Phanteks Enthoo Pro Overview
Pulling the Pro from the plastic sheet that protects it during storage we find that the medium sized Pro is still protected by sheets of plastic clinging to the windows. These are another nice touch to ensure you have a pristine case when it arrives on your doorstep.
The next thing that struck me about this case was again the very spartan feel. To describe it I would say it is elegant lines punctuated by stylish vents and well implemented mesh screens. If you are looking for something flashy I would look elsewhere. This case with it’s very modern design will be right at home in your up to date office or even living room.
The left facing side panel is graced with one large tinted window and an additional small one on the right. This is very similar to the windowed panel on the Primo. The Pro is also available in a windowless version for a slight discount. Finally the back side panel and the rear are pretty standard case panels. One thing worth mentioning though is the height adjustable rear exhaust fan.
The front of the case presents 3 covered 5.25” bay slots with a fourth containing a covered USB panel. Below is a screen covering the single 200mm Phanteks intake fan. And yes if you’re wondering there is a dust filter on there as well.
On the top panel you will find a single large mesh vent almost from front to back with the power button located centered in the former.
Pulling off that exceptional windowed side panel gives you access to the entire main bay of the case. Inside you’ll find the accessory box held in place for shipping.
Just my 2 cents…
1) If you think that the case not having a fan controller is a bad thing, I guess we’re all entitled to our own opinion.
This being said; for folks that are into modding their case(s) – as you pointed out – they’re probably either going to remove the built-in fan controller anyway, so why have it? Personally, I much prefer to install my own controller.
2) If I were to buy this chassis, then the 1st thing I’m going to probably going to do is swap out the existing fans for something I like (or a fan that has better static pressure for radiators). So not having enough fans included in this rather inexpensive case doesn’t bother me.
3) While it’s always nice to have an entire chassis built from steel (or aluminum); for this chassis to come in under $100, sacrifices have to be made. Besides; most brushed aluminum finishes are fingerprint magnets, so if the plastic doesn’t have this trait, then I’m all for it.
Both a bog-standard controller and the PWM controller have their own advantages.
One thing I find no-one explores is that due to the way it works, you don’t get the buzzing at low speeds with the PWM that you tend to find with certain combinations of fans and controllers i.e Corsair fans with Bitfenix Hydra/NZXT Sentry etc.
If you’re controlling all fans at the same time, with decent software it is the far superior solution.
Brechan, thanks for the comments! I completely agree with you on all points here. But when you’re reviewing you have to point these things out.
1) Agreed it’s just something you see at this price range.
2) Understandable, but for most people shopping at this price range they’re not going to want to spend another $15-20 more per fan to replace them. That aside, they are actually quite nice fans, I would just have liked one more. And for water cooling of course you get your own and quite a few more. 😉
3)All true, and again for the sake of the review it just had to be pointed out.
Thanks for reading!
Very interesting point, I know what you’re talking about but it hadn’t occurred to me that the buzzing was absent. Plus one to Phanteks there.
I will semi disagree with you on the point of the PWM controller being superior. Yes there are a few nice fan controller suites that make it easy to control. However not until your into your OS do you have access to make any changes.
Additionally any decent add in controller is going to have more fan support and better functionality in the area of thermal performance. There is no way the small board that comes with the Pro can output at high levels as consistently and for as long while keeping heat build up under control. It is a fine place holder, but is no substitute.
Thanks for reading and keep commenting Adrian!
Thanks for responding to my “Reply” so soon, it means a lot.
Now; speaking of reviews, I realize it takes a lot of time to (upload, edit, etc.) produce a quality review of just about anything. But.
More sites are including the size of radiator supported for the particular product (usually PC chassis’) but completely forget to post the maximum thickness ( or heaven forbid thinness ).
For those of us that are considering a specific (new) chassis for an upcoming build, how difficult is it to post the maximum thickness of supported radiators?
Some company(s) are doing away with the “traditional ” fan controller, let alone 5 1/4″ bays altogether…
Those of us that water cool the old-fashioned way, may want this external 5 1/4″ bay specifically for a controller that can handle 20+ watts, which includes the D 5’s, the EK 4.0’s and the DDC’s.. So the inclusion a controller that can only handle only 12 watts (max) is wasted space. Better filled with something useful.