BitFenix Aurora: Black Midi Tower with Double-Sided Tempered Glass Reviewed

BitFenix has made a name for itself in recent years with PC cases in the lower and middle price ranges. If you want to assemble your own PC, you can’t avoid a case like the one offered by BitFenix. Glass window enclosures are becoming more and more fashionable as they allow a glimpse of the RGB-lit hardware, which regularly brings a smile to the face of PC enthusiasts. BitFenix also made a logical attempt to install a real glass window in a midi tower. With the BitFenix Aurora in black such a device shall now be tested. More information can be found below.

Workmanship

After unpacking the case, it presents itself at first as well processed. The soft-touch surface is less soft than the name suggests. However, this circumstance is due to the fact that she has to endure a lot in everyday life. After all, it should not be scratched or otherwise damaged during cleaning with a conventional cloth. The glass parts that distinguish the BitFenix Aurora reflect quite strongly. But what is immediately noticeable is that they are very well processed. A risk of injury, which could well exist with uncleanly processed glass, is by no means to be feared. All edges are precisely ground. By the delivery in a cardboard box very well protected against shocks are also damages by the transport hardly possible.

Nevertheless, the glass parts are very susceptible to fingerprints. However, since this is a normal property of glass, it cannot be negatively attributed to the BitFenix Aurora or attributed to workmanship.

All in all, the case is well finished. Both the plastic elements found in the front and lid and the otherwise dominant steel show a certain thinness. Compared to other cases, the BitFenix Aurora doesn’t look unstable, but it looks very thin. Especially in the case of plastic elements, the lack of thickness is to be seen as a point of criticism.

Equipment

The front panel features two USB 2.0 and just as many USB 3.0 ports, an HD audio input, an HD audio output, a reset button and an on/off button. So far the standard equipment of a Midi Tower is covered. Additionally there is a button to control the lighting. On the rear side, there are also apertures for up to seven PCI expansion cards, two outlets for external water cooling and in the lower area, the slot for the power supply unit. The possibility of installing an external water cooling system is of course positive.

The hardened glass windows are mounted on both the left and right sides. While on the left side they allow views into the interior despite a certain tint, on the right side they are opaque. Insights into the cabling of the hardware are thus spared.

Four quite large round feet ensure a safe stand. A glance inside the tower reveals the presence of rubberized cable ducts, which is a major plus point. However, a power supply cover is missing, which can be blamed negatively. A 5.25-inch slide-in unit is also not available. However, this is less and less required in modern gaming PCs anyway. USB and fast Internet make it possible.

There are 3.5-inch cages both at the top and bottom of the front, which can be easily removed if required. A 2.5-inch SSD mount with RGB lighting is also provided. This can be connected to the mainboard as well as controlled with the controller built into the housing and the lighting button in the I/O panel.

Dust filters and air inlets are absolute points of criticism. Dust filters are available, but quite coarse meshed. The same criticism applies to the air intakes. The openings allow good air circulation, but do not provide efficient dust protection. This could be changed very easily by using more closely meshed filters.

Above the power supply is a single 120mm fan, which cannot be replaced by a larger model. After all, two 140 mm fans each can be installed in the front and lid. Mainboards can be installed up to the form factor E-ATX.

Design

In contrast to the interior, the design is to be emphasized positively. It is simple, but is broken in the front by rounding off the plastic main element. Thus, the Midi Tower looks quite appealing overall. Of course, the hardened glass windows are particularly positive. They enhance the design of the BitFenix Aurora enormously. The presence of both sides is also a clear plus point despite – or even through – the tinting of the right side.

In terms of design, the BitFenix Aurora in black is one of the most convincing enclosures available. The view into the interior of the case is unique thanks to the full-sided glazing.

Cooling and Clearance

In comparison with similar devices, it is noticeable that only one 120 mm fan is pre-installed above the power supply unit. In addition, it cannot be replaced by a larger model. As already mentioned, 140 mm fans can be installed in the front and in the cover.

The test shows a rather ambivalent picture. Although the cooling is good, the ventilation is rather less. This results in temperatures that are higher than they should be. However, this can be easily changed by adding additional fans.

A positive feature is the possibility of installing a water cooling system. This makes it possible to build a much tidier system, which also benefits the view through the glass side panel.

The clearance of the BitFenix Aurora is on a good level. Only when installing the radiator at the top had it got a little tight. I would also have liked to have a small slot for the front audio connection between the power supply and the mainboard. Almost all motherboard manufacturers obstruct this connection there.

Conclusion

Elegant design, upscale features with a few flaws, medium price – overall, the BitFenix Aurora offers a reasonable price-performance ratio. However, given the price of Product some weaknesses can be overlooked. The not quite ideal dust filters could be improved with dust filters from DEMCiflex. Other fans, for example noiseblocker eLoops, would also be useful.