Bitfenix Phenom M Build

writetomichael · 26 Nov 2013 at 21:20

I thought I would post some pics of my bitfenix Phenom M build. Enjoy, happy to answer any questions on size etc

RJC · 26 Nov 2013 at 21:25

Nice little build

Doomedspeed · 27 Nov 2013 at 07:49

You know thats a Phenom M right? Not a Prodigy M Haha!

Anyway nice build.. That matrix looks massive in that case.

writetomichael · 27 Nov 2013 at 19:45

Haha my bad! Thanks for pointing that out. It's a great case although the innards barely fit

writetomichael · 27 Nov 2013 at 19:46

By the way, the specs are as follows:

CPU: i5 3750k @ 4.5ghz
RAM: 8gb DDR3
GPU: GTX 680 Direct CU II OC
SSD: 128gb Vertex 4
PSU: 650w OCZ ModXtream

writetomichael · 1 Dec 2013 at 16:06

Here are some pictures of the Phenom M with a custom side window

hope you enjoy

Doomedspeed · 1 Dec 2013 at 19:43

Thats lovely,

where'd you get the side panel from? or did you make it?

Rexxar · 1 Dec 2013 at 19:51

surprised at how small that is, no optical drive though?

McstylisT · 1 Dec 2013 at 22:14

I really like this case , would love to order one so i can have my mini itx used with a corsair H80 ive got. But the no optical slot is killing it for me atm. Shame , i have the prodigy already but dont like it with the legs and stuff.

Spenj · 2 Dec 2013 at 08:53

Am in the same boat.

But I then think how often do really need or use a optical drive, plus external USB drives optical are quite cheap

writetomichael · 2 Dec 2013 at 09:10

Hi guys, thanks for the comments.

The side panel was custom made with an industrial metal cutter (not a dremel + jigsaw) which is why the cut was clean enough not to need rubber edging. Really happy with it.

In terms of the optical drive, i havent had one hardwired into my pc for ages. I only use them if someone buys me a game on dvd - for this i have an external usb slimline dvd which works fine (you can even boot from them).
installing an optical drive into a gaming pc is just not necessary nowdays - all they do is create a lot of noise, freeze your pc sometimes and take up space.
Even if i had wanted one in this build, there wasnt enough space.

Here is a video i made of the build, it may help give you an idea of how much space there is inside the case:

85256638 · 3 Dec 2013 at 19:29

what graphics card are u using?

writetomichael · 3 Dec 2013 at 20:35

I'm using the Asus Gtx 680 Direct CU II OC

temps are 27-31c idle, 80 on load. This is with GPU fan speed locked to be ALWAYS at 20%, so the card is pretty much silent during all games which is good.
Having 2 intake fans blowing straight on to the card really helps

stulid · 4 Dec 2013 at 13:11

writetomichael · 4 Dec 2013 at 22:04

I am impressed with the cooling in this case - for GPU cooling it is excellent.

I will need to make 2 mods to improve the airflow however:

1. Create a heat shield on the bottom of the case between the PSU exhaust and the 2 intake fans. When the PSU heats up the intake fans draw in a lot of hot air. Perhaps a better PSU than mine would also help (my PSU is terrible)
2. I will need to open up those side ventilation areas on the side of the case - there is actually solid plastic under that mesh, except for a few sporadic holes which is crazy from a design point of view.