Phanteks Evolv Tempered Glass Case Review

By Jason Vaught

Manufacturer: Phanteks
Product Name: Enthoo Evolv ATX Computer Case – Tempered Glass Edition
Model Number: PH-ES515ETG
UPC: 886523300939
Price As Tested: $189.99 (Amazon | NewEgg)

Full Disclosure: The product sample used in this article has been provided by Phanteks.

The Phanteks Evolv Tempered Glass Case is the newest addition to the Enthoo series offered by Phanteks. This mid-tower case sports tempered glass side panels, a modular design, and an abundance of water cooling support. The Evolv Tempered Glass also features filtered ventilation, expandable RGB lighting, modular HDD/SSD options, PWM fan hub and three Phanteks Ph-F140SP 140mm fans pre-installed (two in the front, one in the rear).

The Phanteks Evolv Tempered Glass comes in three colors: Galaxy Silver, Satin Black and Anthracite Grey. Benchmark Reviews will be testing the Galaxy Silver variant of this case.

Features & Specifications

The Phanteks Evolv Tempered Glass is marketed as a mid-tower computer case that features water cooling compatibility without sacrificing airflow. Airflow is achieved through the fan mounting options. With this case, you can have; 2 x 140mm fans or 3 x 120mm fans in the front, 1 x 140mm or 1 x 120mm in the rear, and 2 x 140mm fans or 3 x 120mm fans in the top. All intakes are filtered, as well as the top (integrated). As with most modern cases, direct path cooling for the PSU is also filtered.

The front of the Phanteks Evolv Tempered Glass features a 3mm thick aluminum front panel, an RGB LED power indicator, as well as filtered intake vents for the two standard 140mm Phanteks fans that come equipped with the case.

At the top of the front bezel is a small flip up panel that reveals two USB 3.0 ports, a 3.5mm headphone jack, a 3.5mm microphone jack, as well as an RGB LED controller button. The RGB LED controller button on this case serves multiple functions. A “long press” of the button turns the LEDs on or off, a less than 1 second press changes the colors, and a 2 sec press changes the mode between static, breathing and color cycle.

Did I mention that this case has tempered glass on both sides? This feature can be viewed as either a blessing or a curse. With the sample we received, the “Phanteks” logo on the velcro straps are upside down and not reversible. This may not bother some, but in a case where cable management will be critical, my OCD can’t help but feel bothered by this oversight. Preferably, Phanteks would just make these blank, it would save money and avoid misprinting issues.

The rear of the case comes with vented PCI slot covers, a 140mm fan pre-installed (with the option to use a 120mm instead), more ventilation next to the PCI slots, and of course an I/O panel. You’ll notice, if you haven’t already, that the side panels are attached via thumb screws on the side of the case and not at the back like most cases. The rear fan mount is slotted to include support for 140mm or 120mm radiators. Something unusual you may notice about the ventilation next to the PCI slots, it has two vertical slots! What this means is that you can mount a small tube style reservoir right next to the PCI slots at the back of the case, thus extending the water cooling capabilities.

As per the standard with most filtered cases, the PSU is also filtered by a mesh screen, negating the need to remove the PSU for screen cleaning.

Phanteks built this case with flexibility in mind, while maintaining a bling factor. Modular function is the key to this case’s versatility.

Phanteks has included an assortment of screws for radiators, HDD/SSDs, and even some extended thumb screws. Unlike most other manufacturers who merely throw these in a bag, Phanteks has them pre-sorted in a plastic organization container, a nice touch. Also included is three modular 3.5″/2.5″ horizontal HDD/SSD mounting brackets, a sound dampened water pump mount, some zip ties and of course the user’s manual. Phanteks did throw in one of their LED extension kits, although this does not appear to come standard for this case and would need to be purchased separately. Phanteks offers two LED extension kits, model numbers PH-LEDKT_M1 (1 meter) and PH-LEDKT_M2 (2 meter).

Pop off the securely held front bezel and you’ll reveal a large, mesh filter that can also be easily popped off for cleaning. In the above photo you will also see the 2 Phanteks 140mm fans that come pre-installed in the system. The front is also slotted to include support for 120mm, 140mm, 240mm, 280mm, and 360mm radiators.

With the tinted tempered glass panel removed on the right side (the case’s right) of the case, you see a blacked out interior featuring rubber grommets and plenty of cable routing options. You’ll also notice a shroud over the bottom of the case forward of the PSU. For some reason, Phanteks decided not to shroud the actual PSU, instead opting to shroud the bottom HDD cage. It is worth noting, that all the holes you see forward of the motherboard are for various reservoir mounting configurations, as well as mounting HDD/SSD brackets at whatever height pleases you most. Phanteks did include something interesting though, on the front of the shroud you’ll notice 4 rubber grommeted screws. These screws are for an optional SSD mounting point, Phanteks item number PH-SDBKT. You can also purchase additional HDD/SSD horizontal mounting brackets if you so desire (PH-HDDKT_01).

With the left side tempered glass removed, you’ll first notice the upside down Phanteks logos on the velcro straps. Ok, maybe that won’t be the first thing you notice, but now that you know it will be the first thing you notice. You’re welcome. Getting back to the left interior, Phanteks has integrated 2 SSD mounting brackets onto the back of the motherboard, two 2 x 3.5″/2.5″ tool-less HDD/SSD slide out cages, as well as a pre-defined channel and path for your cable routing. The integrated velcro straps help to alleviate the need to constantly cut and reattach zip ties should you decide to upgrade or change any cabling within the case in the future.

