Introduction and First Impressions

A new mid-tower version of the Enthoo Pro with EVOLV ATX DNA

The Enthoo Pro M is the new mid-tower version of the Enthoo Pro, previously a full-tower ATX enclosure from the PC cooler and enclosure maker. This new enclosure adds another option to the $79 case market, which already has a number of solid options. Let's see how it stacks up!

I was very impressed by the Phanteks Enthoo EVOLV ATX enclosure, which received our Editor’s Choice award when reviewed earlier this year. The enclosure was very solidly made and had a number of excellent features, and even with a primarily aluminum construction and premium design it can be found for $119, rather unheard-of for this combination in the enclosure market. So what changes from that design might be expect to see with the $79 Enthoo Pro M?

The Pro M is a very businesslike design, constructed of steel and plastic, and with a very understated appearance. Not exactly “boring”, as it does have some personality beyond the typical rectangular box, with a brushed finish to the front panel which also features a vented front fan opening, and a side panel window to show off your build. But I think the real story here is the intelligent internal design, which is nearly identical to that of the EVOLV ATX.

Before we take a closer look at the Enthoo Pro M, here’s a rundown of the specs from Phanteks. (I love how complete these are, right down to cable management depth!)


Form Factor: Midtower Chassis
Materials: Plastic Exterior, Steel Chassis
Side Window: Yes
Motherboard Support: E-ATX (up to 264mm wide), ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITX
Front I/O: 2x USB 3.0, Mic, Headphone, Reset
Expansion slots: 7
Drive bays: Internal 3.5" 8x (2x included); Internal 2.5" (dedicated) 3x (1x included)
Cooling:
120mm fan: Front 2x (3x without ODD cage); Top 3x; Rear 1x
140mm fan: Front 2x; Top 2x; Rear 1x (included)
Graphic card: Up to 420 mm (16.54 in), no HDD brackets; 300 mm (11.8 in) HDD brackets installed
PSU: 318 mm (12.5 in)
CPU cooler: 194 mm (7.6 in)
Cable management: 35 mm (1.38 in)
Memory clearance (motherboard – fan): 120mm: 68 mm (2.68 in); 140mm: 48 mm (1.89 in)
Dimension (W x H x D): 235 x 480 x 500 mm (9.25 x 18.9 x 19.7 in)


Our thanks to Phanteks for providing the Enthoo Pro M enclosure for our review!

First Impressions

The packaging for the Enthoo Pro M is your typical cardboard affair with thick foam protecting the enclosure. Once out of the box we have our first look at this new mid-tower design.

There is a magnetic filter on the top of the case

Another filter slides out from the back under the PSU

Pulling off the front panel reveals a third screen filter

Considering the $79 retail target, it makes sense that Phanteks employed a steel and plastic construction for the Enthoo Pro M; and while it might look understated it avoids being bland with the side window and brushed front panel (actually textured plastic). The feet provide a solid base and have rubber pads to dampen vibration, and there should be plenty of airflow with the large filtered vent on the front panel.

Next we'll look inside the case and cover a quick build before testing performance.

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