A Closer Look - Outside

Out of the box, it becomes apparent that the Panzer EVO RGB uses the same tooling and frame as the Panzer G, but comes with a total of four glass panels and additional fans. As the name already suggests, the chassis is quite large and menacing to look at. A lot of design details nicely combine to drive that visual representation of a "Panzer" home.


The front of the chassis is a nicely shaped glass panel held in place by four thumb screws. You may remove it to reveal the three retail-grade, RGB-equipped 120 mm intake fans. In the rear, everything is where you would expect it to be for a chassis of this format and size. Cougar placed the PSU bay on the very bottom of the case, and there is plenty of space in the top, hinting at good liquid-cooling compatibility.


The level of detail that has been incorporated into the sides is outstanding without looking over the top. The side panels are surrounded by a solid plastic frame sitting on metal, which means these metal side elements are actually bigger than the case frame—quite unique. Both side panels are made out of glass as well and of a similar design to the front. All of these covers are heavily tinted, which is great for keeping a cable mess hidden, though it really doesn't make it easy to see your cool hardware inside the enclosure.


The design elements extruding from the case's body are also present in the rear, where the PSU bay can be found on the very bottom. The bay comes with two sets of mounting holes, which gives you complete flexibility on how to install the PSU inside the chassis. Above that are the eight motherboard expansion slots, seven of which are covered; the very top slot is empty. Oddly enough, that one cover is provided separately. To the right are also three circular cutouts that may be punched out to provide openings for an external water-cooling system. Cougar has also provided rubber grommets for these. In the very top is another 120 mm RGB fan; it is set to push hot air out the back of the chassis.


Even though the Panzer EVO RGB is quite large, Cougar has built two sturdy handles into the frame. The foundation for these is solid steel that is then covered in plastic. This works well as you won't have to worry about the whole contraption breaking off at the worst possible moment. However, the grip isn't very comfortable. Some sort of rubberized underside would have been perfect, especially as the filled chassis will be of considerable weight.


The Panzer EVO RGB also features an extensive set of I/O consisting of a USB 3.1 Type-C, a single USB 2,0 port, two USB 3.0, the usual audio plugs, and power and reset buttons. There is even an embedded fan controller with a low, mid, and high setting.