Phanteks has launched the EX5 series, a new family of PC cases built around compartmentalized airflow rather than the increasingly common glass “fish tank” layout. The company says the design can improve cooling efficiency, reduce the need for extra case fans, and lower the total cost of high-performance PC configurations. Three models are available, ranging from a flexible chassis to a fully equipped showcase system.
Key takeaways
Phanteks’ EX5 lineup combines modern hardware support with a different approach to internal airflow and cable management.
- Dedicated chambers direct fresh air toward key components.
- A rear motherboard fan targets the VRM and memory while helping redirect GPU heat.
- All models support 360 mm radiators and graphics cards up to 358 mm long.
- EX5 PLUS and EX5 MAX include an integrated Glacier One 360S25-SE AIO cooler.
- Pricing starts at $109.99 for the standard EX5.
A different approach to case airflow
First shown at Computex 2026, the EX5 series separates major components into dedicated areas inside the chassis. Phanteks says this arrangement delivers fresh air where it is needed and improves heat exhaust, potentially reducing the number of additional fans required in a build.
A pre-installed rear motherboard fan provides direct airflow over the VRM and RAM. It also helps move heat generated by the graphics card away from nearby components. This approach is intended to offer more purposeful cooling than simply filling a conventional case with additional fans.
Hardware support and connectivity
The EX5 accommodates graphics cards up to 358 mm long and includes dedicated 360 mm radiator support in every configuration. The interior provides space for cable routing, while integrated ARGB lighting adds visual customization. Lighting can be synchronized through a compatible motherboard or Phanteks’ optional NEXLINQ ecosystem.
Front-panel connectivity includes a 20 Gbps USB Type-C port and two USB 3.0 ports. A server-grade GPU bracket is also included to keep the graphics card straight and securely mounted, including during transport.
Three models target different builders
The standard EX5 is positioned as a builder-focused chassis for users who want to select their own AIO liquid cooler and other components. It includes the rear motherboard fan while leaving the cooling configuration open-ended.
The EX5 PLUS and EX5 MAX add Phanteks’ Glacier One 360S25-SE AIO cooler. Concealed tubing creates a “no-tubes” appearance, while its single-frame S25 ARGB fan assembly uses one cable to simplify installation and reduce visible cable clutter. The cooler uses a large copper base and fin array designed for high-load CPU cooling.
The EX5 MAX adds a 6-inch high-resolution display for system monitoring and customizable visuals. The Glacier One 360S25-SE will also be sold separately.
Pricing and availability
Phanteks lists the EX5 series as available immediately in black. The EX5 costs $109.99, the EX5 PLUS is priced at $159.99, and the EX5 MAX costs $229.99. The standalone Glacier One 360S25-SE is listed at $79.99. European pricing is set at €109.90, €159.90, €229.90, and €79.90, respectively.
The EX5 family gives PC builders an alternative to glass-heavy chassis designs, with its main value proposition centered on targeted airflow, integrated features, and potentially fewer fans in the final system.
Via Phanteks