Phanteks continues its streak of strong case designs with the XT View Matrix, a chassis that builds upon the acclaimed XT View by incorporating a distinctive dot-matrix LED strip. This addition offers a unique visual flair, though its polarizing aesthetic may not appeal to all builders. Despite this, the case delivers exceptional value, particularly for budget-conscious PC builders.
The XT View Matrix is not entirely new; it's an evolution of the XT View, originally released in 2024. The original chassis received broad acclaim for its features and price point. It supported E-ATX motherboards, offered ample radiator compatibility, and included a significant amount of integrated RGB lighting. This included two 120mm RGB reverse blade intake fans, a 120mm exhaust fan, and a full-length ARGB light strip, all controllable via the front I/O or motherboard headers.
Refined Features and a Striking New Element
Many of the XT View's original strengths carry over to the Matrix variant. The case maintains its support for E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, and ITX motherboards, and offers seven horizontal and two vertical expansion slots. Front I/O includes 2x USB 3.0, 1x USB 3.2 Gen2x2, a microphone/headphone combo jack, and dedicated buttons for D-RGB color and mode. It supports up to a 360mm radiator in the top and a 240mm radiator on the side, with clearance for graphics cards up to 415mm in length. Storage options include two 2.5-inch and two 3.5-inch drive bays.
The defining new feature is the dot-matrix configurable LED strip, concealed behind a mesh panel situated over the external PSU cover. This panel itself is a textural element, described as being made of a material similar to that found on modern fabric gaming chairs. The case also boasts a high-quality paint finish and multiple seamless glass panels. The included RGB fans provide further illumination, complementing the new matrix strip. The case is priced at $120 in the US and £80 in the UK, a figure considered remarkably low for the features offered.
An Aesthetic Divide
The external mesh panel housing the LED strip has proven to be a point of contention. While some may find its appearance novel and striking, others liken it to the aesthetic of older, more ostentatious designs. One reviewer's fiancée described it as "the PC case equivalent of a crushed velvet sofa," highlighting its bold and potentially gaudy nature. The NexLinq software allows for customization, enabling the display of the date, time, hardware temperatures, and system load, but the overall presentation is a significant design choice that is likely to divide opinion.
Building Experience and Minor Criticisms
Despite the aesthetic considerations, the build process within the XT View Matrix is generally straightforward. Ample space is provided for component installation, cable management, and storage devices. The case also includes an unusually generous number of cable ties, significantly easing the assembly process compared to other cases.
However, the case is not without minor drawbacks. It lacks an integrated or included GPU anti-sag bracket, which could be beneficial for supporting heavier graphics cards. Additionally, the cabling for the included fans can be somewhat untidy, with daisy-chained connectors potentially appearing awkward near the motherboard's 24-pin ATX and rear I/O areas. For those who dislike the distinctive dot-matrix display, Phanteks also offers the standard XT View model without this feature, and the display panel can be purchased separately for existing XT View owners.