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Benchmarks & Final Analysis
It seems to be a common theme now for case manufacturers to ship compact cases with only a single fan installed. This isn’t usually a problem since most users install their own fans, either by adding liquid coolers or standalone case fans. However, because we test cases as they’re delivered to us, just having a single fan can limit airflow, which leads to head buildup inside the case and, in turn, poor thermal results. The lack of additional fans makes the Evolv Shift the hottest case on the chart—so hot in fact that one of the CPU cores had to throttle back during the test to stay under the temperature limit.
Usually cases that use tempered glass in their construction perform quieter, since the glass helps to reflect the sound back into the case. Oddly enough this doesn’t seem to hold true for the Evolv Shift, making it the second loudest case in today’s comparisons.
As expected the Evolv Shift’s poor thermal and noise performance cause it to take a big hit in our efficiency comparison.
The Evolv Shift’s modest $110 price tag offers it a bit of redemption in our performance-per-dollar value chart, putting it in third place. However, for those on a budget or looking for true compact case with superior performance, the Evolv Shift is still a far cry from some of the other options in our comparison set.
The Evolv Shift’s disappointing stock performance makes it easy to forget that you’re getting a case that’s covered in aluminum and tempered glass for only $110. Still, another fan would have probably gone a long way towards fixing some of the thermal issues we found earlier, without significantly adding to the overall cost of the case. Those with high performance hardware and who have the space available may want to take a look at the larger Evolv Shift X as the better option.
In any case, the Evolv Shift gains our seal of approval for anyone looking for an aesthetically pleasing, well-built case for a reasonable price.
Every Phanteks case before the Shift has been a "game changer" with great looks, outstanding cooling options, good looks and lower than expected pricing forcing the market that had be stagnant for years, to incorporate new and better ideas. This is a break from that run. It's the first case from Phanteks that I wasn't anxious to get my hand on.
I had planned on purchasing this case for my itx build, but, with no solid release date set, I went with the Fractal Design Node. After reading this review, I'm kind of glad I didn't wait. I'm not impressed with the thermal or noise results. Form over function here, I guess.
Newegg is taking preorders and showing a ship date of the 26th of September.
My only question is radiator support in the smaller Shift. Product specifications state it can hold 2 120mm rads/AIOs. But can it hold 1 240mm rad or AIO?
I’ve been waiting for this case for a while, I really love the clean look. Don’t care about heat, I’m not gonna overclock anything. But I can see why that might be an issue for some. I am planning to use this as a HTPC for gaming in the living room. I kinda wish they had a cheaper no-glass version.. I kinda feel like for me anyway, I don’t care about the insides since it’s going on my TV rack where you wouldn’t be able to see it anyway. I also want to lay it flat on it’s side, and I worry the right side / bottom side glass panel is just wasted even more than the other side. Overall though, I still like the look either way. Can’t wait to start my new build. I think I may wait another month or so though and see about getting a coffee lake CPU.
Every Phanteks case before the Shift has been a "game changer" with great looks, outstanding cooling options, good looks and lower than expected pricing forcing the market that had be stagnant for years, to incorporate new and better ideas. This is a break from that run. It's the first case from Phanteks that I wasn't anxious to get my hand on.
I agree with this!
Im waiting on a ITX version of the Phanteks Enthoo Evolv https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16811854058 and hoping it will be the Evolv ITX just smaller to utilize SFX power supplies and new tempered glass doors ON HINGES with magnets (because 4 thumbscrews suck!).
Intresting to see the case finally previewed on the site. Any chance of doing a review with an AIO because all the videos I have seen use an AIO for the build, even there Electronic Show official reveal had an AIO. I'd like to see how air would compare to the AIO setup I've seen used everywhere else.
Without that it's just pointing out the obvious... A case built for closed loop coolers performs horrible with open air.
