A feature-packed modder’s dream
So why is this Evolv ATX so much better that the ITX version, or the original Evolv Phanteks, released way back in September 2014? Quite simply, it’s the build quality. This isn’t a cheap case, oh no – it’s currently available for £140 over at www.overclockers.co.uk, and we’ll admit that figure is enough to make anyone wince. But then you unpack the chassis. And then you take a look at what’s included, and the stunning build quality that’s been achieved. You quickly begin to appreciate what Phanteks has managed to pull off at such a low (yes, low) price point.
The case itself is made up entirely of solid 3mm-thick aluminium panels situated on top of an all-steel chassis. That gives it a hefty, solid dependability, plus also makes a lovely ‘ding’ noise when you flick it (admittedly not a vital case-buying prerequisite, but nice all the same). There’s little-to-no flex in any of the panels (including the windowed side panel), all of which have sounddampening foam on the joins, preventing any excess noise from vibration.
The case itself is incredibly modular. Indeed, it’s a modder’s dream. Supporting up to seven 3.5-inch drives (five with the included brackets) and four 2.5-inch drives (two included), it’s neatly partitioned into two separate compartments for your power supply and motherboard, with plenty of room in the back for cable management, including some of Phanteks’s Velcro cable-tidy straps and a multitude of tie-down points as well.
The chassis also has a vast array of features, including a sliding radiator bracket in the top that you can remove for easy installation of all-in-ones or radiators, hinged and removable sidepanel doors, and support for a multitude of water-cooling components. Phanteks also supports several places to mount a pump for water cooling, thanks to the included pump bracket.
The case itself doesn’t feature a 5.25-inch bay – for an optical drive, say, though this is something we don’t really see as a necessity anymore – besides, in a world of streaming and USB solutions, it’s not that expensive to go out and buy an external drive for the rare times that you actually need to burn a disk onto something.
As far as negatives go, the front I/O consists of two USB 3.0 ports and a headphone and microphone jack. It would’ve been nice to have seen an additional two USB ports here, especially for an ATX case of this size. Additionally, while the perforated floor separating the power supply from the motherboard allows for ample airflow, it would’ve looked a lot cleaner aesthetically if the panel was solid.
All in all though, this chassis is definitely worth buying for those looking to invest in a premium case with plenty of room to manoeuvre. It’s incredibly clean and has an air of professionalism about it with the kind of sophisticated flair you’d get from a Jaguar F-Type. Sophisticated yet elegant. We love this case. ZAK STOREY
SPECIFICATIONS
Form factor E-ATX (up to 264mm), ATX, microATX, Mini-ITX
Dimensions & weight 235 x 495 x 510mm; 10.2kg
Cooling Front: 3x 120mm/2x 140mm (2x 140mm included); Top: 3x 120mm/2x 140mm; Rear: 120/140mm (1x 140mm included)
CPU cooler clearance 194mm
Graphics card max length 420mm (no HDD brackets); 300mm (with HDD brackets)
Storage support 4x 2.5-inch SSD mounts; 7x 3.5-inch HDD mounts