Overview

The Phanteks EX5 Plus is a mid-tower ATX case built around a multi-chamber cooling design. Instead of the traditional boxy layout, this chassis divides the interior into dedicated compartments so each major component receives fresh air directly. The result is a case that prioritizes thermal efficiency while keeping the build visually clean and organized.
This case ships with a fully integrated 360mm AIO liquid cooler and S25-120 chassis fans, which means you do not need to buy additional cooling hardware out of the box. The tempered glass side panels and built-in ARGB lighting let you show off your components, while the compartmentalized layout directs airflow exactly where it is needed. It targets gamers and PC enthusiasts who want strong cooling performance without the hassle of planning a separate cooling loop.
Measuring 234mm wide, 474mm tall, and 449mm deep, the EX5 Plus weighs 9.35kg. It supports ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX motherboards, and the front I/O includes a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2x2 port plus two USB-A 3.0 ports. This places it in the mid-to-high tier of the market, appealing to builders who value both performance and aesthetics.

Compatibility Guide

The EX5 Plus supports ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX motherboards. There are four expansion slots, starting from the first slot position. Graphics card clearance is generous at up to 358mm in length, with thickness varying by slot position: 4.6 slots (93mm) starting from slot 1, 3.6 slots (73mm) from slot 2, and 2.6 slots (53mm) from slot 3.
CPU cooler height is limited to 72mm, which is a key consideration if you plan to use a large air cooler. The side-mounted 360mm radiator supports dimensions up to 413 x 134 x 60mm. The power supply can be up to 210mm long, and there is 40mm of cable management space behind the motherboard tray. Liquid cooler tubing with an outer diameter of 10-12mm is supported.
For storage, there is one 3.5-inch bay and one 2.5-inch bay. A GPU support bracket is included, with bracket 1 accommodating cards from 247-308mm and bracket 2 handling 275-358mm. The front I/O panel includes a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2x2 port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, a mic/headphone combo jack, reset button, and power button.

Product Info

The Phanteks EX5 Plus introduces a compartmentalized chassis design that organizes major components into dedicated chambers. Each chamber receives fresh air directly, which optimizes cooling efficiency compared to traditional open-layout cases. This design also reduces reliance on excessive fan setups, allowing builders to achieve excellent thermals with fewer fans.
The integrated 360mm AIO liquid cooler uses a side-mount connection to keep the interior tidy. Fans positioned behind the motherboard effectively cool the VRM and RAM while directing GPU heat away from critical components. ARGB lighting is built into the PSU cover (18 LEDs) and around the motherboard (81 LEDs), and it can be synchronized via the Nexlinq app or directly through the motherboard.
In terms of market positioning, the EX5 Plus sits in the mid-to-high tier, appealing to users who want a distinctive layout with strong cooling performance. It is designed as a centerpiece for premium desk setups, combining innovative layout, integrated lighting, and quality materials.

Best Use Cases

For gamers building a new PC, the included 360mm AIO cooler is a major advantage. You can install a high-end CPU and a large graphics card without worrying about additional cooling purchases. This makes it a solid choice for those who want to play the latest titles at high settings without thermal throttling.
Creative professionals who run long rendering or video editing sessions will also benefit. The multi-chamber design keeps each component cool under sustained load, which helps maintain stable performance during demanding workloads. The clean interior also makes it easier to swap components when upgrading.
However, this case is not ideal for users who want a compact build or are specifically looking for a Mini-ITX chassis. The mid-tower size requires a reasonable amount of desk or floor space. Additionally, if you prefer to choose your own liquid cooler, the bundled AIO may limit your options.

Things to Consider

The bundled 360mm AIO cooler means the case price is higher than a bare chassis, but it can be cost-effective when you factor in the cost of buying a cooler and fans separately. Still, if you already own a high-end cooler, you might be paying for hardware you do not need.
The 72mm CPU cooler height limit is a real constraint for those who prefer large air coolers. If you are considering a side-flow or top-flow cooler, verify the dimensions before purchasing. The four expansion slots may also feel restrictive if you plan to add multiple expansion cards later.

Product Disclosure (Amazon)

  • Manufacturer: Phanteks
  • Seller: nextDREAM
  • Fulfilled by: nextDREAM
  • ASIN: B0GSBW9HZT
  • Note: This article covers a manufacturer-made product based on Amazon listing details.