Phanteks Enthoo EVOLV Review

Performance Analysis

The Enthoo EVOLV is a good performer when it comes to CPU cooling, managing a delta T of 48°C. Both the Corsair Obsidian 350D and the Fractal Arc Mini R2 are at least 3°C better, but these cases both have more ventilated roofs (and the Fractal one has a second exhaust fan too) so this is still a respectable result when you consider that some cases have reached 60°C. Noise from the chassis is also fairly low. Even at full speed (which is how we test), the front 200mm fan is very quiet. There's more noise from the rear 140mm, but proper use of the PWM hub will soon see to that – it doesn't need to spin at full speed given how close it is to your CPU cooler.


The GPU delta T of 53°C is more mid-league, and could certainly be better (again both the Corsair and Fractal cases manage better results). The result is on par with the Fractal Design Node 804 chassis, so you shouldn't have many issues cooling your graphics hardware. That said, in a cramped SLI or CrossFireX situation we'd probably swap out the 200mm fan for two 140mm ones so that airflow is a bit more concentrated (or better yet, we'd water-cool them).

Conclusion

We've seen some excellent cases in the micro-ATX department in recent months. Dual chamber solutions like the Corsair Carbide Air 240 and the Fractal Design Node 804 have proved popular, but these two companies make great cases in the more traditional tower-style; the Obsidian 350D and Arc Mini R2 are both highly competent, and even Nanoxia's Deep Silence 4 is worth a look for low noise enthusiasts. The point being that Phanteks doesn't have it easy with its first entry to this market, but as with its full tower offerings the company impresses once again.


For starters, the all aluminium exterior is stunning, and gives the case a build quality that we think is unmatched by other micro-ATX contenders, and which goes a long way to justifying the steep, £100 asking price. That price makes it clear that this isn't a chassis for everyone; the 350D and Arc Mini R2 both cool your hardware better out of the box, and the latter case has more flexibility for storage and water-cooling thanks to its extra depth, including 360mm radiator support – at just £50 now (!) it's an absolute steal, and still comes highly recommended.

However, try as we might, we still can't escape the feeling that the Enthoo EVOLV is one seriously desirable case. It's not just the aluminium that lures us, as its flaws, such as the potential issues regarding the I/O panel placement, are very few and far between. With its quick release and hinged panels, the EVOLV is a joy to use. Cable routing is first class too, so your system will look fantastic inside and out. We're also big fans of the PWM hub, the reservoir and pump mounts and the flexibility enabled by the numerous removable sections and brackets. It all adds up to a great product, and though it wouldn't be our first choice when trying to balance value for money, if you can afford the £100 you won't be disappointed.