Page 2 - Physical Look - Outside
The last case I reviewed, the In Win 904 Plus, was definitely attractive with its full metal and glass design. However, today's Enthoo EVOLV ATX is quite attractive for both similar and different reasons. The chassis in question today has actually evolv-ed from the original EVOLV and EVOLV ITX. Thus, many of the design cues are directly from its smaller counterparts. For example, a similar octagonal shape is here. The front panel is clearly separated from the sides, and these gaps are found all around the front panel for air ventilation. Practically, all the external sides, with the exception of the side window, is made out of 3mm thick aluminum panels, which makes up a sturdy external frame. The window is plastic and it can get scratched, so be sure to handle this side with care. Otherwise, the window is also tinted, but still transparent enough to see inside.
Unlike the other Phanteks case we received, the Enthoo Primo White reviewed by fellow editor Preston Yuen, the Enthoo EVOLV ATX is definitely simpler and even cleaner in appearance. The design is like a mix between simplicity and utility. The utilitarian feel comes from the fact there are many angles and not all the edges are rounded out as we saw on the 904 Plus. On the other hand, the entire product feels polished and clean, especially with the brushed metal. It does not necessarily strike me as a gamer-centric unit, but thankfully it is not fridge-like, like the Fractal Design Define R5. Whether you like it or not will come down to preference, but you can agree with me in saying the Enthoo EVOLV ATX is unique. Even though it is derived directly from the past EVOLVs, Phanteks should be quite proud of the design. Just to note, if Satin Black is not your flavor of choice, the Enthoo EVOLV ATX is also available in Anthracite Gray, which is like a slate gray.
In terms of dimensions, the Phanteks Enthoo EVOLV ATX is a mid-tower ATX case, measuring in at a height of 495mm, width of 235mm, and depth of 510mm. This is wider than both the In Win 904 Plus and the Fractal Design Core 3300. In addition, it is the tallest case I have used, even if only by a few millimeters. With its full aluminum exterior and steel chassis, the Phanteks Enthoo EVOLV ATX tips the scale at 10.2kg, but this is still lighter than the In Win 904 Plus. I should note once you start putting your components inside, the Enthoo EVOLV ATX becomes even heavier, so be careful when moving your rig around. Some handles might have been nice on this, but as the Enthoo EVOLV ATX is not aimed for the LAN party crowd, I can understand this omission.
One of the few differences within the Enthoo EVOLV lineup, besides the obvious size difference, is the placement of the I/O ports. The original EVOLV has USB ports and audio jacks on the right panel, while the EVOLV ITX has them on the front panel. As for today's Phanteks Enthoo EVOLV ATX, the input and output ports are hidden behind a flappy metal panel for a sleeker and refined look. From left to right we have two USB 3.0 ports, microphone and headphone jacks, and a reset switch. The power switch, like the ITX version of the Enthoo EVOLV, is on the top for easy access. The ports on the Enthoo EVOLV ATX also have enough space around them, so larger devices like the Kingston MobileLite G3 should not have any difficulty in plugging in. Unfortunately, there is no hard drive activity light, and the only light is found below on the front panel for power. I would prefer to see some activity light, even if it is just for a visual cue. On the other hand, you may have noticed several extra LEDs come in the accessory box, and these allow users to change the lights between four different colors. A white LED is pre-installed, but blue, green, and red LEDs are also included.
Popping the front panel off the Phanteks Enthoo EVOLV ATX is as easy as gripping the panel on the sides and pulling the metal plate off. Behind the front is a removable plastic vent, which pops off just as easily. This allows for hassle-free cleaning of the vent. Behind the vent are two included 140mm Phanteks fans. If air cooling is your choice, the front panel can handle up to three 120mm or two 140mm fans. On the other hand, for liquid coolers, the front panel can handle a 360mm or a 280mm radiator. Other liquid cooling features are also available on the Enthoo EVOLV ATX, and I will bring these up as we get to them. The lack of a 5.25" drive cage is noticeable, but this is understandable considering the dying nature of optical drives in general. In addition, this opens up the interior for better airflow, but we will look more into this later.
Moving to the back, the third Phanteks 140mm fan is mounted here, and can be seen through the grille. The grilles at the back are a honeycomb-like design, allowing for maximum airflow while being sturdy enough. Next to the fan is the opening for the motherboard I/O shield. Underneath, there are seven white expansion port coverings with enough room for CrossFire or SLI configurations of graphics cards. These brackets are tool-free, as thumbscrews hold the covers in place. At the bottom of the back panel is the power supply opening. Finally, an additional vent area is found to the right of the white bracket covers, and this is allows for better airflow out the back. In addition, center column slits are present for mounting a reservoir used in custom loop water coolers.
Finally, at the bottom, there are a few more things to point out. For one, there are two extended feet with a rectangular rubber pad on each corner. The extended feet are made out of the same aluminum, and they do a great job of ensuring there is enough airflow from underneath, even if it is sitting on a carpeted floor. The rubber pads are also nice to see, as it reduces the vibration between the case and the floor. Near the back of the bottom is a plastic removable air filter, which lies under the power supply. This hard plastic and mesh filter is similar to the one they employ on the front panel, and should stop dust from getting into the power supply. On the front, there are four more slits for different mounting places in custom loop water cooling. With all that out of the way, let us take a look at the insides.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. Physical Look - Outside
3. Physical Look - Inside
4. Installation and Conclusion
