A Closer Look - Outside

Taking a look at the chassis, the Colossus Mini-ITX features the built-in lighting elements we have seen in the original Colossus. It also comes with an edgy look, which sets it apart from the Prodigy and Phenom Mini-ITX. The dimensions of the Colossus Mini-ITX come closer to the Phenom Mini-ITX than that of the original Prodigy, though, as it lacks the feet and a flexible handle.


The front comes with a door that swings open to the left. It hides the vents for both fans in the front and that 5.25" drive bay. BitFenix designed its V-shaped lighting element to be clearly visible; whether you leave the door open or not does not matter. Not much seems to have changed in the rear as you can still place a short but fully sized ATX PSU within the chassis, for example.


Both side panels are completely solid, but semi-transparent plastic strips have been embedded within these panels to allow for the unique lighting setup all Colossus cases come with. You will find two USB 3.0 ports, the usual pair of audio connectors, and the power and reset buttons on one side.


With the door closed, its V-shaped LED element looks a bit thinner, but open the door and a much larger, semi-transpartent portion is revealed. It should light things up pretty well at a LAN party, for example.


Turning the Colossus Mini-ITX around, the PSU bay at the bottom comes with an external frame, as you have to install the power supply by sliding it in through the back of the case. Above that is the motherboard area with its two expansion slots. Since the board is placed within the case horizontally, there is plenty of room for large CPU coolers. The space here also allows for a 120 mm exhaust fan above the board. As with all recent BitFenix cases, the chassis comes equipped with retail Spectre fans. A removable dust filter on the bottom of the PSU's air vent keeps dirt out of the interior.


You will find a black metal mesh on top of the case. It not only gives the Colossus Mini-ITX some much needed ventilation, but may be removed to reveal an opening for two 120 mm fans. You may even install a 240 mm radiator here since the 5.25'' drive bay is removable.


A quick peek at the bottom reveals a dust filter that is easily removable, and the chassis comes with traditional feet instead of flexible frame elements.