Buying Guide
The Best Phanteks PC Cases
From the XT Pro Silent (Phanteks) to the Enthoo Pro 2 Server: five PC cases ranked on radiator size and fans included, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Phanteks makes airflow and showcase cases from the XT to the NV series. Every pick is a Phanteks case.
We sorted these picks by largest radiator, fans included and motherboards, working from the makers' own data; nothing here was tested in-house, and if a maker skips largest radiator, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
Phanteks XT Pro Silent
The cheapest way into this group, below the XT View Matrix.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Our take Check price for Phanteks XT Pro Silent (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Phanteks XT View Matrix Mid-Tower
A 600-LED matrix display on the front.
Best for: Buyers who want 600-LED matrix display on the front.
Our take Check price for Phanteks XT View Matrix Mid-Tower (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Phanteks EX5 ATX Multi-Chamber Case
A multi-chamber layout that feeds each component fresh air.
Best for: Buyers who want multi-chamber layout that feeds each component fresh air.
Our take Check price for Phanteks EX5 ATX Multi-Chamber Case (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
Phanteks EX5 Plus with 360 AIO
A 360mm AIO cooler included.
Best for: Buyers who want 360mm AIO cooler included.
Our take Check price for Phanteks EX5 Plus with 360 AIO (opens in a new tab)
Largest Radiator Size
Phanteks Enthoo Pro 2 Server V2 Full Tower
The largest radiator size here (480mm).
Best for: Buyers who put largest radiator size first.
Our take Check price for Phanteks Enthoo Pro 2 Server V2 Full Tower (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
Phanteks XT Pro Silent on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The XT Pro Silent adds sound-dampening foam to the front and side panels of Phanteks' budget mid-tower.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: largest radiator size of 360mm, behind the Enthoo Pro 2 Server (480mm).
Why we like it
It includes three fans, a front USB-C port and support for rear-connector motherboards. It fits the largest graphics cards and takes a 360mm radiator at the top without restrictions. It matches the EX5 and the EX5 Plus on largest radiator size (360mm).
Confirm GPU length for the XT Pro Silent (Phanteks) with its maker. The XT Pro Silent (Phanteks) takes 360mm radiators; mind RAM height. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the XT View Matrix the next step up. What it gives up: largest radiator size of 360mm, behind the Enthoo Pro 2 Server (480mm); by contrast, the Enthoo Pro 2 Server comes in at 480mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- Largest radiator: 360mm
- Fans included: 3
- Front USB-C: Yes
Pros
- Fits a 360mm radiator
- 3 fans included
- A front USB-C port
- Sound-dampening foam on the front and side panels
Cons
- Largest radiator size of 360mm, behind the Enthoo Pro 2 Server (480mm)
Also Consider2 of 5
Phanteks XT View Matrix Mid-Tower on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The XT View Matrix is built around a 600-LED matrix display on the front, with support for rear-connector motherboards on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want 600-LED matrix display on the front.
Skip if
- Its largest radiator size is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
Why we like it
A 600-LED fabric matrix screen shows system stats and animations on the front. It supports rear-connector motherboards, and glass on the front and side shows off the build. It ships with three D-RGB fans and has room for nine 120mm fans.
The top takes a 360mm radiator without restrictions. Confirm GPU length for the XT View Matrix with its maker. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper XT Pro Silent (Phanteks) and the pricier EX5, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its largest radiator size; if that figure matters, the Enthoo Pro 2 Server comes in at 480mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- Motherboards: ATX, rear-connector ATX
- Glass: Tempered glass front and side
- Front USB-C: Yes
Pros
- Tempered glass front and side
- A front USB-C port
- 600-LED matrix display on the front
- Support for rear-connector motherboards
Cons
- No published largest radiator size
- Costs more than the XT Pro Silent (Phanteks) at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
Phanteks EX5 ATX Multi-Chamber Case on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the EX5 brings to the table is a multi-chamber layout that feeds each component fresh air, plus one S25-120 fan included.
Best for
- Buyers who want multi-chamber layout that feeds each component fresh air.
Skip if
- Pass on it if only 1 fan in the bo rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It also offers a 360mm largest radiator size and offers a 1 fans included. Its front USB-C port runs at 20Gbps, and it clears GPUs up to 4.6 slots thick depending on the board. On largest radiator size it ties with the XT Pro Silent (Phanteks) and the EX5 Plus at 360mm.
It also offers support for 360mm AIO coolers. Confirm GPU length for the EX5 with its maker. The EX5 takes 360mm radiators; mind RAM height. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper XT View Matrix and the pricier EX5 Plus, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Largest radiator: 360mm
- Fans included: 1
- Motherboards: ATX, Micro-ATX
Pros
- Fits a 360mm radiator
- Multi-chamber layout that feeds each component fresh air
- One S25-120 fan included
- Support for 360mm AIO coolers
Cons
- Only 1 fan in the box
- Costs more than the XT Pro Silent (Phanteks) at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
Phanteks EX5 Plus with 360 AIO on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the EX5 Plus brings to the table is a 360mm AIO cooler included, plus a multi-chamber layout.
Best for
- Buyers who want 360mm AIO cooler included.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: only 1 fan in the box.
Why we like it
It also offers a 360mm largest radiator size and offers a 1 fans included. It ships with a 360mm AIO already installed, plus an S25-120 case fan. The multi-chamber layout keeps GPU and CPU airflow separate.
On largest radiator size it ties with the XT Pro Silent (Phanteks) and the EX5 at 360mm. You also get one extra chassis fan included. Confirm GPU length for the EX5 Plus with its maker.
