A Closer Look - Outside

The Phanteks P200A series is basically a smaller version of the P400A and actually looks very similar, but with a few subtle tweaks to make the best use of the more compact size.


You will find a 1-mm-fine mesh punched straight into the steel front panel. It may be pulled off with a firm tug to reveal a single 120 mm fan, with room for a second one. Additionally, you may install a 240 mm radiator here as well. In the rear, the noticeable difference to modern enclosures is the top-mounted PSU, much like we were used to decades ago.


Due to the compact size and to be able to accommodate the internal layout, Phanteks placed the I/O at the very bottom of the chassis. It consists of two USB 3.0 ports and a combo audio plug next to a reset button. Phanteks has kept the company logo pretty minimal, which means the Eclipse P200A lends itself well to SI builds as well.


Both sides of the Performance edition are also made out of steel. Phanteks employed the same manufacturing process for air vents here by punching in 1-mm holes next to the expansion slot area on the main side and the side fan placement possibility on the opposing side. Both panels are held in place by clips, so you may simply pull them at labeled locations to gain access.


In the rear, starting at the bottom, are four expansion slots with individual, reusable covers. Above that is another 120 mm PWM fan, set to push hot air out the back. There is also a little panel that may be removed along with the frame for the expansion slots. This would then allow you to rotate the slot orientation for vertical GPU mounting. In the very top is the PSU bay which comes with a mounting frame for external assembly. This is generally no issue, but it would have been nice to see four screws holding the frame in place, and there is plenty of space to install the PSU directly from inside the case as well.


In the top, all you will find is a solid steel panel and the signature power button we have come across on most Phanteks cases in recent years. The power LED around it will light up white when the system is turned on. At this point, it should be pretty apparent that the Phanteks Eclipse P200A Performance is made out of steel all around, which is great for a chassis of this price point.


On the underside, you will find a full-length dust filter that may be pulled out through the front of the chassis by popping off the front panel first. This should make it really easy to get to for cleaning. Also, as you can see, the I/O itself rests on a solid high-quality PCB.