Phanteks PH-EC416PSW_BK Eclipse P400S Silent-Edition Satin Black Steel E-ATX Mid Tower Desktop Chassis

Its an amazing case especially for the price, watch the video for all details.

I pre-ordered this case 2 days before it was to arrive in South Africa. I got the case on 21st Of April 2016 and from the second I clicked the "Add To Basket" button, I have been receiving pleasant experiences :)

This is not the first time ordering from Wootware, and as usual they were very prompt and friendly to respond to any queries I had

Case Review:


Pros -
• Case is Good looking with subtle approach and All metal construction (except for two top vent lids)
• Pre-installed Fans are decently quiet.
• There is a massive CPU cutout, making installation of aftermarket coolers easy.
• Blocks out most sounds as result of good dampening material applied to all panels and small - but not limited - air vents.
• Cool RGB LED lights edging the power button and front bottom of case. 10 Colors available + ability to turn them off with a 2 second hold of the color change button.
• Bottom of case closed off with metal insert, so you can't see the PSU/HDD's as well as cables.
• Easy cable management with the Velcro cable ties *See Other Thoughts.
• Dust filters everywhere. You also get two magnetic dust filters included, in case you want to use top of case as exhaust/intake.
• Big side panel window, to marvel your components. **See Other Thoughts.
• Mobo standoffs already installed.
• Ample space for easy install of components and large front radiators/big GPU's.
• Great build quality and Value for money.
• Thumb Screws stay attached to the side panels, so you don't lose them.
• Two way PSU mounting.


Cons - The following are not really Cons, but more nitpicking.
• No 5.25"/ODD Drive bays, so you better not need them, or have a SATA → USB adapter.
• Only two 3.5" HDD bays, this wasn't a problem for me, and will not be for most other people. It must also be noted that the ability to install more 3.5" HDD's are possible(up to 8 total), but to my understanding you'll have to buy the brackets separate from Phanteks. Two 2.5" brackets are also included for SSD's to make up for the lack of the latter.

Neutral -
• The sound dampening foam was a bit loose on all the panels corners, but it appears that it's only badly installed. The adhesive was still very sticky, so I just pressed them down and they have stayed there ever since.
• Thumb Screws were very tightly installed, had to use a Phillips to first get them loose the first time.
• Would have liked to see more front USB 3.0/2.0, but you can always use the ones on you Mobo and I never really use more than two simultaneously anyway.


Other thoughts:
* The Velcro cable ties have a nice Phanteks logo on them, but unfortunately it's installed upside down. This is not worth a con since you aren't going to see it when you close up the case, just thought I'd mention it.
** Some people on other sites have been complaining that the side window scratches easily. As of now I haven't noticed this to be a problem on my case, but then again I've only had it a couple of days.

The power supply spot has a universal mount so there is no fighting on which direction you want to mount your power supply. For example fan-less ones need to exhaust upwards but with a fan you might want to flip it and use the bottom intake.

This case was a big upgrade for me, as I only built my First PC a little more than 2 years ago and for that I tried to cut corners on some parts to save money i.e. the case. I upgraded to this case to ready myself for the slew of new architectures and 14nm PC components coming within the next year, but mostly because my old case wouldn't have enough space and of course for the looks ;)

The installation was really effortless and quick and the insert at the bottom of the case really helped to clean up the whole look of the case, because you can't see any cables laying around etc. only cables that go to the Mobo from the back. Also the fact that the HDD's are not installed next to the Mobo, like it usually is, makes it look really spacious and certainly helps with airflow.


Final Verdict:
I would recommend this case mostly to newcomers, seeking accommodation for their first PC components as well as anyone who are looking to get the best bang for buck deal of the year.

Overall very pleasantly surprised by Phanteks' design and build of this case. So glad I got it!