Every once in a while a product comes along that makes the entire industry look a little stale. The new EX-Series from Phanteks feels like one of those moments. Instead of another glass box chasing the same trend, these cases rethink how components are cooled, showcased, and separated. Weird, ambitious, and refreshingly different... the EX5, EX6 and their variants might just be the most important case launch of 2026. 0:00 - PHANTEKS did WHAT?! 0:42 - The new EX lineup (EX5, EX5 Plus, EX5 Max, EX6, EX6 Max) 0:55 - The concept behind this insane layout 1:21 - Motherboard installation (same process as before) 1:50 - GPU installation (unique open-chamber design) 2:26 - GPU length limits explained (3.5-slot vs 4.3-slot support) 2:53 - Insane build quality test 3:20 - Your feedback needed: GPU chamber color options 4:05 - EX5 overview (case only) 4:37 - EX5 Plus (built-in 360 AIO) 5:42 - EX5 Max (360 AIO + 6" display) 6:13 - EX6 overview (premium case only) 7:41 - EX6 Max (360 AIO + 10" display) 9:22 - EX6 clearance check (RAM height limitations) 9:45 - First impressions after full assembly SUBSCRIBE ►https://bit.ly/SubHWC This video is not sponsored. As per Hardware Canucks guidelines, no review direction was received from manufacturer. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Follow us for more updates! Twitter https://bit.ly/HWC_Twitter FaceBook https://bit.ly/HWC_Facebook Instagram https://bit.ly/HWC_Instagram ---------------------------------------------------------------- #hardwarecanucks #PhanteksEX #notafishtank
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I love this design. Finally, something new. Hope the thermals match
I like it! I'm curious how easy it is to build in, though. I also want to see how it performs in testing for thermals.
Talking about quality of Phantek cases, I have a white 2016 Eclipse P400S Tempered Glass case that has been in active service all these year, yet remains in 'as new' mint condition and still receives compliments. It is on it's third major upgrade and to be honest I saw no reason to change it this time. It has handled air and water cooling, three different motherboards, two different PSUs and some of the largest GPUs out there. Phantek also made available a number of accessories to expand the case as needed. When the time comes, I now have the EX-Series at #1 for the next case.
It would be cool to see this where the gpu is in the middle, the power supply points down, the empty space opposite of the motherboard is wall flat SSDs and the whole thing mounts to the wall and has an optional exhaust conduit that connects to a window.
It's beautiful, I won't argue. But have you run a test? A classic case from leading manufacturers and an EX case? What will the GPU and CPU temperatures be under load using the same components?
Wow, what a beautiful display case. Been using their Evolv X2 and have loved their design language. I was thinking of doing an ITX build next but these cases are BEGGING to be built in. Hopefully these still exist when I upgrade next!
Different. Can't be upset, it's nice seeing some innovation
Genuinely surprised that isn't quite a bit more expensive than he says - I remember that magnificent Thermal Level 10 case was well over $1000 in Australia at a time when you could pick up a decent i7 midrange laptop for less than just that case. I can see these cases becoming very very hard to get - that is if thermals pan out.
I love how creative these newer generation of pc cases are getting. It makes me want to see more cases that feel aethetically pleasing for bedroom and livingroom use. The idea of these furniture piece style pc's are greate
I also am a fan of this - looks unique and the EX6 was fantastic.
I'll be waiting on a full breakdown regarding the thermals and ease of repair/modification.
Reminds me of the old Level10 cases from Thermaltake. I really wanted one of those back in the day because it was unique. I think it'll be cool to see different sizes of this too (yes I know the current ones handle itx and atx). A small one designed for itx with an SFF power supply would be kinda neat
gonna look so good with the interior
10/10. It's only once every couple years that I am intrigued by a case. This is the next O11 case.
These NEED a wall mount, and I am glad we are finally moving beyond the fish-tank to getting to newer designs!
Oh Jesus, this is gorgeous.
Think I might go for an EX5 Max love that it still shows the GPU
If you have never built inside a Phanteks case, you are in for a treat. The fit and finish is world class. They provide all the screws and mounts for normal installations. I refuse to use any other vendor.
I'm in love with this case. This is getting used in my next build.
I Love it... At last something New!