Performance and Conclusion
The finished build in the Nova TG looks good, thanks to the ability to keep most of the cable mess out of view.
Around back you can see where the extra cables reside, and you really don't need to do much in the way of organization as the rear side panel is very forgiving with its expanded design.
Thermals and Noise
| Test Platform | |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i7-7700K |
| Motherboard | GIGABYTE H270 Gaming 3 |
| Memory | G.Skill Aegis 8 GB 2400 MHz DDR4 |
| Graphics Card | AMD Radeon R9 290X (Reference) |
| Storage | Corsair FORCE LE 240 GB SATA 6.0 GB/s SSD |
| Power Supply | Seasonic S12II 620W |
| CPU Cooler | Noctua NH-U9S (PWM) |
| OS | Windows 8.1 64-bit |
Performance with this case was pretty similar to the recently reviewed Be Quiet 601, and apologies in advance for a lack of other cases on these charts but I am still working to rebuild chart data with this exact component configuration.
Noise levels were also good, with the always loud R9 290X reference card actually a little lower than the 601 somehow – but still within the margin of error for my sound meter.
Idle noise was slightly more noticeable with the Nova TG compared to the very quiet Be Quiet case, but still, for under $60 both the temps and noise with this case are outstanding.
Conclusion
With the Nova TG, BitFenix has produced an unassuming mid-tower PC case that offers the right mix of features for its attractively low retail price. It has enough legacy DNA to make it a solid choice for a variety of systems and components, and while it does not have the modern “open” internal layout sans optical drive support, etc., this is actually an advantage in a market filled with cases that have ever fewer hard drive bays tucked away behind PSU shrouds and zero optical drive support.
For all of us who still require optical media and like to keep extra storage in our primary enclosures, the Nova TG has legitimate hard drive support and standard 5.25-inch optical drive support (no slim or slot load drives here) and does it in a package that looks nice and provides an uncomplicated build process. Yes, if feels a little thinner in places, and it doesn't have proper expansion slot covers, but the glass side panel does help make the finished build look like a more expensive case (the Nova TG's current price is just $56.99).
Bottom line, the Nova TG does what it was designed to do, and does it very well. An excellent budget choice.
I wonder what the airflow
I wonder what the airflow would be like with a few more drives in there. It’s already limited by having to come in the 2 sides only. Then it has to go through the drive cages. It might have been an idea to have some drive mounts behind the motherboard tray to make some extra use of the bowed out side panel and remove some of the drive cages to allow more airflow.
But I guess I shouldn’t be picky for such a cheap case – they have a lot in it for the budget.