Phanteks Evolv Series X2 PC Case Review
Up close with the Phanteks Evolv Series X2
A closer look at the Phanteks Evolv Series X2
The Evolve Series X2 stands on a plinth, and it’s worth noting that this plinth is primarily made of plastic. This isn’t a bad thing, as it is part of the reason why this case remains affordable despite its custom elements and large amount of tempered glass. All the whites in the case match, which is something that’s challenging to achieve when manufacturing parts using various materials.
At the base of the Evolv Series X2, the case features one USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port, two USB 3.0 ports, and one audio in/out jack. Note that this case’s power button is at the top of the chassis. Its not common for a case’s IO and power button to be at different locations.
Lots of brushed aluminium
The Evolv Series X2 features numerous brushed aluminium accents. These parts are made of real aluminium, not plastic. This gives the case a premium look, despite the case’s many plastic elements. Phanteks has done a great job making this case look and feel premium.
At the top of the Series X2, we have a plate that covers the case’s top fans. To the right, we also have power and reset buttons. To the right, we also have a B-RGB strip, which is not illuminated in the picture below.
Space for a big radiator or big fans
At the top of the Evolv Series X2, there is enough space for a large 32 mm-thick liquid cooling radiator. Alternatively, users can install their radiator below this bracket and install thick 30mm fans in this location. Note that Phanteks does build 30mm fans.
Above this case’s motherboard tray, there is space for a standard-sized liquid cooler and fans. This allows users of this case to utilise push/pull fans. Alternatively, they could use a thicker liquid cooling radiator.
The rear of the Evolve Series X2
Cable routing is a core element of the Series X2’s design. Notice that two velcro cable ties can be used to fasten and tidy your case’s rear I/O cables. These are a lovely touch. That said, this kinda makes me want to see a grommet around this location for something like Corsair iCUE LINK connections. Additionally, an extra cable tie would be useful beside the PSU for more cable routing potential.
Below we can see that this case’s rear 120mm fan has a plastic cover. We can also see that the case’s frame covers part of this fan. A bit of a cut-out would have been nice here, allowing users to utilise their rear fan better. That said, this is a minor problem. It’s sub-optimal, but not necessarily bad.
This case supports eight PCIe slots, which is perfect for almost any PC build. there is also plenty of space for routing HDMI or DisplayPort cables in a neat and tidy way.
The Evolv Series X2 supports standard ATX power supplies. PSUs should be mounted in a fan-facing-down configuration for optimal PSU and system cooling.
The rear of the Evolv Series X2
At the far side of the Series X2, we have a second tempered glass side panel. Behind it, we have a hinged plate that covers this case’s cable routing locations and primary 2.5-inch SSD mounts. Putting my custom/modder hat on, this door could be used to display some custom artwork. Alternatively, it would be removed entirely to showcase your expertly cable-managed PC. Both are great options for aesthetics-focused PC builders.
Phanteks has given PC builders plenty of space to manage their PC’s cables. We’ve put minimal effort into our cable management here, but our cable runs remain tidy.
Note that this case’s bottom fans intake air from this case’s PSU compartment. Honestly, this case is perfect for Corsair’s Shift series PSUs, as these PSUs use side-mounted cables that would maximise airflow within this case, potentially lowering system thermals.
Just imagine a Corsair Shift series PSU here. Perfection!
Here we have space for up to three 2.5-inch drives. Perfect for anyone who needs a lot of extra SSD storage.
Below we can see a cover plate that hides away this case’s 3.5-inch HDD bays. Note that there is a fan above this location.
This area can be used to install two 3.5-inch drives, or one 3.5-inch drive and two 2.5-inch drives. We would recommend removing this drive bay entirely to maximise system airflow. This is especially true for users of large graphics cards.
All of this case’s tempered glass panels are removable
On the right side of the case, there are two screws that can be used to remove the case’s front-mounted tempered glass panel.
If you remove this case’s front tempered glass panel, you remove one of this case’s structural elements. In other words, it can make the top of this case flex a little. This isn’t a problem, as you will only be removing this panel when building, upgrading, or cleaning your PC.
Just look how clean this system is. Has our case test system ever looked better?
Intake fans
The Phanteks Evolv Series X2 doesn’t ship with any fans. We’ve installed three 120mm fans at the bottom of this case for testing. Since this location is for intake fans, reverse-blade fans are ideal for this location.
Using a thumb screw at the back of the case, the Series X2’s bottom fan mounting plate can be removed. This makes the installation of fans an easy process.
PSU Screw Cover
Notice that a plastic/aluminium plate covers this case’s PCIe screws. This element helps to make PC builds inside this case look extra tidy. Well done to whoever thought of this.
Included in this case is an adjustable GPU support. Sadly, our system doesn’t use a graphics card that’s long enough to need this support.
This GPU support can be adjusted using the screws below. It can be raised or lowered if needed.
