Today, we will acquaint ourselves with a new format of computer cases, which is new to me but perhaps not to you. The 2E Gaming Fantom GK701B represents the so-called panoramic cases, or aquarium cases. Some say that this format inherently provides your build with a high level of prestige – and just by looking at the visual design, even just on the case’s website, I believe in this statement.
Video review of 2E Gaming Fantom GK701B
Market positioning
However, one of the aspects of aquarium cases is still their relatively high price, which also affects their prestige. But at least it’s justifiable because the format is not as popular, and therefore, production is not as optimized. The cost of the 2E Gaming Fantom GK701B is approximately $120.
I’ll also note that the case is available in two variants, labeled as 2E-GK701W and 2E-GK701B. Correspondingly, they come in solid white and solid black colors. The cost should be the same for both.
Package contents
The package includes an instruction manual right upon opening the box, with everything else inside the case. It’s packaged more securely than I expected, not in polystyrene, but in soft foam polypropylene.
Format and compatibility
First off, it’s a Mini Tower form factor case. Not a Mid Tower, as I’m personally accustomed to. Actually, I can’t remember the last time I reviewed this format. Partly because it’s at an interesting crossroads. It’s not exactly lightweight either – 8 kg without the box. Its dimensions are not miniature either, at 440×220×455 mm..
At the same time, it accommodates motherboards exclusively of Micro ATX or Mini ITX formats, and nothing larger. The maximum CPU cooler height is 165 mm, and the graphics card length is either 400 or 270 mm, depending on the slot. The maximum length of the power supply unit is 280 mm. There are 5 expansion slots, which are not breakable, but vertical GPU installation support is absent.
There’s only one slot for 3.5-inch hard drives. Instead, you can install two 2.5-inch drives in its place. All of this is located behind the motherboard, above the hub. So, the case is NOT universal; you can’t install a workstation with 5 drives here.
Well, it’s not necessary. The case is obviously visually oriented. And if you’re someone who looks primarily at pragmatism—let’s say, support for 420mm radiators, which isn’t here—I understand you because I’m like that too. However! One of my colleagues not long ago assembled a PC with me, and he did it primarily for aesthetics.
The external appearance concerned him primarily, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. After all, wouldn’t you yourself be more likely to purchase RGB fans rather than regular ones, right?
Fans and airflow
In the 2E Gaming Fantom GK701B, they even come included in the package, with a total of four units. One is positioned at the rear, and three are on the side. Overall, it’s compatible with 8 fans, either 2 120mm or four 140mm. Support for 280mm radiators is available both at the top and on the side.
At the front, we have a glass panel. It’s not solid, featuring a metal reinforcement edge, which can be removed as it’s solely for transportation safety. This wasn’t obvious at first, and for a while, I didn’t understand how this solution conceptually differs from, say, older cases with tempered glass fronts like the MSI MAG Pylon. But then it clicked. Firstly, because the front fans don’t obstruct the view of the components.
And secondly… the Fantom GK701 maintains a decent airflow without creating a sauna-like environment inside, as some cases do. The trio of proprietary 120mm fans, plus one at the back, is controlled by the proprietary hub.
The fans are three-pin, but their speed is adjustable through the hub, or more precisely, through the included remote control.
It’s universal, by the way, and works with all available cases, powered by a CR2032 battery. But the receiver is physical, so you’ll need a direct line between it and the remote.
Interesting nuances
I’ll note here that the strength of the metal partially justifies the cost of the case. I can lift it with one finger, holding onto the fan mounting bracket, and the bracket doesn’t bend.
The case is also… interesting. The front panel, for example, is located… at the bottom, essentially in one of the feet. But if you find this inconvenient – you can always install it… at the front. It’s also not noticeable in the pictures whether there’s USB 2.0 or 3.0 there. Don’t worry, all ports are at least 3.0, with two Type-A, one Type-C. Plus, a hybrid audio jack and power and reset buttons. Also, the screws on the module are threaded.
Appearance
Overall, the case looks fantastic. There’s a huge variety of lighting modes, with a synchronization switch for the motherboard. Additionally, there’s a separately routed 4-pin PWM cable that synchronizes all fans to one speed. You can pause the lighting, choose one of eight presets, adjust their speed, or even turn off the lighting altogether. There’s even brightness adjustment!
Drawbacks
I also want to point out that the case LACKS a considerable number of dust filters – where I’m used to seeing them. Perforation is present, ensuring airflow, and, let’s say, pet hair won’t get inside the case.
But dust – yes, that can. Actually, dust filters are for dust, after all. The only one I found is located at the bottom of the case, and it’s magnetic.
The absence of filters can be explained by the fact that such cases are not placed on the floor but on the desk, as a decoration for the workspace rather than something that can be kicked and break either the front or side glass. Also, I forgot to mention – but the case can be disassembled without screws; the panels, both metal and glass, are held by special clips.
I was expecting to see magnets, but that would only increase the cost, and the reliability of metal clips is still higher. Plus, the fact that the panels close not from the side but from the bottom up ensures that covering messy cable management will be much easier. Because the panel will simply be easier to close.
Recommendations
And finally, what would I personally install here? Which components? Well, almost any. Arctic recently released the super-cool Freezer III lineup. And the case even accommodates the Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360, which can cool even a Core i9. The motherboard, for example, could be the ASUS ROG X670E Crosshair Gene. As for the graphics card, practically any RTX 4090 would do.
And if the card is heavy, you can always install a branded support, like the 2E Gaming Heracles ARGB. They are inexpensive, look great, have a rubber base and support, additionally secured with a magnet from below, and sometimes come as a gift with cases. And the main thing is that they blend into the overall picture and synchronize with the hub.
Small addition – I worked with a white case, and unpacked the black one last. So, in my opinion, it looks better than the white one. Especially with the red-colored fans. Add a strong source of blue backlighting from above, and it will be a stunningly beautiful option.
Summary
This case is specialized in beauty, and it excels at it entirely. It’s thoughtful, modern, and reasonably versatile – which is difficult to achieve considering the form factor. There are some quite interesting solutions here that I see for the first time, as well as some unpleasant but justified decisions. So overall, I approve of the aquarium-style case format. And as for the 2E Gaming Fantom GK701B itself – I recommend it.
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