BITFENIX NOVA
The BitFenix Nova is a very popular option for an entry level case, as it’s cheap but has a nice, tidy, simple design with a window. However, particularly when compared to the more modern layout of the Aerocool 300, it feels dated. The main culprit is the very old-school layout with a full-height drive bay column at the front that doesn’t even have 3.5in bays that face the side panel. As such, you have to remove or work around the PSU to install hard drives. Thankfully, for those with long graphics cards, so long as they aren’t too tall, you can maneuver them under the drive cage to install them. Plus, if you want a small case but still use optical drives then the Nova can accommodate you.
Cooling options are basic but sufficient if you’re not interested in water or all-in-one coolers. You get two 120mm fan mounts at the front and one at the rear, which is already occupied.
Nonetheless, this modest configuration and the lack of top or side penal ventilation meant that this was the only case on test to noticeably fall behind in our cooling tests. It came last in both CPU and GPU cooling and by a clear distance.
All told, this stalwart of budget cases is starting to look a bit long in the tooth as more modern designs outclass it.