A Closer Look - Outside

A first look at the Evolv leaves us with a very good impression. With no visible plastic elements on its exterior, the material mix is excellent. Phanteks has chosen to use solid aluminum for the panels and steel for the actual frame.


The entire front consistst of a solid piece without a drive bay; it even lacks the Phanteks logo and is held in place by pins, which makes removing it a breeze. An elongated strip at the bottom is for the power LED, which will light up in white by default. But you may, as mentioned before, switch the LED out for any of the supplied colors. The PSU bay in the rear is in the bottom of the chassis' bare black metal frame.


The chassis ships with a well-sized window through which you can glean Phateks' little plaque - the only mention of the brand all around. With the exception of the I/O, the panel on the opposite side is completely solid.


The I/O consists of two USB 3.0 and the usual audio plugs. An ugly sticker lets you know which of the audio plugs is meant for what. Here, it would have been nice to see proper silkscreening instead.


As mentioned before, the front panel can be removed with a firm pull to reveal the dust filter, which may also be removed. Doing so gives you access to the pre-installed 200 mm, retail quality fan.


The PSU bay in the rear comes with two sets of mounting holes, so you may install the unit with the fan facing up- or downward. Above the bay are the four motherboard-expansion slots with individual, white covers. Phanteks also included a 140 mm exhaust fan in the rear.


The most interesting aspect of this area is the 5.25" drive bay. Instead of disturbing the front, Phanteks chose to to move the bay to the back.


The top panel is made of aluminum as well and may be pulled off with a firm tug, just like the front. The top can take two 120 mm or 140 mm fans or a radiator of up to 280 mm in size.


Even the feet of the Evolv are made of aluminum, with rubber pads as a softening layer. A dust filter has been placed on the underside, but it may be pulled out through the back of the chassis for easy cleaning.