Unsure which Bitfenix Prodigy to get

[mtrotchie]

I'm starting a new build and have everything picked out save the specific mobo and specific prodigy case. I'll be putting a 4670k and (hopefully) an EVGA 780. However, I'm not sure which bitfenix prodigy case to get. There are many variants such as the itx and matx version as well as side panel windows ones vs mesh panel ones. Aesthetically I prefer the side panel and solid plastic one (the white is my favorite), but I'm unsure if this will make a difference in core temps. I WILL be over clocking and although I'd prefer one with a window, I'd be alright getting the black prodigy for sake of temps. Also anyone have any experience with the prodigy vs prodigy m? If so please suggest which and why... I'm aware of most differences, but still unsure which specific prodigy to get!

 

[RazerZ]

There is a minor difference between the two in terms of temps. I would go with the windowed one and a nice looking GPU.

 

[Rammy]

Prodigy vs Prodigy M
ITX version always. If you need to fit a mATX board or higher, there are better cases. Quick version - poor airflow, awkward layout, inability to fit many common combinations of hardware.

Prodigy Black (mesh front) vs Prodigy Coloured (Solid front)
The real difference in temperature is going to be down to your setup. If for example, you were running a radiator in front section, you'd perhaps notice a significant difference between the two, but for most setups it's not likely to be a huge delta. If you like the white, then there isn't a particularly compelling reason not to.

Mesh Panel vs Window Side Panel
In most cases, this won't make a huge difference but there have been a few users here who've mentioned a significant rise in temperatures from using the windowed side panel. This is likely mainly due to the removal of the primary air supply for the graphics card, as well as the fact the windowed panel makes the case slightly thinner, moving the inside edge of the side panel closer to the graphics card giving less space for air to circulate.
Given the window would sit on the "wrong" side panel anyway (you'll need the front panel section pointed "inwards" ideally) I'd suggest to most people just to avoid the window altogether. If however, it is something you really want, then I'd suggest either drilling extra airholes into the window or/and using a "blower" style GTX780 which will self-exhaust - the Titan cooler GTX780s are excellent for "reference" models.

 

[mtrotchie]

Thank you very much for the knowledgeable comparison! Helped me a lot and I think I'm going to get the windowless white case, but now the question pops whether I want a reference 780 or an aftermarket cooler. Again much thanks

 

[Rammy]

If you have the mesh side panel variant, then there isn't any reason you can't use whichever GTX780 you want, air should be pulled into the side, and any of the hot air thrown off by the card should accumulate in the roof section of the case where it can easily escape. Relative to a standard ATX tower, you might see better graphics card temps due to the position of the card at the very edge of the case.

Just as an FYI, I nearly put together a white Prodigy with one of these- http://img.hexus.net/v2/graphics_cards/nvidia/KFA2/GTX770LTDOC/770LTD-5.jpg which would have looked amazing, but my friend downgraded the budget so it ended up with a GTX660.