The evolution of PC chassis has long transcended the mere act of housing components within a single enclosure. Today, the industry is driven by a pursuit of optimized airflow dynamics and streamlined cable management, achieved through the physical isolation of critical system components. The new Phanteks EX5 series revives the trend of sectional spatial organization, partitioning the system into dedicated functional zones—a design philosophy that achieves aesthetic perfection without compromising technical performance.
The concept of partitioning a chassis into isolated "chambers" is far from novel, yet it remains one of the most radical and effective attempts to rethink PC ergonomics. Thermaltake took the first bold steps in this direction back in 2009 with the legendary Level 10, introducing a philosophy where every component occupied its own strictly defined compartment. Years later, Phanteks revisits this approach with the EX5 series, offering a modern interpretation of sectional design that segregates the motherboard, graphics card, and power supply into distinct chambers.
The EX5 lineup comprises three modifications, distinguished by their level of pre-installed hardware and functional capabilities. The base EX5 model is tailored for enthusiasts who demand absolute control over the build process. It provides a blank slate with a minimalist cooling configuration—consisting of a single rear exhaust fan—allowing the user to engineer a thermal solution precisely tuned to their specific workload.
For those who prioritize a "clean build" aesthetic and high out-of-the-box performance, Phanteks offers the EX5 Plus. The centerpiece here is the integrated Glacier One 360S25-SE AIO liquid cooling system. The engineers have implemented concealed tubing, virtually eliminating visual clutter within the chassis. A further advantage is the S25 ARGB fan array; by utilizing a single shared frame and cable for the entire group of fans, Phanteks has significantly streamlined cable management and eradicated the typical chaos of wiring.
The series culminates in the EX5 Max. While retaining all the advantages of the Plus version, it introduces a high-tech monitoring element: a high-resolution 6-inch display integrated directly into the AIO system. This screen transforms the chassis into a comprehensive information hub, displaying critical system metrics in real-time or allowing for deep personalization via custom imagery.
In terms of footprint, the cases measure 449 × 234 × 474 mm, maintaining a relatively compact profile without sacrificing broad compatibility. The chassis supports standard ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX form factors. The architecture provides four expansion slots and combined bays for 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch drives, ensuring flexibility in storage configurations.
The technical clearances of the series are impressive: CPU cooler height can reach up to 72 mm, while massive modern GPUs are accommodated up to 358 mm in length and 175 mm in height. Power supplies up to 210 mm in length are supported. Of particular note is the ability to mount 360mm radiators on the internal side wall, optimizing airflow dynamics across the various sections.
The front I/O panel adheres to modern standards, featuring two USB 3.0 ports, one high-speed USB-C 3.2 Gen2x2 port, and a standard 3.5mm audio jack.
Visually, the series is available exclusively in a sleek, understated black finish that underscores the professional nature of the hardware. Pricing for the base EX5 starts at $109.99, the Plus version with integrated cooling is priced at $159.99, and the flagship Max model with the display retails for $229.99. For users looking to upgrade an existing system, the Glacier One 360S25-SE AIO is available as a standalone purchase for $79.99.
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