Phanteks Enthoo Pro 2 Server Edition
Phanteks returned to its Enthoo Pro 2 case and tweaked a few things within the internal layout that will appeal especially to the server clientele. Key among them is support for larger motherboards with multiple PCIe slots, while still keeping the same case volume. Because of the assumption of high power draw of such a build, the cooling options are also more intensive, and for greater reliability there is again the possibility of installing server grade PSUs.
The original, roughly three-year-old Phanteks Enthoo Pro 2 had the makings of a server build, but in many ways it still looked more like a workstation setup. It’s only now that the Enthoo Pro 2 Server Edition comes closer to meeting the needs of powerful servers. In rough outline, it’s basically the same 560 × 580 × 240mm case, that hasn’t changed, it’s still a roughly 78-litre full tower.
The difference is in the layout of some of the elements and especially in the rear lower part around the power supply. The new Enthoo Pro 2 “server” case doesn’t have a large tunnel for vertical mounting of the ATX power supply – it is the traditional, horizontal one. This created room for more PCIe expansion card positions and naturally for taller motherboards.
It is not limited to the E-ATX/SSI-EEB format (Enthoo Pro 2), and even 40 mm taller XL-ATX motherboards (with 345 mm in height) will fit. In regards to the Enthoo Pro 2, Phanteks notes no longer mention a limitation on motherboard width when it comes to the use of cable grommets either. That’s rather odd though, as their position doesn’t seem to have changed. So it is probably an error and the same applies as with Enthoo Pro 2 – although 330 mm wide boards are supported, but from 280 mm upwards the PCB overlaps the grommets and you have to route the cables in a different way.
As with the Enthoo Pro 2, up to eight 3.5″ HDDs can be stacked vertically behind the front panel, of which only four drawers are available as part of the included accessories (you’ll need to buy the rest). If you don’t use the 3.5″ HDDs, you can install adapters for four 2.5″ storage drives on this panel. Up to eleven of these are supported in total. Three can be installed on the motherboard tray from the back, for example.
A unique accessory of the Enthoo Pro 2 SE is a holder for three 120 millimeter fans. You can bring airflow in this way from two directions, from the front or from the side. There are still a total of 15 positions available for 120 mm fans, except the SE variant has these side ones instead of the bottom three (on the bottom of the case). There are six positions for 140 mm fans, three in the front and three on the ceiling. The choice of fans is entirely up to you, the case is shipped without fans. First and foremost, Phanteks recommends the T30 and its fan controller (PH-PWHUB_02) to go with it. A new (exclusive to Enthoo Pro 2 SE) ceiling position for a 280 mm liquid cooler radiator has been added. Otherwise it is possible to fit a larger one, up to 360 mm, under the ceiling. In the front and side positions, liquid coolers with up to 420-millimeter radiators are supported.
In addition to ATX format power supplies, it is also possible to install server grade models (such as redundant ones, which are important for this environment). An adapter is supplied in the accessories to compensate for the differences in mounting holes compared to ATX power supplies, which the case supports natively.
Enthoo Pro 2 Server Edition is available in two variants. With a tempered glass side panel for a suggested price of 170 EUR and with a full, metal panel, it is 10 EUR cheaper.
English translation and edit by Jozef Dudáš