Phanteks Enthoo Evolv iTX Case, Window

Pros: Spacious, well-built, plenty of configurations, looks greatCons: Only 1 included fan, plastic front panel, no top fan filterITX builds are becoming more popular, and we now have more options for ITX cases and mobos than before. Having only built ATX desktops previously, I decided to give ITX a try. My build includes this case, a Gigabyte Z170N Gaming-5 motherboard, an Intel i7 6700k and recycled SSD, PSU, and RAM. This desktop will primarily be used as a backup machine and media server.First impressions:Very elegant, minimalistic, and beautifully builtLots of attention to detailWhite on black is a great color combinationFeels sturdy and made with high quality materialsThis case is bigger than some of the other compact cases, such as the Fractal Design Core 500 or Silverstone SG05. I went with this one because I wanted more room should I decide to put in a full-sized graphics card. The bigger size means it was very easy to work with; I assembled everything in less than half an hour and had it running shortly after that. I didn't run into too many problems with the build; the only minor complications were trying to fit my hands to plug in certain fans because of very little clearance at the top (where the fan headers are). The case comes with some screws and zip-ties for cable management, but nothing like the accessory box you get with Phantek's ATX cases. Nevertheless, I didn't feel like anything was missing or skimped on. The only thing I would have like to see was an additional fan. It comes with a 200mm intake fan in the front. I would have like to see an additional 120mm or 140mm exhaust fan as well.The motherboard plate has a very large access hole, which makes accessing the backplate very easy if you need to swap heatsinks. There are plenty of access holes to route the power, fan, and IO cables, and there are loops in the back which make cable management very easy. There are two included velcro straps and a few zip-ties to help with that.One unique feature of this case is the modular cage next to the intake fan. It can support a 2.5 or 3.5 drive, a radiator pump, or it can be removed completely if it interferes with a long graphics card. The top of the case also has a removable tray for mounting fans or radiators in multiple configurations. It makes installation a bit easier since you can mount the fans outside of the case and then push it in. It's a nice feature for an ITX case since space is at a premium.Most of the case is metal, which is nice, and it's not too heavy either. The front panel, however, is made of plastic. I would have liked to see an aluminum front plate, but given that this case is only $75, it makes sense that it's plastic. It doesn't look cheap though, since it is painted to match the rest of the case. There's a large fan filter in the front and one on the bottom for the PSU, however there are no filters at the top for the small vents, so dust can still get through.If you're looking to get an ITX case, I would highly recommend this one. The white on black option is a little bit more expensive, but I like the contrast. The Fractal Design Define S Nano is slated to come out next month, and I think is very similar to this case. There are some reviews on pre-release models already, and I think it'll just come down to preference. They have very similar features and are priced the same as well. I don't know if Phanteks plans to release an updated version of this case, but there's very little that needs to be changed. As with all their other cases, this one is definitely a winner.

I transitioned to this case from a Fractal Core 500. I liked that case but wanted something more, specifically with regard to aesthetics and cable management. This case provided those additional features, but also came with some small downgrades as well.First, the good ...To start, the window in this case is framed perfectly. It does a great job of capturing the core components and hiding everything else. Enthusiasts will certainly like it, but I also find the window and internal layout novice-friendly, as it doesn't require a cable management specialist to present everything in an organized, aesthetically pleasing way.But those that want to spend the extra time, cable management in this case is excellent. There's ample room behind the motherboard and storage bays for cabling. Phanteks also includes a couple pre-installed tie down straps, along with additional tie-down points. The highlight here is that due to the traditional tower layout, all cables are out of sight, which is a big upgrade from the Core 500 that didn't offer any cable compartmentalization at all.And this case's aesthetics are much more appealing than the Core 500's (which can be bland, and look like a black bread or shoe box on a desk). The front panel of the Evolv itx, despite being plastic, still has good weight to it and feels like a quality piece. The front LED light is also sufficiently bright, so long as the LED is fully pressed forward into its fitting. And the framing, especially the front and top w/slotted vents, flow really well and provide a more interesting stance compared to that of Core 500.But despite its strengths, the case isn't perfect. After a couple builds and using it for a few days, a buyer may want to take note of these shortcomings, which range in severity:1. Air cooling is this case's weakest point, and was a noticeable downgrade from my Core 500 case. My idle and low load cpu and gpu temps are up 6-8 degrees, and gaming temps are up 10-11 degrees. For example, while playing Metro Last Light my gpu temps have gone from 61-62 degrees in my Core 500 to 71-73 degrees in this case. Still within the card's limits, but I find the difference undesirable, and a result of how this case's layout chokes the gpu for air.Exacerbating to that are the top exhaust vents, which don't seem to expel much air. While gaming and with my top fans spinning around 1,000 rpm, it's tough to feel any air coming through them. The Core 500 on the other hand, noticeably exhausted more air through its top vents, and at lower fan rpm, which I'm sure contributed to its drastically lower temps.2. If you have 140mm fans with 120mm mounting holes, watch out, b/c the top fan mounts probably won't support them. I'm still sad about not being able to use my TY-147a fans (they're simply the best in terms of noise!). They'll mount, but the edge of the fans stick out too much and prevents the side panel from closing. Clocking the fan 90* didn't help. If the fan holes nearest the window had been moved the opposite direction only a few more mm, the fans would've fit. Bummer! I had to resort to 120mm fans, which may contribute to my prior complaint of insufficient top exhaust.3. Size - this case is much bigger than a typical itx case, so much that it challenges the motivation of choosing the itx form factor. My case sits at exactly 15" tall (not 14.8", as advertised). The width and depth are ok, I just wish the case was at least a few inches shorter. As is, choosing between this case vs. doing a micro-atx build will likely be something potential users will ponder.4. A minor gripe - some LED lighting should have been included inside the case, or a clear window option. Without either, the tinted window w/out light assist makes it little tough to see what's inside.Overall I'm happy w/this case, and I'm sure most users will be too. But for those considering it, just be aware of its size and air cooling limitations.