Conclusion
Today we took a look at Phanteks’ refreshed P600s entry, the P600s Matte White. As a premium case with a premium US$209 price tag, the P600s impresses from box opening to final build – and has the build quality and reconfigurability to serve for years of upgrades.
Of Choices and Compromises
Choices, choices. Phanteks’ P600s is a case that can serve a variety of needs, from those that need lots of cooling, and those that need more data storage capacity – to those that need an entire second system, in their system.
But each choice comes with a compromise – a second system setup limits PSU choice as well as radiator configuration, and placement of HDD cages in front of the motherboard tray limits airflow and prevents front radiator installation, the P600s is a case that can do many things well, but perhaps not all at once.
Noise Control
One of Phanteks’ headline features built into the P600s is the extensive effort applied toward limiting noise leakage. With the front fans running at a lower RPM, so long as the components inside remain cool, the case can provide a muted home for a mid-range system.
Where this approach tends to break down just so happens to be the best way to stress case cooling, and that is with high-end air-cooled components like in our 2022 ATX Test Rig. The basic problem amounts to having significant restrictions to airflow for the sake of adding filters and noise reduction measures alongside having a large internal volume full of air that needs to be cycled.
While there are three 140mm fans on tap that do move an impressive amount of air, they have to contend with restrictions from the case front on one side and somewhat diffuse airflow inside the large case. This results in airflow that easily cools the hotter GPU but simply cannot provide enough directed airflow for the CPU to keep from throttling.
And the result is, counterintuitively, more noise than necessary – but specifically, in our testing configuration. Where the P600s would likely shine would be in the employment of say a 360mm AIO for the CPU with the radiator mounted to the top, or even better, a custom loop to take advantage of the expansive interior.
Custom Watercooling Ready
Since we’re on the topic of watercooling, we’re noting that configuring the P600s with a custom loop or even just AIOs for the CPU and GPU is beyond the scope of our reviews – and not because we can’t perform the testing, but rather that there are so many possibilities that fair and insightful coverage becomes problematic.
That said, Phanteks is clearly targeting the P600s at the watercooling crowd. Support for two large radiators as well as provisions for the pump, fill and drain port installation cover most needs. The only limitations are the standard layout that doesn’t support bottom intakes or radiators, and the fixed panel for the cable routing covers (or drive cages) that would be prime real estate for a distribution block or another radiator.
The Whole Package
At a hefty US$209, about twice change what the average ATX case costs, Phanteks seems to be working hard for their customers’ money. Quality packaging, plenty of accessories, superb fit and finish, three large, above-average fans with lighting, and plenty of thumbscrews and other toolless parts make the P600s a joy to work with.
Final Points
The P600s Matte White is a premium choice for builders looking for a case that is designed to cover a variety of needs, both now and in the future. The expansive configuration ability, ease of installation, and potential upgrades, as well as the range of optional accessories, make the P600s a case that can adapt and grow with its owner.
For excellent build quality, configuration ability, and a focus on the end-user experience, but needing some customization to truly shine, Phanteks’ P600s earns our silver award.
