Phanteks Enthoo Evolv Shift X Review
Phanteks Enthoo Evolv Shift X Specifications and Features
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Phanteks Enthoo Evolv Shift X Review: The Verdict
So overall, the Evolv Shift X is a very aesthetically pleasing case with large tempered glass windows and removable metal panels which allow easy access to the interior of the case.
The Evolv Shift X is very well laid out to easily build inside of. There is also an acceptable amount of clearance behind the side panels for cable routing with relative ease. The build quality is excellent with a good mix of metals, plastics, and glass, especially considering the price which, at the time of the review, is around £100.
It was great to see that you could install 160mm ATX PSUs into this case with the removal of the cover which was intended to shroud SFX and SFX-L PSUs which personally I’d purchase over an ATX PSU should I purchase this case. On top of that, the bottom of the case is completely removable, and you have the option to remove the feet and lie the case down vertically which provides more options, for example, a HTPC under the TV.
Personally, I’m a big fan of the aesthetic of the Evolv Shift X. The clean lines throughout the entire case is typical of Phanteks as you see this in many other case designs. With minimal cutouts for cable routing; the first being at the top for all the IO and the second at the bottom for the power cable. Two USB3 ports are provided on the side panel just above the power cable intake in line with the dust filters and the power and LED colour buttons are on the top of the case in an ideal location.
While I’m mentioning the LED button, the included LED on top of the case cycles through white, dark blue, purple, pink, red, orange, yellow, green, turquoise and light blue. Phanteks also include two 4-pin LED strip adapters in the top of the case should you wish to add Phanteks own LED strips inside the case.
Internally, the option to mount the GPU in the bracket in either direction is great, as is the length of the included riser cable; which is perfect. I believe this is to increase water-cooling options such as tube positioning inside the case. Though, I’d be inclined to rotate the bracket like I did to get the best airflow as possible as well as to get the best view of your GPU.
In the lower section of the case, the option to mount 2x120mm fans or a 240mm radiator is excellent and this is where I can see the case coming into its own, as a striking and somewhat compact gaming system. However, and this is what I find the most disappointing is that in doing so you sacrifice the ability to install any 3.5” HDD’s. Though, up to 4 2.5” HDDs or SSDs can be mounted in the case at all times. Though it does say in the well-written full-colour manual that Phanteks have primarily designed this case for water cooling regardless.
What’s Hot?
- Toolless removable metal and tempered glass side panels
- Removable dust filters
- SFX, SFX-L and ATX PSU support (below 160mm’s)
- 240mm radiator support
- Included riser cable with rear mounted GPU bracket
What’s Not?
- Choosing to install a 240mm radiator or fans leaves you with nowhere to install 3.5” HDDs at all!
Many thanks to Phanteks for sending the Enthoo Evolv Shift X in for review.
