Phanteks Enthoo EVOLV ATX Tempered Glass Edition Case Review

The Phanteks Enthoo EVOLV is well sized at 9.25” W x 19.5” H x 20.1” D making the case around the same size at the Thermaltake Core V51.  EVOLV has no external drive bays but does features two USB 3.0 ports and analog audio connections at the top of the case.  You will notice that the front of the case is a solid panel that hides the two 140mm front cooling fans.  They can be swapped out for three 120mm fans to better support small fan fetishes.  The power button is located on the top panel and would be clearly visible when the case is positioned on the ground.

Turning the case around you will notice that the power supply is located at the bottom of the case with a very large opening for the 120mm/140mm rear fan position.  The slots around the outside allow you to position the fan vertically which can be helpful when running a top mounted radiator and rear fan.

The highlight feature of the Phanteks Enthoo EVOLV ATX Tempered Glass Edition is the tempered glass size panels on both sides of the case.  These panels give you a fully unobstructed view inside the case from both the right and left sides.  The panels are made from heavy tempered glass and are shaded with a very light smoke for added style.  A black coating has been applied to the edges of the glass where they touch the case and unlike the regular Enthoo EVOLV the PSU location is exposed though the window.

Much like with other cases using tempered glass side panels the back side of the motherboard is fully exposed and will show off excess cables and anything else you happen to leave behind the motherboard.

The front panel is constructed from 3mm aluminum and is held in place with ball style friction clips for easy removal.  Where there is no direct venting through this panel but is spaced away from the case allowing the two 140mm fans ample breathing room.  It would have been interesting to see this panel with metal mesh or decorative vents to promote better cooling but that would have also radically changed the looks.

Behind the front panel you will find one of two fan filters covering the intake fans.  The panel is easily removed for cleaning and also blocks many of the holes found along the side of the case where air could escape.

EVOLV comes with integrated feet to lift the case away from the floor and provide better ventilation to the PSU.  A slide out filter is provided to prevent dust accumulation.