The back panel also features eight card slots and four cable pass through points at the top. That would allow you to run any number of cables through if, for example, you had USB, SATA, or other devices that you wanted to run right into the case itself.

The card slots themselves are also screwless and featured snap-lock levers that firmly hold the cards into place. In fact, no where in the case did I ever feel it was necessary to use a screw to mount something except for the motherboard and the power supply. Even though the option was there for the optical drives, it is quite firmly held in place.

The rubber pieces for the cable management system liked to fall out while I was running cables with them, most likely loosened during shipping. They were easy enough to put back into place without a hassle and once done so properly, stayed in place.

Overall/Conclusion

The contruction of the case is very high quality and it offers a lot of standard features for higher-end PC cases. However, I felt the external, front-panel USB cable runs could use a lot of improvement as you had to run the cables in between the buttons on the top dock and then mash them into the cable runs potentially damaging thicker USB cables. Since a lot of gaming peripherals have thicker cables these proved mostly useless to me. Also I managed to scratch one of my side panels as they are painted metal and not rubberized like the top and front of the case). I thought it strange that the rubberized the main chassis but not the removable side panels, which are probably more likely to be scratch as you have to remove them. I felt they should have been rubberized as well. (I am told they are considering new side-panel coatings)

The internal size is massive and that meant long cable runs which means you will probably need some extenders so that the cables from your power supply are able to reach everything, unless of course you’ve already got a high-quality power supply with lengthy cables. This is not a case design problem, but rather a components-used on our end problem.

With the power supply being in the back, lower corner of the case it is positioned far from many of the things that needed power (drives, mainboard power plug) so be sure you’ve got the proper power supply. Also, you will need a power supply with a lot of plugs as mine didn’t have enough for my three drives and for the lighting system.

Of course, if you’ve got a high-performance power supply you’re sure to have enough plugs and probably longer cables. This would be standard for most users of this type of case, it’s only of concern if you’re moving from a smaller case with a lower-end power supply.

All in all, the case had a negative airflow meaning it was pushing air out. This indicated to me that the two 230mm fans were more than adequate and when combined with the power supply the air was pushed through the case quite well. That’s a good thing as cooler, external air is being continually drawn in.

The Bitfenix Colossus is a well-constructed, sturdy and roomy PC case overall. It’s large enough to be used as an office server but hiding it away in some IT closet would be a waste as its body is extremely stylish and the lighting system is pretty cool.

Everyone who sees it comments first on its size and then on how cool it looks. Aside from some external cable management issues and the distance from the power supply to everything else, this case was a dream to install. It’s a shame that I scratched one of my side panels so easily as it means you may also until they decide to change the side coating. Luckily, I managed to touch it up enough so that no one notices.

If Bitfenix improves the front USB cable channels and the side panel coating, the Colossus would be solid gold. I’m told some changes are in the works. If they implement these changes, we’ll certainly let you know because it would push the case to a Gold Award.

The Bitfenix Colossus is available in Europe from CaseKing.

Bitfenix Colossus Technical Specs