Cases & PSUs

Phanteks Enthoo EVOLV ITX Review

David Mitchelson
April 13, 2015 11 Min Read
4 0

Phanteks has condensed their EVOLV case to form the Enthoo EVOLV ITX – catering for Mini-ITX system builders. A small, but mighty computer chassis!



Product on Review: Enthoo EVOLV ITX
Manufacturer & Sponsor: Phanteks
Street Price: £50 GBP / $69.99 USD

Phanteks has had a rather busy 12 months with the introduction of a number of key computer cases to their now revered Enthoo Series. Adding to this portfolio, EVOLV ITX which was announced last month and today we have the pleasure of exploring this new case.

EVOLV ITX is a small but expertly formed computer case which is primarily designed for Mini-ITX computer systems. Although the chassis is small in size, it can house a plethora of high-end hardware such as big CPU coolers, full-sized graphics cards and different sized radiators. EVOLV ITX promises to offer some exciting and innovative features for those wanting to downsize, so let’s check it out!


Phanteks on their Enthoo EVOLV ITX
Big on features and small in size, the Enthoo EVOLV ITX is a budget oriented chassis that uses a metal exterior. The case introduces a new unique bracket solution for mounting a radiator on top and a multifunctional bracket for reservoir, pump, and SSD/HDD.

Technical Specifications


– Dimension (W x H x D): 230 mm x 375 mm x 395 mm
– Material(s): Steel plates, Plastic, Steel chassis
– Motherboard support: Mini ITX
– Front I/O: 2x USB 3.0, Mic, Headphone, Reset
– Expansion slots: 2
– Internal 3.5”: 2x (1x extra upgrade slot)
– Internal 2.5”: 1x (1x extra upgrade slot)
Cooling
– Front: 2 x 120mm fan, 2 x 140mm fan, 1 x 200mm fan (included)
– Top: 2 x 120mm fan, 2 x 140mm fan
– Rear: 1 x 120mm fan, 1 x 140mm fan
Radiator Support
– Front: Up to 240mm radiator
– Top: Up to 280mm radiator
– Rear: 120/140mm radiator
Clearance
– Up to 330mm VGA Card
– Up to 200mm CPU Cooler
– 28mm cable management

Packaging & First Look



Arriving in an eco-friendly box, EVOLV ITX’s packaging is rather non-descript. The front shows an illustration of the case while the sides and back lists the technical specifications. The reverse of the box actually has a schematic diagram highlighting the fundamental features.



Being designed for the Mini-ITX form factor, EVOLV ITX uses a small chassis which takes on a distinct visual aesthetic – particularly on the front.

On the prominent side EVOLV ITX either has a solid panel or a window – depending on the version you opt for. Ours is of course the windowed version and this offers us a nice preview of the inside of the case through a section of Perspex.

Over on the reverse, the panel is solid and without any significant features.

Exterior



At the front of EVOLV ITX we have a plastic panel which has indentations at the sides and bottom. This front panel can actually be detached from the chassis to gain access to a dust filter and fan. The styling at the front lends itself to a touch of elegance – fitting in with a minimal scheme. There are no 5.25” drive bays on EVOLV ITX, which is a design option we’re seeing many others following. Very few system builders use optical drives so we feel this is a good move.

Around the back there is an opening at the bottom for installing a PSU. Above this we have two PCI expansion slot covers, various sections of ventilation and then a large area for installing a 120/140mm rear exhaust cooling fan – though one isn’t included.


As already mentioned, the front fascia on EVOLV ITX is removable. With a firm pull this panel lifts off the chassis – underneath there is a respective dust filter which also uses a similar plug system for fitment. Since both these items need quite a strong and forceful tug in order to detach, care should be taken since the plugs are plastic. Underneath we have a large two-tone 200mm intake cooling fan but there is actually the option to install 2x 120/140mm fans – which also paves the way for 240mm radiator support also.


The front panel connectivity consists of just a few options. There are two USB 3.0 ports, headphone and microphone jacks, a reset button and then a large power button on the roof of the chassis.


Speaking of that top section, the arrangement here is completely solid with ventilation strips running intermittently along the edges. The only real significance is the power button positioned near the front.


Flipping the case over onto its side we can see the underside utilises two raised platforms which host four rubber feet to prevent the case from slipping around on smooth surfaces. There is a small, detachable dust filter which pairs up with the PSU – this filter can be removed without having to place the case on its side.

Over on the next page we’ll move inside the chassis for a closer look at the features.

Interior




Each side panel is attached to EVOLV ITX with two thumbscrews. After removing these, we can gain access to the inside and what an interesting internal design we have.

Phanteks has powder coated the inside, giving it a sleek appearance. They have sectioned off the PSU and created multiple areas for mounting storage drives. The motherboard tray is capable of handling the Mini-ITX form factor and there are plenty of areas to neatly arrange cables. So far, this chassis looks very promising!


In the lower section of EVOLV ITX, Phanteks has dedicated an area for the PSU to be mounted. There are four rubber feet to give the PSU a soft cushion and there is a handy, detachable dust filter which pulls out and can be cleaned. This filter (unlike others we’ve seen) fits very snug and is good quality.


