BitFenix Pandora Review

Performance Analysis

As the CPU height limitation meant we couldn't use our usual micro-ATX test gear, as we have done with several other cases in the past, we used our mini-ITX test gear instead. This includes a low profile cooler, so a larger tower cooler or all-in-one liquid cooler will likely give better results. Even so, with no rear fans, the main airflow has to go through 90 degrees in order to exit the case through the roof fan. This is a slightly disadvantageous setup but combined with some very quiet fans, we weren't surprised to see the Pandora post some very average temperatures. The CPU delta T of 60°C was mediocre compared to most of the cases we've tested.


A lot have the same number or more fans but as they're dealing with much smaller volume cases, they had a larger effect. The GPU delta T of 54°C was slightly less than average but the best case on test only managed a result 10°C lower. Considering the front 120mm fan isn't even pointing at the GPU, this isn't a bad result and adding another front 120mm would likely improve things. As it stands, out of the box the Pandora is very quiet indeed and we simply couldn't hear the fans over our graphics card and even stopping its fan for a few moments meant the case wasn't audible a few feet away.

Conclusion

The case isn't quite a Pandora's box for BitFenix; the average cooling can be forgiven given the Pandora's low noise and slim size although in the quest to keep the price under £100, this has meant it lacks a second front intake fan. This could have made quite a difference to the cooling. It's not bad out of the box, but you'll certainly want to consider an all-in-one liquid cooler, especially given the CPU cooler height limitation. In addition, blowing some air straight at the GPU cooler will likely improve things here too.

Apart from a few rough edges of our pre-production sample (these should be fixed when it lands on shelves) we had no qualms about making this a full review either. Overall build quality is good; our main concern really is the lack of cable routeing. This is a case for a single GPU and two storage drives - anything more complicated and things could get messy.

The plus sides are that you get a funky front programmable display, a striking case that's unique-looking with a particularly slim footprint compared to a small tower. Price-wise the Pandora is certainly where it should be although it's definitely a case that relies on its aesthetics rather than cooling or features to win you over. As such, though it doesn't score highly as a result, if the design and programmable display appeal to you, we can certainly recommend it.