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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These cases are BEGGING for a wall-mount capability.
Welcome back, Thermaltake Level 10 and Razer Project Christine! Every 5-ish years, a manufacturer will try to make it work.
I love this design, can't wait for the thermal performance
Looks like an evolution of the Thermaltake Level 10 case.
Sold on the design. Wondering about the GPU thermals
Reminds me of an older Thermaltake case series
Still want a sff version of this specific to itx or m-atx. Compact mini tower or horizontal layout.
These are so freaking cool. Saw the main one in some sponsored short and I've been waiting for someone to get hands-on with it. The AIO tubing breaking the rule of everything being tight and self contained is just awesome. Just the right amount of variety on like a cyber brutalist chunk of case
I would need to see thermal and noise testing before I could make any real judgement on this case. It's cool aesthetically, but is it cool functionally. I'm curious if the GPU fans would have to spin faster since they alone are pulling in outside air through the mesh chamber? Id also like to see some GPU compatibility testing, especially with card height and the room for the GPU melting 12v connector.
I conceptualized a case like this a decade ago, but simply had no means to make it a reality. In my concept, the GPU chamber was also vertical. The GPU and AIO chambers were removable. Regardless, glad to see something like this being made.
It's great to see brands FINALLY innovating again and making things different and exciting!
This is like the design we imagined in the early 2000s. I love it
I will buy one as soon as theyre ready to be bought
This is actually awesome. I would definitely buy this!
i like the concept. it would be great if they were able to give it reversible or horizontal placement options. the back could look a bit nicer for the premium version, and screen should be optional to install (understand if they included it in package).
6:34 That cutout in the glass peace is for air cooling towers, not AIO .
We are taking open case to the next level
Very lovely design language. I like it. Bronze and fabric are my favorite accents.
Giving me LESS space to build in? Brilliant!
nice departure from the norm, but I'd like to see some independent VRM and memory temperature information, especially higher clocked DDR5.