A Closer Look - Outside

BitFenix is known for clean looks, edges, and understated designs. The Ronin is an exception as the front is flat and has metal-mesh elements running along the front and top of the chassis. The chassis obviously features the SofTouch surface treatment and a large BitFenix logo.


Half the front is taken up by an air vent made out of little holes. There are also three external drive bays. Turning the chassis over reveals a backside like that of the Shinobi. BitFenix then used the same frame for the Ronin, which makes them part of the same case family. A large window on the main side panel lets you look at all the installed hardware and the unique internal cover under which all the uncool parts one should not see hide. BitFenix basically chose to go for a large window and an internal cover instead of a smaller window. A refreshing way to go, it gives the user the freedom to customize this internal part to their liking—a nice little addition for modders.


Taking a closer look, the bottom half of the front comes with tiny holes. A great visual feature, it does not offer as much air flow as metal mesh, for example. Above that are the three external 5.25" drive bays, which line up nicely with the rest of the front. As mentioned before, the entire front and top features BitFenix's signature SofTouch surface.


Turning the Ronin around, there is the standard PSU bay at the bottom. As there are two sets of screw holes, you may mount your PSU with the fan facing upward to draw air from the interior of the chassis or downward, with the cooling unit facing toward the floor. Above that are seven expansion bays. All covers consist of separate pieces, so you can reuse them if your system configuration changes. There are also two openings to route water-cooling tubes out the back of the case; that is, if you choose to use an external radiator, for example. In the very top is a 120 mm exaust fan of the "Spectre" series. These fans are also sold separately, so this is not a cheap cooler you might as well throw right out of the chassis.


Interestingly enough, even the configuration of the I/O panel is identical to that of the Shinobi. You will get two USB 3.0 and two USB 2.0 plugs, and the usual pair of audio I/O in the top of the case. Both the reset and power button, along with their LEDs, can be found here as well. Behind that is another large air vent. The fairly high top cover allows you to install fans on top of the metal frame, which is extremely useful for water-cooling setups.


A large dust filter on the underbelly of the Ronin keeps dust out of the chassis. It is held in place by magnets, so you can easily remove it for cleaning. These magnets are strong enough, but be careful as you may pry it off by lifting up the system.