THE PRODIGY EXTERIOR

We received the white version of the Prodigy to review which to me is the best looking one of the bunch (currently available in red/orange/black/white). The Prodigy mini-ITX case measures a total of 359mm in depth, 250mm in width and 404mm in height.

As already mentioned the Prodigy is not as small as most HTPC cases and to show that we placed it right next to the Bitfenix Outlaw Midi Tower.

I really would like to see a clear plastic (plexi) window on the left side but instead we see what seems to be an area for extra intake fans.

Unfortunately this is not the case and so this is just an perforated section to improve airflow in the interior.

The design/lines of the front fascia is very simple but thanks to the top/bottom handle-like feet it looks a lot better.

A full 5.25" optical drive bay is present at the top end of the fascia while on the lower section we see the Bitfenix logo.

There are several holes surrounding the front fascia which clearly indicates the existence of an intake fan behind the fascia.

Surprisingly enough the right side panel is more impressive than the left one and so here we see that Bitfenix has placed the I/O panel which includes the On/Off/Reset buttons, headset/microphone plugs (mini jacks) and two USB 3.0 ports.

There's a large perforated section at the top of the Prodigy which can be removed at the push of a switch.

Beneath that you can either install 2x120mm exhaust fans or an 240mm radiator, it's clearly your choice.

The rear of the Prodigy is also white and has some interesting features.

First of all the Prodigy comes ready with an 120mm exhaust fan, you can however replace it with an 140mm one of your choosing.

We also see two PCI expansion slots which are secured in place with the help of rubber coated thumbscrews.

Finally the PSU space is at the bottom (you will need to remove the four thumbscrews first, attach the plate on the PSU and then place it back on).

At the bottom we see a somewhat large air filter (for the PSU) and 6 screws (these hold the bottom drive tray in place).

Bitfenix has only used rubber coated thumbscrews with the Prodigy something which i hope becomes a standard soon.