Here we can see how the horizontal HDD/SSD brackets attach inside the case (on the motherboard side). They would take up position at any height or configuration directly in front of the front fans. Also you’ll notice slots cut into the top of the shroud, at the front, allowing for additional mounting points for a water pump and/or hard drives (creatively).

This case is loaded with so many features, we needed to extend the Detailed Features onto another page.

This closeup of the HDD/SSD bottom mounted slide-out trays reveals how the tool-less design works. Also worth noting is the rubber grommeted screws to the rear of the slide out trays. This is another HDD/SSD mounting location for an optional bracket (Phanteks item number PH-HDDKT).

To use the sound dampened pump mount in the bottom of this case, you’ll need to remove the pre-installed drive cage. Also worth noting is the rubber grommeted screws to side of the pump mount. This is another HDD mounting location for an optional bracket (Phanteks item number PH-HDDKT). This would come in handy if you need an additional storage spot and was utilizing the pump mount. The optional HDD bracket only supports 3.5″ drives, but you could always use a slim 3.5″ to 2.5″ adapter plate to make it compatible with an SSD.

One of the best features about the Phanteks Evolv Tempered Glass case is the slide out fan/radiator mount. This mounting location will hold 3 x 120mm fans or 2 x 140mm fans. Radiator compatibility includes 120mm. 140mm, 240mm, 280mm, and 360mm, with a radiator bracket.

On the back of the motherboard, there is a PWM fan controller. This controller will work 6 fans from one PWM motherboard header. It is recommended by Phanteks to connect the PWM cable to the motherboard’s “CPU_Fan” port. It is worth noting that this controller requires it’s own SATA power input from the PSU. Also, since this is a PWM modulated hub, it can only receive 1 RPM signal. Therefore, the motherboard will only read the RPM signal from 1 device connected to “Fan 1”. The RPM for fans 2 through 6 will be regulated according to “Fan 1”. So if you need to utilize a Y splitter for your fans, do not connect it to “Fan 1”.

Here we can see an exploded view of the various case panels, filters, and radiator bracket. While this case may have many removable parts, it in no way feels rickety or cheap.

Custom water cooling loops in this case should be fairly easy to accomplish. With the various radiator options in the front, rear, and top, you should be able to easily cool a CPU and a pair of GPUs. Phanteks clearly had this case lined up to utilize tube style reservoirs when they developed the interior layout. Especially with the case lacking any 5.25″ drive bay support.

For those of you who like to utilize AIO (all-in-one) liquid coolers, such as the Corsair H100i, then this case would work very well. With the slide out radiator bracket in the top, it would make AIO installation even easier and still have room at the front and rear for an AIO cooled GPU or even a pair of AIO cooled GPUs. That being said, custom water loops is what this case is built for, utilizing AIOs would somewhat negate the need for this case, other than the bling factor of those tinted tempered glass panels.

Phanteks Evolv Tempered Glass Case Conclusion

Given the number of fan mount locations and options, options for radiators and pumps, and the sheer amount of configuration options, this case can easily perform as your daily driver or gaming PC. The only drawback to the performance of this case is the lack of any sound dampening. Be that as it may, choosing the right parts will negate this problem.

Appearance wise, the Phanteks Evolv Tempered Glass is simply stunning. The tinting of the glass, the aesthetics of the design choices, makes this case very noticeable in a high end way. The lack of 5.25″ bays and the options to add more RGB LED lighting, will surely make it easy to achieve a very slick looking PC.

This case is very well constructed. Though it can be broken down in to many pieces, it in no way feels rickety or cheap. All the parts fit with precision and give a solid feel. The only downside to this case is it’s weight. It’s heavy, with a gross weight of 35.5 pounds, and is not for LAN parties.

The case functions perfectly for a water-cooling enthusiast and/or an air cooling person, though function of this case is clearly for the water-cooling crowd. If you utilize the water-cooling features of this case, you might want to consider hard line tubing for a cleaner build and more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Value is where I had to knock off some points. Available online for $189.99 (Amazon | NewEgg), the Phanteks Evolv Tempered Glass case becomes a real investment. Although the bling factor of the case makes it very worth it, to some it’s not very practical. The lack of more advanced RGB LED lighting (such as the NZXT Hue+), and the fact that you would need to purchase additional LED strips separately, drop the value of this case slightly. Additionally, if you needed more than 3 horizontal HDD/SSD mounts, you would need to purchase them separately as well.

I recommend this case for anyone looking for that wow factor in a mid-tower case package. While I may feel the price is slightly too high, I’m confident you won’t regret your investment once you get it all put together. Cable management will be key for this case to look stunning, so if you’re bad at cable management or don’t want to invest the time and planning involved, then maybe you should opt for a different case. Phanteks has quickly became known for their water-cooling support and aesthetically pleasing cases, and the Evolv Tempered Glass meets and exceeds their reputation.

Pros:

+Gorgeous aesthetics
+Tempered glass side panels
+Numerous pump/reservoir mounting options
+Flexible HDD/SSD mounting locations
+RGB lighting controller
+Easily removable front and top panels
+Filtered intakes
+Slide-out offset top radiator mounting
+Thick aluminum front and top panels

Cons:

-Lack of 5.25″ bay/option (to some this would be a con)
-Heavy
-Fingerprint magnet
-Glass side panels difficult to remove and reattach
-Upside down logo on the velcro cable ties

Ratings:

• Performance: 9.50
• Appearance: 9.75
• Construction: 9.50
• Functionality: 9.50
• Value: 9.00

if ($script:h1count -eq $null) { $script:h1count = 0 }

Final Score: 9.50 out of 10.

Excellence Achievement: Benchmark Reviews Golden Tachometer Award.

COMMENT QUESTION: ?