Importance Score: 12 / 100 🟠
Phanteks Evolv X2: A Bold Redesign in the PC Case Market
The **PC case** market has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. With a plethora of impressive chassis available, it’s become fiercely competitive for manufacturers to stand out. Simply updating a generic black box with RGB illumination and minor aesthetic changes is no longer adequate. What’s required are daring, innovative designs. Even established product lines, once considered cornerstones of **PC building**, are being fundamentally reimagined to maintain their position. The **Phanteks Evolv X2** clearly embodies this approach.
A Legacy Reimagined
The Evolv series, known for its robust aluminum panels, substantial mid-tower structure, excellent thermal support, and premium quality, has long been a central component of Phanteks’ lineup. Across generations – from the original 2015 model to the TG and X versions – its form and design remained remarkably consistent. Similar to Corsair’s 4000 series or NZXT’s H7 Flow line, this familiarity was a defining characteristic. Until the Evolv X2 emerged, this continuity seemed permanent. However, this new iteration dramatically revolutionizes the essence of its predecessor.
Gone are the traditional drive bays, concealed USB ports, thick aluminum sheets, and sharp, angular contours. Instead, the Evolv X2 showcases glass—ubiquitous glass. This represents a complete stylistic departure, evidently inspired by the prevalent “fishbowl” aesthetic popularized by cases like Lian Li’s O11 Vision Compact and Hyte’s offerings.
Revolutionary Cooling Architecture
The **cooling** solution has also been radically re-engineered. Phanteks has abandoned conventional front and side intakes, adopting a chimney-style design with air inlets at the base and exhausts at the top. This configuration provides substantial radiator support, accommodating even the thickest all-in-one (AIO) coolers. This is a striking departure from previous designs and a courageous move.
Evolv X2 Specifications
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- Form factor: ATX Mid Tower
- Dimensions: 45.4 x 22.8 x 58.8 cm
- Motherboard support: ITX, mATX, ATX, E-ATX (up to 280 mm) + Back connectors
- Expansion slots: 8 horizontal
- Front IO: 3.5 mm jack, 2x USB 3.0 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C, 1x Microphone/Headphone connector, Reset
- Total fan support: 7
- Fan count: 3x 120 mm TOP; 1x 120 mm REAR; 3x 120 mm BOTTOM
- Radiator support: Up to 360 mm (32mm thick) TOP~
- Graphics card support: 380 mm length
- Storage: 5x 2.5-inch (+ 1x 3.5-inch); 2x 3.5-inch (+3x 2.5-inch)
- PSU support: ATX (up to 250 mm)
- Weight: 14.2 kg
- Price: $180, £134, €154
While not without minor shortcomings, and with potential for minor improvements, the Evolv X2 excels in crucial aspects. It undeniably makes a compelling case for being recognized as one of the **best PC cases of 2025**.
Pricing and Initial Impressions
Current pricing exhibits some variability depending on the retailer. In the UK, it is positioned as relatively affordable at £134. However, in the US, the price is approximately $180, excluding a flat $30 shipping fee, which some speculate may be a tariff-avoidance strategy. Availability is currently limited, and future stock may be subject to tariff increases.
Even disregarding its striking and unconventional **design**, the Evolv X2 offers numerous appealing features upon initial inspection. Its three-sided glass panels and imposing presence certainly distinguish it from competitors, but its merits extend beyond aesthetics. Internally, a full-sized motherboard tray door neatly conceals cable management. Intuitive Velcro straps along the rear facilitate tidy cable routing. Furthermore, it accommodates motherboards with back connectors for “cable-less” builds and includes subtle integrated RGB lighting controllable via motherboard headers.
Material quality is generally high, comprising primarily steel, glass, and stylized plastic that mimics brushed aluminum. The overall impression is undeniably premium.
Cooling Performance and Limitations
The **cooling** approach is somewhat paradoxical. The chimney-like design leverages convection effectively, with three intake fans above the PSU shroud, three exhaust fans at the top, and an additional 120 mm rear exhaust. The top radiator bracket is easily installed and creates a streamlined appearance, concealing fans and radiators. The Evolv X2’s substantial base height also ensures consistent airflow, even when placed on carpet.
However, cooling options are somewhat restricted, primarily focused on 360 mm AIOs. While it supports seven fans, all must be 120 mm. Despite ample space for radiators and AIOs, it effectively only accommodates a single 360 mm radiator at the top. There’s no fan controller included, and the three intake fans, while utilizing convection, must draw air through the PSU shroud, potentially obstructed by cables, the power supply, and hard drives.
The **design** is impressive and conceptually appealing, but it could benefit from further refinement and logical adjustments. Increasing the case’s width and length slightly could have enabled Phanteks to incorporate three 140 mm fans at the base or offset the current 120 mm intakes for improved airflow. Including a plastic bracket could also add versatility by supporting both 120 and 140 mm fan variants.
Test Platform
- CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 265K
- RAM: 32 GB (2×16 GB) Corsair Dominator Titanium DDR5 @ 7200 C34
- SSD: 4TB Samsung 9100 Pro M.2 PCIe 5.0 SSD
- GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080
- Motherboard: Asus ROG Maximus Z890 Hero
- CPU Cooler: NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB
- PSU: 850W Phanteks Amp GH 80+ Gold
Cable Management and Build Experience
Regarding cable management, an issue arose with the motherboard tray door during the initial build. While perhaps due to forceful handling, the door, secured by a small plastic clip near the 24-pin cable routing, proved problematic. Even with diligent cable management, fully closing the door was challenging, and the plastic clip ultimately snapped. With no alternative securing mechanisms like magnets, the door had to be held in place by the glass side panel. Cable management space is generally limited in depth, and CPU power cable routing also presents some constraints.
Pros
- Stunning Hardware Showcase: Exceptional aesthetics that stand out. Paired with Phanteks angled GPU brackets, the X2’s appearance is truly remarkable.
Cons
- Limited Cooling Expansion: While the cooling concept is promising, potentially restricted airflow and limited configuration options make it better suited for AIOs and positive air pressure builds.
Final Verdict: Form and Function
Despite minor imperfections, this **PC case** is among the most visually striking and enjoyable to build in encountered. Combined with a Phanteks Premium Vertical PCIe 4.0 Bracket with RGB, allowing up to 30 degrees of GPU tilt (an optional £85 / $110 accessory), the aesthetic is elevated. For future builds in this case, opting for an AIO without a breakout cable at the radiator and installing a reverse blade 120 mm rear fan as intake is recommended for enhanced thermal performance.
Ultimately, the Evolv X2 is a unique and somewhat paradoxical **case**. Its surface appearance is outstanding, resulting in a visually dominant system build. Its looks are extraordinary and exceptionally distinctive. However, its compromises are evident. Cooling considerations are essential; careful cable management is necessary to optimize airflow; investing in additional brackets and fans may be required; and expectations for system temperatures may need adjustment. For users who prioritize aesthetics and accept a degree of “form-over-function,” the Evolv X2 is an exceptional **PC case** that will provide lasting satisfaction. Now, system migration into this chassis is imminent.