The EX5 Plus takes 360mm radiators; mind RAM height. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper EX5 and the pricier Enthoo Pro 2 Server, at the time of writing. The trade-off is largest radiator size; for more, the Enthoo Pro 2 Server comes in at 480mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- Largest radiator: 360mm
- Fans included: 1
- Motherboards: ATX, Micro-ATX
Pros
- Fits a 360mm radiator
- 360mm AIO cooler included
- Multi-chamber layout
- One extra chassis fan included
Cons
- Only 1 fan in the box
- Largest radiator size trails the Enthoo Pro 2 Server (480mm)
- Costs more than the XT Pro Silent (Phanteks) at the time of writing
Largest Radiator Size5 of 5
Phanteks Enthoo Pro 2 Server V2 Full Tower on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the Enthoo Pro 2 Server brings to the table is all-metal mesh panels, plus support for 480mm and 360mm radiators and 11 PCI slots.
Best for
- Buyers who put largest radiator size first.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the XT Pro Silent (Phanteks) cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also offers a 480mm largest radiator size. It takes SSI-EEB boards, 480mm and 360mm radiators, 11 PCI slots and up to 10 hard drives. Up to 15 fans fit, three of them aimed straight at the CPU and PCI area.
It is built for workstation and server systems as well as gaming. Its 480mm largest radiator size is the largest here; the XT Pro Silent (Phanteks) comes next at 360mm. You also get room for up to 10 HDDs or 11 SSDs.
Confirm GPU length for the Enthoo Pro 2 Server with its maker. It was the highest-priced of the 5 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the EX5 Plus and the rest.
Key dimensions & specs
- Largest radiator: 480mm
- Motherboards: Up to SSI-EEB
Pros
- Fits a 480mm radiator
- All-metal mesh panels
- Support for 480mm and 360mm radiators and 11 PCI slots
- Room for up to 10 HDDs or 11 SSDs
Cons
- Costs more than the XT Pro Silent (Phanteks) at the time of writing
How We Chose These Phanteks PC Cases
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Build features
- We recorded front USB-C, glass panels and layout features such as dual chambers.
- Cooling layout
- We checked radiator sizes and positions, fan mounts and how many fans come in the box.
- Size
- We noted motherboard support and, where the maker states it, the case volume.
- Hardware fit
- We compared listed GPU length, CPU cooler height and power supply limits.
What to Look for in a Phanteks PC Case
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Check GPU length and thickness
Large graphics cards run past 330mm and take three or four slots. Compare your card with the case's GPU length figure, and note that front fans or a front radiator often cut it.
Vertical mounts need a riser cable and more width.
Plan radiator positions early
A case may list a 360mm radiator only at the front or only on top. Top mounts must clear the motherboard heatsinks and tall RAM, and front mounts can shorten the GPU limit.
Confirm the power supply format
Most mid-towers take ATX power supplies, often with a length limit. Small cases may need SFX or SFX-L units, which cost more at the same wattage.
Mesh fronts and included fans
Mesh or perforated front panels breathe more easily than solid or glass fronts. Included fans save money; a case with none needs at least two or three before it is ready to use.
Check motherboard size and connector layout
Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX and ATX boards need matching cases. Back-connect boards, which put their connectors on the rear, need a case with cutouts for them.
Match cooler height to the case
Every case offers a maximum CPU air cooler height. Tall dual-tower coolers need about 160mm to 170mm; small cases may take only a low-profile cooler or an AIO.
How to Choose a Phanteks PC Case
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build | XT Pro Silent (Phanteks) | The cheapest way into this group, below the XT View Matrix |
| Buyers who want 600-LED matrix display on the front | XT View Matrix | A 600-LED matrix display on the front |
| Buyers who want multi-chamber layout that feeds each component fresh air | EX5 | A multi-chamber layout that feeds each component fresh air |
| Buyers who want 360mm AIO cooler included | EX5 Plus | A 360mm AIO cooler included |
| Buyers who put largest radiator size first | Enthoo Pro 2 Server | The largest radiator size here (480mm) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Case | Largest radiator | Fans included | Motherboards | Front USB-C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XT Pro Silent (Phanteks) | 360mm | 3 | Not listed | Yes |
| XT View Matrix | Not listed | Not listed | ATX, rear-connector ATX | Yes |
| EX5 | 360mm | 1 | ATX, Micro-ATX | Not listed |
| EX5 Plus | 360mm | 1 | ATX, Micro-ATX | Not listed |
| Enthoo Pro 2 Server | 480mm | Not listed | Up to SSI-EEB | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Cases |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | XT Pro Silent (Phanteks), XT View Matrix |
| About $100 to $150 | EX5 |
| About $150 to $250 | EX5 Plus, Enthoo Pro 2 Server |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which pick leads on radiator size?
The Enthoo Pro 2 Server leads at 480mm, ahead of the XT Pro Silent (Phanteks) at 360mm; the EX5 Plus sits at the other end with 360mm.
Which pick costs the least here?
The XT Pro Silent (Phanteks) cost the least when we checked, and the Enthoo Pro 2 Server sat at the top of the range. Prices move often, so check the current listing before buying.
What is a back-connect case?
One with cutouts for motherboards that put their power and data connectors on the rear. It hides cables but needs a compatible board.
Do I need a full tower?
Only for very large radiators, E-ATX boards, custom loops or many drives. A good mid-tower fits most gaming builds, including large graphics cards.
Does a glass front make a PC run hotter?
It can, when air has to enter through narrow gaps. Glass-front cases that take air from the side or bottom avoid most of that penalty.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the XT Pro Silent (Phanteks), chosen for the cheapest way into this group, below the XT View Matrix. Look at the XT View Matrix for a 600-LED matrix display on the front, the EX5 for a multi-chamber layout that feeds each component fresh air and the EX5 Plus for a 360mm AIO cooler included if those matter more to you.
Check GPU length and radiator support against your parts list.