There are just two PCI expansion slot covers in EVOLV ITX – simply because Mini-ITX motherboards generally feature just a single PCI express slot. Having two slots/covers means dual slot graphics cards are supported. Both covers have ventilation and use a standard screw for assembly.


Although we don’t have a pre-installed cooling fan towards the back or top of the case, there is allocation for mounting a 120/140mm fan at the rear and then there is a large frame which can host 2x 120/140mm fans. This arrangement also makes it possible to install a radiator which is 240/280mm in size.


Towards the front of EVOLV ITX there is a platform which can be detached. Although the graphics card will fit inside this platform, it’s advisable to remove it when installing. This platform allows a 2.5” or 3.5” drive to be attached and behind it we have a large 200mm fan which we’ve already mentioned. Again, the area in which the fan is installed can house 2x 120/140mm fans or a 240mm radiator.

Installation




Since EVOLV ITX has plenty of space for components the installation process is plain sailing. We encountered no problems or set-backs through the course of loading this case with our Mini-ITX test system. One particular highlight which isn’t customary to all cases of this size/form factor is that cable management was extremely easy to arrange. The clearance, cut-outs and distances all help to ensure hassle-free configuration.


There are different areas to install storage drives inside EVOLV ITX but the primary location requires the use of the traditional HDD tray. This tray (as per above) involves a 2.5” drive to simply sit inside and screws are attached to the underside, or with a 3.5” drive – the configuration is completely tool-free, the arms are used to clip into the sides of the drive.


Phanteks supply a few additional components with EVOLV ITX. Included are HDD brackets and water cooling pump/reservoir brackets – these come in handy for those wanting to furnish the inside with a custom water configuration.

Clearance – CPU Cooler, GPU, WC, Cable Management


The clearance options within EVOLV ITX are critical for system builders as they highlight what hardware will fit inside the chassis and which won’t. In this section we’ll be establishing the component limitations for key areas.


CPU Cooler

For the CPU cooler there is a maximum height of approximately 195mm – this covers a wide selection of cooling solutions and is an extremely generous amount of space.


Graphics Card

Turning our attention to the graphics card, there is a total of 330mm (13”). The HDD platform can still be attached with the graphics card in place – we’ve just removed it to make it easier to demonstrate the clearance measurement.

Water Cooling

EVOLV ITX has numerous places for mounting water cooling radiators (as well as locations for mounting pumps/reservoirs).

At the front there is up to 240mm radiator support and at the top there is up to 280mm radiator support (plus 240mm).


Cable Management

There are numerous areas with varying amounts of clearance but the area directly next to the PSU in the lower region of EVOLV ITX offers up to 4cm. This area is great for storing redundant cables. Regardless of where cables are stored behind the motherboard tray, the side panel comfortably fits back onto the chassis without a problem.

Thermal Performance Testing


Inside EVOLV ITX we have just a single 200mm cooling fan which is configured to be a front intake fan. With a lack of push/pull the performance could be affected – nevertheless, having a push rather than pull should be more beneficial.

To discover the thermal performance of EVOLV ITX we will record idle temperatures after 20 minutes from a cold boot. We will then stress the system and temperatures will again be monitored after 30 minutes have elapsed.

For the purpose of accurate analysis the idle and load temperatures for CPU and motherboard sensors will be recorded and the range between idle and load will be calculated to determine how efficient cooling is.

NOTE: Ambient temperature is 20C

System Components

CPU Intel Pentium K Anniversary G3258
Motherboard ASUS Z97I-Plus
Graphics N/A
Memory 4GB Kingston HyperX DDR3
HDD Samsung Spinpoint 500GB SATA-II
PSU FSP Aurum 650W

Noise

Having just a single 200mm cooling fan means that noise levels are quite low and certainly nothing to be concerned about.

(Since we’re using our new Mini-ITX test configuration we’ve restarted benchmarking again – therefore there is only a few comparable results)

Conclusion


After the success and introduction of Enthoo EVOLV its only right that advocates of this case have the option of a Mini-ITX variant too.

EVOLV ITX adopts similar characteristics to that of its bigger brother. The external appearance uses a professional and sleek design which many are likely to fall in love with. From an external and internal standpoint the build quality is good which is especially pleasing since this case is really directed at the lower end of the market.


Those buying this case will find the installation process a breeze due to the spacious layout and excellent cable management options. Phanteks has engineered EVOLV ITX to cater for all the big CPU coolers, full-sized graphics cards and water cooling enthusiasts will be pleased to discover a variety of different sized radiators are supported too. Add to this the extra HDD/reservoir/pump brackets and we have a very versatile case in our hands.

EVOLV ITX is priced at just £50 GBP / $69.99 USD which will surely move the case into the spotlight for affordability. There aren’t a huge selection of cases to choose from for this form factor but we’re confident this new offering will take precedence.

EVOLV ITX is a great achievement for Phanteks. This case gets a stamp of approval in all of the areas which are fundamental in good computer case design and we’re certain it will appear on plenty of short-lists in the very near future.

VIDEO REVIEW – VORTEZ TV


Pros
+ Aesthetically sleek
+ Good build quality
+ Innovative features
+ Great clearance options
+ Easy to arrange cables
+ Low noise operation

Cons
– Only one fan included (push)


Click here for an explanation of our awards at Vortez.net.

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David Mitchelson