Results 1 to 3 of 3

Thread: Fractal Arc or BitFenix Shinobi

  1. #1
    Speculation Junkie
    Join Date
    Jun 2011
    Location
    Durham
    Posts
    411
    Thanks
    42
    Thanked
    16 times in 13 posts
    • EvanJackPenn's system
      • Motherboard:
      • ASUS Maximus V GENE
      • CPU:
      • Intel Core i5-3570k @ 4.4GHz w/ Corsair H100
      • Memory:
      • 8GB Corsair Vengeance 1600MHz @ CAS 9
      • Storage:
      • 500GB Samsung 850, 2TB Seagate Barracuda Green
      • Graphics card(s):
      • MSI RX480 8GB
      • PSU:
      • BeQuiet E9 480W
      • Case:
      • Fractal Arc Mini
      • Operating System:
      • Windows 10, 64-bit
      • Monitor(s):
      • LG IPS235V, Dell E172FPt
      • Internet:
      • Crappy Sky

    Fractal Arc or BitFenix Shinobi

    Hi guys,

    I've recently been looking at cases for my (probably further delayed due to HDD prices) new build. I had pretty much settled on the Fractal Arc Midi, when I stumbled upon the BitFenix Shinobi which created a dillema for me.

    What I want in a case:
    • Not overly expensive, but not cheap; inexpensive is what I want
    • Understated looks, nothing garish; stylish
    • Good airflow and cooling
    • Not overly noisy
    • Easy to build in
    • Good cable management


    I have weighed up the pros and cons of each case:

    Arc Midi:
    + Looks good
    + Removable HDD and 3 fans make for good cooling
    + Wide for easy building
    + Rubber grommets for cables
    - More expensive than the Shinobi
    - Noisy fans
    - No sidewindow, and no dust filter on side grill

    Shinobi:
    + Looks good
    + Side window
    + Cheaper
    + Quieter
    + Relatively easy building
    - Lower quality
    - Relatively poor cooling
    - Non-removable HDD cages

    I think I do prefer the look of the BitFenix, but the cooling (and perhaps quality) is inferior - I was planning on adding extra fans; an extra intake on the front and an exhaust at the top. This would pretty much even the price though, and I don't know how well it would affect cooling.

    Regarding the side panel of the Arc, Fractal support (whom replied very fast, and very helpfully) said:
    Quote Originally Posted by Fractal Support
    Hi,

    The fan slot is of 180mm size, so a 120mm filter will not cover all of it. We unfortunately don't have such a filter in our own product lineup, and I'm not sure if there are 180mm filters of other brands available in shops. However, if you use the fan slot to push air out of the case, dust should not be a problem.

    As for a revision of the case; we are always looking for ways to improve and update our cases. Currently we are working on designing a windowed side panel for the Arc Midi, although we are still in the development stage of this project so it's very difficult to predict when it will be ready.

    Best regards,

    Fractal Design

    Does anyone here have experience with either of these two cases? Do you have reccomendations for either?

    Thanks :3


    For reference:
    Shinobi price
    Arc price

  2. #2
    Raging Bull DeludedGuy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Location
    London
    Posts
    2,594
    Thanks
    112
    Thanked
    76 times in 55 posts
    • DeludedGuy's system
      • Motherboard:
      • Gigabyte H87M-HD3
      • CPU:
      • Core i5 4440
      • Memory:
      • 8GB DDR3 1800mhz
      • Storage:
      • 250GB Samsung 840 SSD
      • Graphics card(s):
      • Gigabyte R9 270 OC 2GB
      • PSU:
      • BeQuiet Pure Power L8 600w
      • Case:
      • Silverstone TJ08-E
      • Operating System:
      • Windows 7
      • Monitor(s):
      • 24" Dell U2414H
      • Internet:
      • 75Mb BT Infinity

    Re: Fractal Arc or BitFenix Shinobi

    Silverstone TJ08-E meets all your requirements and IMO better looking then those. The Bit Tech review claims its one of the best cases in terms of cooling.

  3. #3
    F.A.S.T. Butuz's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2003
    Location
    Wales
    Posts
    4,708
    Thanks
    51
    Thanked
    72 times in 59 posts
    • Butuz's system
      • Motherboard:
      • MSI Z77 MPOWER
      • CPU:
      • I7 3770K @ 4.6
      • Memory:
      • 16GB Corsair XMS 1866
      • Storage:
      • Sandisk SSDs
      • Graphics card(s):
      • 3xR9 290
      • PSU:
      • be quiet! Dark Power Pro 10
      • Case:
      • Inwin H Frame
      • Operating System:
      • Windows 7

    Re: Fractal Arc or BitFenix Shinobi

    Two possible problems with the TJ08-E

    1. Its matx only. Could be. Problem for some.

    2. It only exists in internet review websites. You cant buy one. I am waiting for one myself!!

    The Arc is better than the TJ for watercooling though so if your after water go for the Arc. If its air, go with the TJ.

    Butuz

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads

  1. Fractal Design Arc Midi
    By EvanJackPenn in forum Chassis and Mods
    Replies: 15
    Last Post: 22-10-2011, 01:16 PM
  2. BitFenix
    By abitlover in forum SCAN.care@HEXUS
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 20-12-2010, 12:40 PM
  3. Fractal Define R2 Review!
    By Disturbedguy in forum Chassis and Mods
    Replies: 30
    Last Post: 04-09-2010, 06:11 PM
  4. Help to bring back ARC
    By SilentDeath in forum Gaming
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 21-12-2003, 06:06 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •