Phanteks EX5 Plus Review: Features, Specifications, Price & Is It Worth Buying in 2026?
If you are planning a high-performance gaming PC in 2026, choosing the right PC case is no longer just about appearance. Airflow, GPU clearance, CPU cooling, cable management, expansion support, and noise can have a major impact on the overall experience. The Phanteks EX5 Plus takes a different approach from the increasingly common “fish-tank” PC cases by using a compartmentalized internal design and an integrated 360mm liquid cooler.
Officially introduced in September 2026, the EX5 lineup includes the EX5, EX5 Plus, and EX5 Max. The EX5 Plus sits in the middle of the range and combines the new chassis architecture with a pre-installed Glacier One 360S25-SE AIO cooler.
In this detailed guide, we will look at the Phanteks EX5 Plus specifications, design, airflow, cooling system, GPU compatibility, storage, connectivity, price, advantages, disadvantages, and overall value.
Phanteks EX5 Plus at a Glance
| Feature | Phanteks EX5 Plus |
|---|---|
| Case Type | Mid-Tower |
| Model Number | PH-EX526P_DBK01 |
| Color | Black |
| Motherboard Support | ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX |
| Dimensions | 449 × 234 × 474 mm |
| Material | Steel, tempered glass, ABS |
| Included AIO | Glacier One 360S25-SE |
| Radiator Support | 360mm |
| Included Fans | 4 × 120mm |
| Maximum GPU Length | 358mm |
| GPU Thickness | Up to 4.6 slots depending on position |
| CPU Cooler Height | 72mm |
| PSU Length | Up to 210mm |
| Storage | 1 × 3.5-inch + 1 × 2.5-inch |
| USB-C | USB 3.2 Gen2x2, 20Gbps |
| USB-A | 2 × USB 3.0 |
| RGB | Integrated ARGB |
| Expansion Slots | 4 |
| Weight | 9.35kg |
| Warranty | 5 years |
Specifications are based primarily on Phanteks’ official product information.
What Is the Phanteks EX5 Plus?
The Phanteks EX5 Plus is a premium mid-tower PC case designed around a compartmentalized airflow architecture.
Instead of placing all major components in one large chamber, Phanteks divides the internal structure into dedicated areas. The concept is intended to give components such as the motherboard, GPU, CPU cooling system, and power supply more direct access to fresh air.
The EX5 Plus also includes a factory-installed 360mm Glacier One 360S25-SE AIO liquid cooler, making it more convenient than the standard EX5 for users who want liquid cooling without purchasing and installing a separate cooler.
Another important design feature is the concealed AIO tubing. This creates what Phanteks calls a “no-tubes” aesthetic, resulting in a cleaner-looking interior.
Phanteks EX5 Plus Design
The first thing you notice about the EX5 Plus is that it does not follow the typical dual-glass aquarium-style PC case design.
Phanteks has focused on creating a more structured internal layout rather than simply maximizing the visible glass area.
The case measures:
449 × 234 × 474 mm
That puts it firmly in the mid-tower category. Despite its unusual internal architecture, it supports mainstream ATX motherboards as well as Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX boards.
The exterior uses steel panels, tempered glass, and ABS components. The black finish gives the case a relatively understated appearance compared with aggressively styled gaming cases.
Compartmentalized Airflow Architecture
The biggest selling point of the Phanteks EX5 Plus is undoubtedly its internal airflow design.
Traditional PC cases generally rely on front, bottom, or side intake fans pushing air into a common internal volume. The EX5 series instead uses separate sections to create more controlled airflow paths.
Phanteks says this design provides direct fresh-air intake and optimized airflow paths while reducing internal heat buildup.
This is particularly interesting for modern high-performance PCs because GPUs and CPUs can generate substantial heat under sustained gaming or rendering workloads.
The design attempts to prevent hot air from one component from unnecessarily affecting another.
Potential benefits include:
- More targeted airflow
- Reduced heat recirculation
- Better GPU cooling potential
- Direct airflow around the motherboard
- Improved VRM and memory airflow
- Less dependence on large numbers of case fans
- Cleaner internal appearance
However, it is important to distinguish between design claims and independently measured performance. Early coverage has noted that the theoretical thermal advantages should not automatically be treated as independently verified results.
Integrated 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler
Unlike the standard EX5, the EX5 Plus comes with an integrated 360mm AIO liquid cooler.
The included cooling solution is the Glacier One 360S25-SE.
This is one of the biggest reasons to consider the Plus version.
Instead of purchasing:
- A case
- A 360mm AIO
- Additional radiator fans
- Various accessories
you get the chassis and integrated cooling solution together.
The cooler uses a large copper base and fin array and is designed to handle demanding CPU workloads. Phanteks also uses a single-frame S25 ARGB fan assembly, which reduces cable clutter compared with multiple individually wired fans.
Phanteks EX5 Plus Cooling Configuration
The EX5 Plus comes with four 120mm fans in total.
The official configuration includes:
- 1 × 120mm S25 rear motherboard fan
- 3 × 120mm fans integrated with the 360mm AIO
The radiator is positioned on the side of the chassis.
Phanteks lists support for a side-mounted 360mm radiator measuring up to 413 × 134 × 60mm.
This configuration means buyers do not necessarily need to spend additional money filling the case with extra fans immediately after purchase.
GPU Compatibility
Modern graphics cards are becoming larger, and this is an area where the EX5 Plus is designed to accommodate high-end hardware.
Phanteks lists a maximum GPU length of 358mm. GPU thickness varies according to the PCIe slot position.
The official specifications list:
- Slot 1: up to 4.6 slots / 93mm
- Slot 2: up to 3.6 slots / 73mm
- Slot 3: up to 2.6 slots / 53mm
The case also includes an integrated GPU support bracket designed to stabilize the graphics card.
This is particularly useful with today’s oversized graphics cards, which can put significant mechanical stress on the motherboard PCIe slot.
GPU Support Bracket
One feature that deserves special attention is the integrated GPU support bracket.
Heavy graphics cards can sag over time, especially large triple-slot and multi-slot models.
The EX5 Plus includes a dedicated support mechanism to keep the GPU secure and aligned.
Phanteks describes the bracket as a server-grade GPU support solution designed to keep the graphics card straight and securely fixed, including during transportation.
For a premium gaming PC, this is a useful addition.
Motherboard Compatibility
The EX5 Plus supports three common motherboard form factors:
- ATX
- Micro-ATX
- Mini-ITX
This gives builders considerable flexibility when selecting their platform.
However, buyers planning to use larger-than-ATX motherboards should look elsewhere, as the EX5 Plus is not designed as an E-ATX workstation enclosure.
CPU Cooler Compatibility
Because the EX5 Plus includes an integrated AIO cooler, CPU air-cooler compatibility is less important than it would be with a conventional case.
The official CPU cooler height clearance is only 72mm.
That makes sense given the chassis architecture and integrated liquid cooling.
If you prefer massive tower-style air coolers, the EX5 Plus is therefore not the most natural choice.
If you already intend to use a 360mm AIO, however, this limitation becomes much less significant.
Storage Options
Storage capacity is one area where the EX5 Plus is fairly conservative.
The case provides:
- 1 × 3.5-inch HDD position
- 1 × 2.5-inch SSD position
Phanteks provides dedicated brackets for these drives.
For a modern gaming PC using one or two NVMe SSDs, this may be enough.
However, users building storage-heavy workstations with multiple SATA drives may find the storage expansion somewhat limited.
Front I/O and Connectivity
The EX5 Plus has a useful selection of modern front-panel connectivity.
You get:
- 2 × USB 3.0
- 1 × USB-C 3.2 Gen2x2
- Microphone/headphone combo jack
- Power button
- Reset button
The USB-C port supports 20Gbps, which is a significant advantage for users who frequently transfer files to high-speed external SSDs.
For a modern 2026 gaming or workstation PC, this is a welcome specification.
ARGB Lighting
The EX5 Plus is also designed for RGB enthusiasts.
Phanteks integrates a diffused ARGB lighting strip that runs vertically through the chassis. Additional lighting is integrated around the PSU cover.
The lighting can work with compatible motherboard-based ARGB control systems, while the optional NexLinq ecosystem provides additional customization possibilities.
This means the EX5 Plus can be configured as either a subtle professional-looking build or a more colorful gaming setup.
Cable Management
Cable management is another important part of the EX5 Plus concept.
Phanteks incorporates dedicated cable-routing space and Velcro-based cable management features.
The goal is to keep the internal chamber clean while also hiding the AIO tubing and other connections.
The integrated single-frame fan approach is especially useful here because multiple individual fans can otherwise result in a large number of power and ARGB cables.
Phanteks EX5 Plus Build Quality
The chassis combines:
- Steel
- Tempered glass
- ABS plastic
The case weighs approximately 9.35kg, which is fairly substantial for a mid-tower.
The additional weight is not necessarily a disadvantage. It can contribute to a more solid overall feel and stability, particularly when a large GPU and liquid-cooled CPU are installed.
The reinforced motherboard spine is another structural element intended to improve rigidity.
Phanteks EX5 Plus Price
The official Phanteks Store currently lists the EX5 Plus at $159.99.
Some early European testing has reported a price around €149.90, while pricing can vary by region and retailer.
For buyers in Bangladesh, the final retail price can be significantly different because of shipping, taxes, importer margins, and availability. As of the latest information available, Bangladeshi retailers list other Phanteks cases but the EX5 Plus does not appear to have a broadly established local retail price yet.
Therefore, it is better to treat $159.99 as the reference international price, rather than converting it directly into a guaranteed Bangladesh retail price.
Phanteks EX5 Plus vs EX5
The standard EX5 and EX5 Plus share the same basic chassis concept, but their intended audiences are different.
| Feature | EX5 | EX5 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Compartmentalized design | Yes | Yes |
| 360mm AIO | No | Yes |
| Integrated Glacier One cooler | No | Yes |
| Rear 120mm fan | Yes | Yes |
| ARGB | Yes | Yes |
| USB-C 20Gbps | Yes | Yes |
| GPU support bracket | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Custom builds | Ready-to-build liquid-cooled systems |
The EX5 is the better option if you already own an AIO or want to choose your own cooling solution.
The EX5 Plus makes more sense if you want a cleaner and simpler high-performance build with a factory-integrated 360mm liquid cooler.
Phanteks EX5 Plus vs EX5 Max
The EX5 Max is the more feature-heavy version.
Both the Plus and Max include the integrated 360mm AIO, but the Max adds a 6-inch display for system monitoring and customizable visuals.
EX5 Plus
Best for:
- Gaming PCs
- Performance-focused builds
- Users who want liquid cooling
- Clean aesthetics
- Better value
EX5 Max
Best for:
- Enthusiasts
- Showcase PCs
- Users who want an integrated display
- Custom visual monitoring
For most users, the EX5 Plus is likely to offer a better balance between price and features.
Pros of the Phanteks EX5 Plus
1. Unique airflow architecture
The compartmentalized design separates the internal airflow paths and represents a significant departure from conventional PC cases.
2. Included 360mm AIO
Getting a 360mm liquid cooler integrated into the case makes the package particularly attractive.
3. Excellent GPU support
The case can accommodate GPUs up to 358mm long and offers substantial thickness clearance depending on slot position.
4. Clean interior
The concealed AIO tubing and structured layout help create a much cleaner-looking build.
5. USB-C 20Gbps
The high-speed front USB-C port is excellent for modern external storage and peripherals.
6. Integrated GPU bracket
A useful addition for heavy graphics cards.
7. Five-year warranty
Phanteks specifies a five-year limited warranty for the EX5 Plus.
Cons of the Phanteks EX5 Plus
1. Limited storage
Only one 3.5-inch and one 2.5-inch drive position are provided.
2. Limited CPU air-cooler clearance
With only 72mm of CPU cooler height clearance, large tower air coolers are not a practical option.
3. Unconventional design
The compartmentalized architecture is innovative, but builders accustomed to traditional cases may need some time to understand the layout.
4. Limited expansion slots
The case provides four expansion slots.
5. Independent thermal data is still developing
The case is new, and while the architecture is promising, buyers should avoid assuming that theoretical airflow benefits automatically translate into dramatically lower temperatures in every configuration. Early technical coverage has specifically cautioned about relying on manufacturer claims until broader independent testing is available.
Who Should Buy the Phanteks EX5 Plus?
The EX5 Plus is particularly appealing for users who want to build a powerful gaming PC without spending a lot of time selecting and installing individual cooling components.
It is a strong candidate for:
- High-end gaming PCs
- Enthusiast builds
- RTX-class high-performance GPU systems
- Ryzen and Intel performance systems
- AIO cooling enthusiasts
- RGB gaming setups
- Clean showcase builds
- Users who dislike visible AIO tubing
The integrated cooling solution makes it especially attractive for someone building a new PC from scratch.
Who Should Avoid the EX5 Plus?
The case may not be ideal if you:
- Prefer large air coolers
- Need many SATA drives
- Need more than four expansion slots
- Use an E-ATX motherboard
- Already own an excellent 360mm AIO
- Want a conventional case layout
- Prefer maximum internal storage flexibility
In those situations, a more traditional full-featured chassis could be a better choice.
Is the Phanteks EX5 Plus Good for Gaming?
Yes, on paper it is particularly well suited to gaming PCs.
A modern gaming system often has two major heat sources: the CPU and GPU. The EX5 Plus is specifically designed around giving these components more controlled airflow.
The case supports large graphics cards, includes a GPU support bracket, and comes with a 360mm AIO for the processor.
That combination makes it an attractive foundation for a powerful gaming system.
Still, actual gaming temperatures depend on the CPU, GPU, room temperature, motherboard settings, power limits, fan curves, and other components. The case should therefore be viewed as a strong cooling-oriented platform rather than a guarantee of specific temperatures.
Is the Phanteks EX5 Plus Worth Buying in 2026?
The Phanteks EX5 Plus is one of the more interesting new PC cases of 2026.
Its biggest advantage is not simply the 360mm AIO or ARGB lighting. The real attraction is the underlying architecture.
Phanteks is moving away from the increasingly common glass-box design and experimenting with a compartmentalized approach that attempts to direct fresh air toward the components that need it most.
At around $159.99, the combination of a mid-tower chassis and integrated 360mm AIO is compelling.
The main question is long-term independent thermal and acoustic performance. Early reviews are promising, but the product is still new, so more testing will help determine whether its innovative architecture delivers a major real-world advantage.
Final Verdict
The Phanteks EX5 Plus is not just another RGB gaming case.
It is a fundamentally different take on PC case design.
Its compartmentalized architecture, integrated 360mm Glacier One AIO, concealed tubing, GPU support bracket, high-speed USB-C connectivity, and clean ARGB implementation make it an appealing option for enthusiasts building a modern gaming PC.
Our overall assessment:
Design: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Airflow concept: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cooling features: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
GPU compatibility: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Cable management: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Storage flexibility: ⭐⭐⭐½
Connectivity: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Value: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Final Rating: 9/10
If you want a clean, modern, liquid-cooled gaming PC with an unconventional airflow design, the Phanteks EX5 Plus deserves serious consideration.
Its biggest selling point is simple: you get an innovative chassis and a factory-integrated 360mm AIO in one package, without needing to build the cooling system around the case yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Phanteks EX5 Plus?
The Phanteks EX5 Plus is a mid-tower PC case featuring a compartmentalized airflow architecture and an integrated Glacier One 360S25-SE 360mm AIO liquid cooler.
How much does the Phanteks EX5 Plus cost?
The official Phanteks Store lists the EX5 Plus at $159.99. Regional prices may vary.
Does the EX5 Plus include an AIO cooler?
Yes. The EX5 Plus comes with an integrated Glacier One 360S25-SE 360mm AIO liquid cooler.
What motherboard sizes does it support?
It supports ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX motherboards.
What is the maximum GPU length?
The official maximum GPU length is 358mm.
Does it have USB-C?
Yes. It has a front USB-C 3.2 Gen2x2 port with 20Gbps bandwidth, along with two USB 3.0 ports.
How many fans are included?
The EX5 Plus includes four 120mm fans: three associated with the 360mm AIO and one rear motherboard fan.
Is the Phanteks EX5 Plus good for high-end gaming?
Yes. Its large GPU clearance, integrated 360mm AIO, compartmentalized airflow design, and GPU support bracket make it well suited to high-performance gaming systems.
