter through the front is at the bottom, between the front feet. With the stock intake fan mounted in the middle, it essentially just recycles air from inside the case, what with it being surrounded by two open 120mm openings.cragAT - Friday, November 17, 2017 - link
Looks great, but I wish more companies would bring these designs to a case suited for MicroATX and Mini-ITX boards. I only use one PCI-E slot any more and will stick to MicroATX boards as long as the motherboard makers are making them.MadAd - Sunday, November 19, 2017 - link
Sadly mATX are still an afterthought. The industry wants to keep rehashing these prehistoric ATX cases and think this is what we all want to buy nearly 20 years on.In reality each new CPU platform should be populated by the same ATX numbers as we see mATX and the main battleground should be mATX. Sadly tho as everyone here knows we are still having ATX thrown at us like its still mainstream. :/
lazarpandar - Friday, November 17, 2017 - link
u g l ystephenbrooks - Friday, November 17, 2017 - link
Yup. Everything has to come with RAINBOWS because we can. I got a new graphics card recently and for some reason it has a permanently cycling rainbow LED sign on it. Ridiculous.Although I suppose if these are configurable LEDs, I could set them to more muted colours like beige, brown and black.
CheapSushi - Saturday, November 18, 2017 - link
Yup, it looks like the same back and interior that 100000 other cases use now. I bet a bunch of cases just use the exact same OEM. Only unique thing is the front. And even then something looks off about the entire thing.