Phanteks EVOLV X review - Introduction

Phanteks EVOLV X review

A true revolution?

This time we’re checking out the new Phanteks Enthoo Evolv X Glass mid-tower PC chassis, which is the successor to the Evolv ATX. The first important difference is the use of tempered glass panels instead of acrylic ones. The weight is now 15 kg instead of 10.2 kg, and that’s a huge difference. As mentioned in the news from 29^th of August:

“The Evolv X is assembled with premium materials and has been refined with enhanced cooling to ensure a balance between airflow and clean aesthetics. Dual system configuration is now possible on the Evolv X with the optional IT X upgrade k its and new REVOLT X power supplies. Integrated with Digital RGB illumination with a tastefully designed color profile, the Evolv X leaves an impression. The Evolv X comes with a new level of cable management that makes installation and organization a breeze. The new tool-less panels cover your cables while adding additional storage to the case. Whether you game, work, or stream the Evolv X has got you covered!

Phanteks increases the air intakes on the lid and on the front. The now indirectly illuminated front panel now sits three centimeters away from the fans behind it, which also improves the air flow. The use of water cooling Phanteks wants to facilitate by retractable brackets for the radiators and at the front findable recesses for fill and drain ports. Heat exchangers including fans are limited to a depth of 95 millimeters at the front and 65 millimeters below the top of the Evolv X. The fan control will also be upgraded. As usual, it can control 3-pin fans based on a PWM signal, but it can also address PWM fans directly. The relocation of the control unit directly under the lid and thus close to the largest number of fans facilitates cable laying. Covers for cables on the back of the case, which also faces through a second glass side panel, serve the same purpose.”

Three colours are available:

• Satin Black
• Anthracite Grey
• Galaxy Silver
   

Phanteks provided us with the last variant, which will surely stand out from the crowd. The Evolv X’s features include:

• Premium materials, with sandblasted aluminium used for the panels
• The possibility of a dual-system upgrade (with the Revolv X power supply and Phanteks’s ITX Upgrade Kit – both sold separately)
• Digital RGB illumination with tastefully designed colour profiles, compatible with Aura Sync and MSI Mystic Light Sync
• USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C connector on the front panel
• Tool-less panels that conceal all your cables, while keeping them secure
• Enhanced cooling, including more effective spacing and mesh elements

The Phanteks Evolv X is not a small chassis. It measures 520 × 240 × 520 mm (64.90 l), weighs about 15 kg, and supports up to E-ATX motherboards. It’s possible to mount a maximum of ten 3.5” drives, or nine 2.5” ones. On the front, you will find the following ports:

• USB 3.0 (2 x),
• USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C (1 x),
• 3.5 mm HD audio jacks
• and 2 buttons for the RGB controller (mode/colour)

The Phanteks Evolv X has many cooling options, with support for up to 420 mm radiators in the front, 360 mm on the top, and a 140 mm radiator in the rear. Dust filters have been installed on the front, on the top, and at the bottom. The Dutch manufacturer provides users with three Phanteks Premium 140 mm fans.

The Phanteks Evolv X offers support for:

• Max CPU Cooler height of up to 190mm
• Max GPU Length of up to 435 mm (without optional HDD cages)
• Unlimited Max PSU Length

Many optional upgrades are available, so you can adjust the chassis to your requirements very well. The MSRP is 199 EUR which is not cheap. Overall, that does sound very tempting and should attract many customers (provided they can afford the cost). Aaah, a couple of words about the warranty. The duration is as follows:

• Fans - 5 years
• I/O Ports - 2 years
•  Fan Hub -2 years
• LED Lighting - 2 years
• Buttons - 2 years
• Chassis - 5 years
• Front and Top Panels - 5 years

But let us check this piece of art out in practice. Next page, please.