Scythe Fenris Wolf
Manufacturer:Scythe
UK Price (as reviewed):£134.99 (inc. VAT)
US Price (as reviewed):$167.79 (ex. Tax)
As we’ve looked at more and more cases in past year there’s been a continued vein of support within our forums for a case that keeps it simple, in terms of both looks and features, while still delivering the excellent build quality and value for money bit-tech readers expect.
It’s the reason the P182 is still so enormously popular amongst our forumites and is a feat that hasn’t really been repeated since. Yes, we’ve looked at some awesome cases, but there’s still part of us that yearns for the balance of well executed simplicity, performance and affordability – we can’t all stretch to an ATCS 840 after all.
And it’s simplicity that Japanese manufacturer Scythe is aiming for with its newest foray into enthusiast cases, the Fenris Wolf, something of a change of direction from Scythe’s recently unrestrained approach to its CPU cooler designs. Built around the same proven core chassis as Hiper’s Anubis and Osiris cases and designed in conjunction with German modder Benjamin Franz, the Fenris Wolf certainly seems to be in with a shout at being something special. It is able to deliver? Let’s find out. 
Click to enlarge
Before we start, it’s worth mentioning the Hiper’s Osiris, and that’s because the Fenris Wolf, while shipping under Scythe’s banner, is actually built around a modified version of Hiper’s alloy chassis. That’s no bad thing considering our past experiences with it in the Osiris and Anubis, both of which demonstrated excellent build quality throughout, but while core framework underneath might be the same, the styling and panelling are quite a bit different.
Aesthetically the Fenris Wolf is very simple and plain, a blank canvas if you will, which hardly comes as a surprise considering it’s been designed in conjunction with a proven case modder. For those not looking to pick up a dremel though there’s a simple silver “b” inlayed into the left hand side panel, which is just enough to keep the case looking like a featureless black box from the side – they are no windows or over the top ventilated sections here. 
Click to enlarge - opening the door too far easily warps the hinges
The minimalist design continues with the case’s door, a modified version of the Osiris’ gorgeously curved front fascia that’s now hinged on one side and fitted with a huge finely meshed grill to allow airflow into the case. While the door is well finished, with rubber pads to stop it slamming and magnets to keep the door closed demonstrating good attention to detail, the hinges are far from great, as not only are they non-reversible, but only open to 135°.
If you were to accidentally knock the door back past this angle (as we managed during our time with it) you’ll risk seriously damaging both the door and the hinges. This is a frustrating problem that Antec solved almost two years ago on the P182 with the inclusion of 270° hinges.
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