Edited Topic: My Case Was Damaged In Shipping

[mphartzheim]

I read the 3-case Shootout that Anandtech posted recently with the Antec P150, Raidmax X-1, and Dynamax E68. They had a fairly positive review about the Raidmax, and (based on pictures) it suited my style... so I bought it.

Well, when it arrived there was damage to the box (it was shipped in it's retail box, a big thumbs down... I'll leave the company name out of this as I've had mostly positive experiences with them outside of this case). Opening up the box, the small damage to the exterior box led to big damage to the case. The middle of the bottom edge on the side with the window had be crushed and the side panel would not even come off of the case.

Overall the case was very light weight, which is what makes me feel it's cheap. I haven't dealt with computer cases in 6 years (I've been a laptop guy), but this case just seems extremely light. And to me, light means poor (weak) materials... as the crushed side would indicate.

So, long story short... I'm returning the case for a replacement (don't want to pay the restocking fee), and I plan on buying a different case for actual use. I'll be selling the new, undamaged case... anyone want to buy a Raidmax X-1? lol

What recommendations do you have for a $50 price point (can go a little higher than that) case? It needs to have good airflow for cooling (the raidmax has 120mm fans at front and back, and a side 80mm fan) and I'd prefer a tool-less design. I also liked the front LED display that the Raidmax had, but I can do without that feature.


----EDIT----
Forgot to mention that I already have a seperate PSU and an extra 120mm fan purchased. So I need a case without a PSU and room to add a 120mm fan.

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

In my experience of ordering cases, they always come in their original manufacturers box. And nearly all cases feel light when they are empty (mine is the only exception so far). Put a little pressure on the top, and try to wiggle it. If it is stable, then there is nothing to worry about. Also, you are paying $50 for a case. You can't expect everything for a budget case.

About the shipping damage, what shipping did you use?

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

At your price point the choices are limited.

Froogle the Antec SLK3000B. Buy it and a couple of screw drivers


...Galvanized

 

[mphartzheim]

Hmm. I think I'm just frustrated with the whole thing. I was planning on having my new rig up and running by tomorrow, but due to the damaged case (and a wrong item sent) it will be at least 2 more weeks before I'll be up and running.

None of the user reviews complain about the case being weak. And AnandTech's review said nothing about it. Perhaps I am just expecting too much from a budget case.

The shipping was done via UPS 3-Day. The RMA on the item is going to take so long because the company I purchased from has submitted a claim to UPS on the shipping damage. They told me there will be a 7-10 day wait on that claim. I can't imagine how long a delay there will be if they deny the claim... but now I'm just starting to vent again. So I'll just leave it at that... UPS shipping, to answer your question.

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

Ewww. Who did you order from? I've ordered 4 cases from Newegg recently, and all are shipped via FedEx 2nd day, and I haven't had a single problem. I know how you feel about having to wait though. The system my wife built had a bad video card, so we are waiting on the RMA for that.

 

[mphartzheim]

I'd rather leave the retailer out of this as it's the first and only bad experience I've had with them. I don't want someone to read this and get a negative impression of the company. I know that there are many online retailers that do not ship things in retail boxes, but rather put them in another box. Doing that probably would have avoided the damage to the case.

 

[firewolfsm]

i got the same case as you and it came in the retail box too. there was a small dent on the top that catches the light easily with the reflective paint, but other than that, it's a great case. for my first build, the installation was easy, the 80mm LED fan is pretty loud but i'm replacing it with an AC led fan, the 120mm fan is nice and quiet.

and it looks great too

 

[mphartzheim]

Thanks firewolfsm, glad to know other people are happy with this case. I think I am just overreacting to the frustration... and my damage was much more severe than yours. I couldn't even take the side panel off because the dent locked the pieces that slide into the frame into place. A case is kind of useless when you can't get inside of it to put parts in.

I already have an Aspire 120mm fan for the front, and I'm hoping that it's quiet. Looks like I might need to replace the side fan, too.

