Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Phanteks Enthoo Evolv ITX in white. This case has been a favorite among PC builders for its sleek design and impressive features, especially for those looking to build a compact yet powerful system. If you're in the market for a new ITX case, or just curious about what makes this one stand out, you're in the right place. Let's get started!

First Impressions and Design

When you first lay your eyes on the Phanteks Enthoo Evolv ITX, the immediate impression is one of understated elegance. The clean lines, the smooth, sandblasted aluminum finish, and the minimalist design all scream premium quality. Available in white (which we're focusing on today), black, and anthracite gray, the white version offers a bright, clean aesthetic that can really make your build pop. The case is surprisingly sturdy for its size, thanks to the high-quality materials used in its construction. Phanteks has clearly paid attention to detail, ensuring that every panel fits snugly and every edge is smoothly finished.

One of the standout design features is the lack of visible screws on the exterior panels, contributing to the clean, seamless look. The front panel is particularly striking, with its subtle Phanteks logo and hidden ventilation. The side panels are easily removable, held in place by a clever pin mechanism that requires no tools. This makes accessing the internal components a breeze, which is a huge plus for builders who frequently tinker with their systems. The overall design is not just about aesthetics; it's also about functionality. The case is designed to optimize airflow and make cable management as easy as possible, addressing some of the common challenges associated with building in smaller form factors.

Beyond its visual appeal, the Phanteks Enthoo Evolv ITX is also designed with practicality in mind. The case features well-placed vents to ensure adequate airflow, which is crucial for keeping your components cool in a compact space. The internal layout is intelligently designed to maximize space utilization, allowing for a surprising amount of hardware to be installed. From high-end graphics cards to liquid cooling solutions, this case can accommodate a wide range of components, making it a versatile choice for different types of builds. Whether you're building a gaming rig, a workstation, or a home theater PC, the Enthoo Evolv ITX offers a blend of style and functionality that is hard to beat.

Interior Layout and Features

Moving inside the Phanteks Enthoo Evolv ITX, you'll find a layout that's both intuitive and well-thought-out. Despite its compact size, the case offers ample space for a variety of components. One of the first things you'll notice is the spacious interior, which can accommodate graphics cards up to 330mm in length. This means you can install some of the most powerful GPUs on the market without any clearance issues. The case also supports CPU coolers up to 170mm in height, giving you plenty of options for cooling your processor, whether you prefer air or liquid cooling.

Cable management is a breeze in the Enthoo Evolv ITX, thanks to the strategically placed cable routing holes and tie-down points. Phanteks has included several Velcro straps to help you keep your cables organized and out of the way, which is essential for maintaining good airflow and a clean-looking build. The case also features a dedicated compartment for the power supply unit (PSU), which helps to isolate it from the other components and further improve cable management. The PSU shroud not only hides the PSU and its cables but also provides a clean surface for mounting additional storage devices.

Speaking of storage, the Enthoo Evolv ITX offers plenty of options for installing hard drives and solid-state drives (SSDs). The case comes with two 3.5" HDD trays and three 2.5" SSD mounts, allowing you to configure your storage setup to suit your needs. The HDD trays are located in the front of the case, while the SSD mounts are located behind the motherboard tray and on top of the PSU shroud. This flexible storage configuration makes it easy to build a system with plenty of storage capacity, whether you need it for games, media, or professional applications. The case also supports liquid cooling, with mounting points for radiators up to 280mm in the front and 140mm in the rear. This allows you to install a high-performance liquid cooling system to keep your CPU and GPU running cool, even under heavy loads. The removable radiator bracket makes installation and maintenance a breeze, and the case also includes a built-in fan controller with three speed settings, allowing you to customize your cooling performance and noise levels.

Cooling Performance

When it comes to cooling, the Phanteks Enthoo Evolv ITX punches well above its weight class. Despite its small size, the case is designed to provide excellent airflow, keeping your components cool even during intense gaming sessions or heavy workloads. The case comes with one 200mm fan in the front, which provides ample airflow to the CPU and GPU. The front panel is designed with subtle ventilation to allow air to flow freely into the case, while the rear panel features a 140mm fan mount for exhausting hot air.

The case also supports liquid cooling, with mounting points for radiators up to 280mm in the front and 140mm in the rear. This allows you to install a high-performance liquid cooling system to keep your CPU and GPU running cool, even under heavy loads. The removable radiator bracket makes installation and maintenance a breeze, and the case also includes a built-in fan controller with three speed settings, allowing you to customize your cooling performance and noise levels. In terms of temperatures, the Enthoo Evolv ITX performs admirably. With a decent air cooler or liquid cooler, you can expect to see CPU temperatures in the mid-60s under load, and GPU temperatures in the low-70s. These temperatures are perfectly acceptable for a compact ITX case, and they ensure that your components will remain stable and reliable even during extended use. The case also does a good job of keeping noise levels down, thanks to the quiet fans and the sound-dampening properties of the aluminum panels. Even with the fans running at full speed, the case remains relatively quiet, making it a good choice for users who are sensitive to noise.

To further enhance cooling performance, the Enthoo Evolv ITX features several design elements that promote airflow. The spacious interior allows air to circulate freely around the components, while the cable management system helps to keep cables out of the way, preventing them from blocking airflow. The case also includes dust filters on the front, top, and bottom, which help to keep dust out of the system and improve cooling performance. These filters are easily removable for cleaning, making it easy to maintain optimal cooling performance over time.

Building Experience

Building in the Phanteks Enthoo Evolv ITX is a surprisingly pleasant experience, even for those who are new to ITX builds. The case is designed with ease of use in mind, and it includes several features that make the building process smoother and more enjoyable. One of the first things you'll notice is the ample space inside the case, which makes it easier to install components and route cables. The case also features a modular design, with removable panels and brackets that make it easy to access and install components.

The tool-less design of the Enthoo Evolv ITX is another major plus. The side panels, drive bays, and fan mounts can all be removed without the need for any tools, making it easy to customize and upgrade your system. The case also includes a comprehensive set of screws and standoffs, as well as a detailed user manual that walks you through the building process step by step. Cable management is a breeze in the Enthoo Evolv ITX, thanks to the strategically placed cable routing holes and tie-down points. Phanteks has included several Velcro straps to help you keep your cables organized and out of the way, which is essential for maintaining good airflow and a clean-looking build. The case also features a dedicated compartment for the power supply unit (PSU), which helps to isolate it from the other components and further improve cable management.

Overall, the building experience in the Phanteks Enthoo Evolv ITX is excellent. The case is well-designed, easy to work with, and includes all the features you need to build a high-performance ITX system. Whether you're a seasoned builder or a first-timer, you'll appreciate the attention to detail and the user-friendly design of this case.

Final Thoughts and Verdict

So, what's the final verdict on the Phanteks Enthoo Evolv ITX? Well, guys, it's a winner. This case combines stunning aesthetics with excellent functionality, making it a top choice for anyone looking to build a compact yet powerful PC. The clean design, premium materials, and thoughtful features make it a joy to work with, and the excellent cooling performance ensures that your components will stay cool even under heavy loads.

Pros:

• Sleek and stylish design
• Excellent build quality
• Good cooling performance
• Easy to build in
• Great cable management

Cons:

• Limited expansion options (it's an ITX case, after all!)
• Can be a bit pricey compared to other ITX cases

If you're willing to spend a bit more for a premium ITX case, the Phanteks Enthoo Evolv ITX is definitely worth considering. It's a case that you'll be proud to show off, and it will provide a solid foundation for your next PC build. Highly recommended!