Phanteks Enthoo Evolv MATX vs Fractal Arc Mini R2?

TechMinerUK · 1 May 2016 at 09:15

So it is that time of year again where I contemplate what parts I'm going to use to redesign my PC. Since I am going for a "downsize" and have an MATX board lined up I've been looking at the Evolv and Arc Mini as these two cases seem to have good radiator support and look great.

However this is where it all goes down as I can't decide between them. On one hand I have had extremely positive experiences with Fractal on build quality/sound dampened cases but it has no PSU shroud and the annoyinh fan controller on the front (With no off mode :mad:

).

Then there is the Enthoo Evolv which seems to be the favourite child but lacks the space for a 360mm and 240mm rad and in my previous experiences with Phanteks have not been spectacular. But the Evolv has the PSU shroud.

So does anyone here have any ideas which case would be better for my build? As always any help is greatly appreciated

deFiniLoGy · 1 May 2016 at 22:58

I myself own the Phantek Enthoo evolv matx with a loop built in.

I could fit in 1*120, 1*240 & 1*280 rad, but it's not the easiest case to build all of these in, but it is certainly doable.

While looking at Fractal R2, tbh I dun think it looks half as nice as Evolv but the R2 seems a lot easier to build a loop in.

.:SAmSuNG:. · 2 May 2016 at 06:36

Defin you got any pics of your build?

TechMinerUK · 2 May 2016 at 08:38

deFiniLoGy said:
I myself own the Phantek Enthoo evolv matx with a loop built in.
I could fit in 1*120, 1*240 & 1*280 rad, but it's not the easiest case to build all of these in, but it is certainly doable
While looking at Fractal R2, tbh I dun think it looks half as nice as Evolv but the R2 seems a lot easier to build a loop in.

To be honest putting the loop together isn't my biggest issue, I'm more concerned about the build quality of the case and what it can accommodate

deFiniLoGy · 2 May 2016 at 14:16

.:SAmSuNG:. said:
Defin you got any pics of your build?

I haven't finalized my build yet, that's why I didn't take any picture lol

But it'll never look as sweet as yours as I'm just doing soft tubing (TOO MUCH ACADEMIC WORK

)

TechMinerUK said:
To be honest putting the loop together isn't my biggest issue, I'm more concerned about the build quality of the case and what it can accommodate

I'd say the build quality of the Evolv is pretty good.

Definitely not at the level of Caselabs good, quite a bit far away tbh, but it's definitely at the premium level as reflected by its price.

I seriously hope they can change the USB or Power button location though. What's wrong with putting it on the top :confused:

ChugNorris · 3 May 2016 at 15:10

Purely based on looks alone, Evolv wins by a mile. Adding in the range of features available on both, it's closer, but I'd still get the Evolv.

deFiniLoGy · 3 May 2016 at 16:16

ChugNorris said:
Purely based on looks alone, Evolv wins by a mile. Adding in the range of features available on both, it's closer, but I'd still get the Evolv.

Chug please ask Phantek to make a tempered glass version of the mATX Evolv and move the USB3 & power switches to the front lol

I'll upgrade in a heartbeat!