BitFenix Introduces Enso Case and Alchemy 3.0 Addressable RGB Magnetic LED Strips

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 2×120/2x140mm 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. 

Related Reading:

• be quiet! Introduces Dark Base 700 Mid-Tower Case: RGB, USB 3.1 Type-C, Slide Out Radiator Bracket
• Cryorig Releases the Taku ‘Monitor Stand’ ITX Case
• Lian Li Releases PC-Q38 Chassis: Small and Versatile Micro-ITX Case

Cooler Master Debuts Affordable MasterBox Lite 5 Mid-Tower Case

With an eye towards expanding and refreshing their case lineup, Cooler Master has just announced the MasterBox Lite 5 mid-tower case. The Lite 5 is a new model, with a translucent front panel and customizable trim colors. Not to be confused with the MasterCase 5 that we reviewed back in 2015, the MasterBox 5 Lite is the latest variation in the MasterBox 5 series, which now consists of six different models.

The MasterBox Lite 5 is a 43-liter ATX mid-tower design, and This model supports Mini-ITX to ATX motherboards with a total of seven expansion slots. Due to its depth and wide open interior design, this case can handle expansion cards up to 400mm in length, which means that it can easily fit the longest consumer graphics cards on the market. For the CPU cooler, it is worth taking note that, it has a hard z-height limit up to 160mm tall for heatsinks. This doesn’t mean much in the grand scheme of what’s available for CPU cooling, but the tallest models like the Noctua NH-D15 will unfortunately not fit.

With dimensions of 200mm(W) x 468.8 mm(D) x 454.5 mm(H), the case is quite narrow, relatively deep, and a roughly average height. Surprisingly, for a case made with a combination of steel and plastic, it is reasonably lightweight at 5.07kg. While we are on the topic of dimensions, Cooler Master have included a generous 25mm to 35mm of cable routing room behind the motherboard tray.

Liquid cooling capabilities are aplenty, with support for one 120mm radiator at the back of the case and one 240-360mm radiator (up to 50mm thick without fan) on the front of the case. Speaking of fans, there is one 120mm fan pre-installed in the back of the case, and there is room for three 120mm or two 140mm fans on the front of the case. Dust filters are included on the front and bottom of the case (for the PSU fan). When it comes to connectivity, the front I/O panel has two USB 3.0 ports, as well as both audio in and audio out 3.5mm jacks.

As you can probably see, the interior of the case has been split into two chambers. The enclosed bottom chamber is where the power supply – which can be up to 180mm long – is installed. Although not explicitly mentioned in the available documentation, we strongly believe that the bottom chamber is also where you will find the single 2.5″ SSD mount (either there or behind the MB tray) and two combo 2.5″/3.5″ drive bays.

Clearly, one of the main marketing points of this model is aesthetics. The centerpiece is the angular front fascia, which Cooler Master calls their DarkMirror front panel. It is a tinted and highly glossy piece of translucent plastic – likely acrylic like the side panel – that is fully removable to help with the installation of any liquid cooling components. The edge-to-edge side panel window is tinted yet highly transparent, fully removable, and held in place with thumbscrews. As with other MasterCase designs, there are also some external customization possibilities thanks to the inclusion of three trim pieces of various colors – black, white, and red – for both the top and bottom part of the front fascia. And if that is not enough, Cooler Master have also made 3D printing schematics of the top and bottom trim available for download so that DIY community can customize this case. 

The Cooler Master MasterBox 5 Lite is currently available for pre-order at Newegg.com for $50 USD with a stated release date of May 19th.

Gallery: MasterBox Lite 5

Related Reading

• Cooler Master MasterBox 5 Lite Product Page
• The Cooler Master MasterCase 5 Review