[section_title title=Closer Look: Exterior]

Closer Look: Exterior

The first thing you will notice about the Evolv ITX, is the clean, subtle black design in which this case encompasses; unlike other Phanteks cases on the market, this particular model can only be found in black, currently!  The measurements of this particular chassis come in at 230x375x395mm (WxHxD), which puts this out of the SFF category; a little bit too tall, but certainly not a bad thing.

With 2 versions available (Windowed and non-windowed), the model up for review today is the one which contains a window.  This is made from clear acrylic and the overall shape of the window is designed to hide unwanted areas such as HDD enclosures; we shall take a look at those on the next page.

All good quality cases these days come with a front I/O and the Phanteks Evolv ITX case is no different.  Featured is 2 x USB 3.0 ports, 2 x 3.5mm audio jack (headphone and microphone) inputs and a small, but effective reset switch on the right-hand side.

The solid front panel is removable and allows better access to the included dust filter and 1 x 200mm fan in the front.  Mesh ventilation grills are featured along the ridges (top to bottom) which allow the fan to suck air in from the front, drawing it to the rear; there is option to mount 1 x 120mm fan as an exhaust at the rear, but this chassis doesn’t come supplied with one.

Situated on the top panel of the case, is the power switch; this rocks from side to side and as when I tried it, both ways turn the system on.

As previously stated regarding the optional installation of a 120mm exhaust fan, the rear of the Evolv ITX features 2 x PCI blanking plates, which are in white and contrast nicely with the case; these will, of course, be removed upon installation of a graphics card, or other 2 slot device.  Full-size ATX power supplies are supported in this case and Phanteks have gone to great lengths to allow installation of full-size hardware; aside from the motherboard of course!

The underside of the case features 4 x rubber pads which ensure the case remains firmly gripped to your desk (or another surface).  These also double up as protection as there is nothing worse than the scratch of a metal case on a gorgeous wooden desk; believe me, I have done this and it isn’t good!  Also featured is a removable and cleanable dust filter designed for power supplies.