Phanteks Evolv Shift X Case Review

Phanteks Evolv Shift X Overview
Once you’ve removed the protective plastic clinging to the outside of the glass panels we find an unusually shaped chassis to be sure. The Shift X is much longer than it is wide at 170 mm x 650 mm x 274 mm. The result is a case that is intended to be either laid on its side with a profile similar to that of a center channel speaker or be stood on end like a miniature downtown skyscraper. Doing some quick math we find that the Shift X is actually 30.2 liters which makes it too big to really be considered small form factor. In spite of that it’s small dimensions in depth and width mean that we can only install a Mini Itx motherboard.

With the 4mm thick dual tempered glass panels covering the case nearly edge to edge front and back it becomes rather more like a vertical aquarium waiting to be filled with your favorite gear. The panels are smoked and the black paint on the version we received is all dark angles and menacing.

Phanteks Evolv Shift X Phanteks Evolv Shift X

As you can imagine a case that is focused on design almost entirely is going to be somewhat lacking in ventilation. You will however find long vents cut into the edges of each of the four corners. Additionally the top and bottom are entirely vented. At the bottom edge of the front there is a small engraved Phanteks logo.

Phanteks Evolv Shift X Phanteks Evolv Shift X

The back of the case has a slot near the top intended for cable routing out of the I/O area of the motherboard. At the bottom the same panel has a slight cut away that gives you access to an embedded PSU power port. Near this port but facing the front of the case you will find the external I/O port. It’s very simple with only two USB 3.0 ports.

Phanteks Evolv Shift X Phanteks Evolv Shift X

In the top of the case near the glass we find a power/reset button and a RGB control button embedded in the slot venting. This vent when pressed down unhinges and flips up on it’s own aided by a spring mechanism. This gives you easy access to the I/O area of the motherboard and GPU. You will also find connections for Phanteks specific RGB strips. These can be plugged in and controlled by the button on the top of the case. In the same space you will find four sets of thumb screws. These secure each of the four sides of the case and must be unscrewed to access the internal areas. Once unscrewed simply lift up and the panel pulls away.

Phanteks Evolv Shift X Phanteks Evolv Shift X Phanteks Evolv Shift X Phanteks Evolv Shift X Phanteks Evolv Shift X Phanteks Evolv Shift X