 

[Zepper]

Raidmax are (mostly) made of thin, cheap metal (lower quality than SECC) and their packaging is flimsier than others too resulting in a lot of shipping damage. Places like directron offer double-boxing for a small fee (of course, the shipping charge will be higher, perhaps a lot!, too (due to extra size as well as weight) - nice double whammy). Oh, and their PSUs leave a lot to be desired as well (often rebadged L&C).

The Kingwin 523 is a nice case in its price range. The Beantech Igloo (same as Kingwin 424 series) cases from directron are super cases for the money - the only tool needed is a #2 phillips head screwdriver for the HDs and mobo - all else is toolless. It's possible that the HDs could be thumbscrewed too but might need to get thumbscrews with a longer threaded length due to the HD anti-vibe bushings. I also like the Evercase 42x2 series which SPCR gave a pretty high OOB noise rating - they too only need a screwdriver for HDs and mobo. Most of the above have removable HD racks that make mounting the drives easy. Finally, there is also the Compucase 6A19 series (again from directron) which is almost identical to the 3000-B internally for those that don't like doors.
.bh.

 

[Elcs]

Originally posted by: GalvanizedYankee
At your price point the choices are limited.

Froogle the Antec SLK3000B. Buy it and a couple of screw drivers

...Galvanized

I agree... and have a case door is a benefit. You greatly reduce Optical drive noise and protect your eyes from the Sunbeam Rheobus you are bound to have

 

[Zepper]

Actually I don't think you'll find the best bottom-line price on the 3000-B with froogle as Provantage's prices don't show up there very often. Still under $50. shipped ground from them - and ground is usually pretty quick as they ship from multiple warehouses. Amazon has had a similar price in the past.

.bh.

 

[mphartzheim]

Well, IF I were to get a new case, I think I'd go with the CM Centurion 532. With the current $25 rebate, it puts it right at $50.

Plus, the company I bought from has given me a $25 credit on my next order. It doesn't help me get my current rig up and running any sooner, but it is nice to see them caring for disatisfied customers.

 

[RallyMaster]

Well, that's unfortunate. My X-1 arrived in perfect condition from Newegg's California warehouse.

The case isn't cheap at all. It just feels light because there's nothing in it. Add in a few pounds of cooling and you've got yourself a darn heavy case.

 

[starwars7]

Originally posted by: mphartzheim
Well, IF I were to get a new case, I think I'd go with the CM Centurion 532. With the current $25 rebate, it puts it right at $50.

Plus, the company I bought from has given me a $25 credit on my next order. It doesn't help me get my current rig up and running any sooner, but it is nice to see them caring for disatisfied customers.

Mine just arrived today shipped via UPS from newegg. Seems like a great case. I still have to pick up another 120mm but you're all set on that front. Looks like the Antec SLK3000B is really nice too.

It was shipped via UPS and I was not impressed. The case arrived in great condition, HOWEVER, they just left it sitting on my doorstep!! What if it rained or someone stole it. Its not like I live in a safe secluded residential area, I live in a townhome/apartment complex. I think next time I'll have to cough up the extra $ and go with Fedex, at least they wait for my signature.

 

[JEDIYoda]

If I may be so bold...

I am not trying to be a smart ass but...

I have ordered over 6 cases over the past 2 years from 3 different companies.
ALL OF THE COMPANIES SHIPPED THE CASE IN ITS RETAIL BOX!!

You say your in the $50 dollar price range.....in that range you get what you pay for bottom line is a junky case that will do but is NOt a well constructed case!!

IMO you should not have expected to have the case shipped in the manner that say a $200+ case MIGHT be shipped!!

You should not have expected it to be constructed like a $200 case.

truly your expectations were way too high.

Sure $50 is $50 dollars but thats almost the lowest price you can get a case from with NO expectation of quality!!

Sorry you had a bad experience!!

 

[potato28]

Originally posted by: Elcs

Originally posted by: GalvanizedYankee
At your price point the choices are limited.

Froogle the Antec SLK3000B. Buy it and a couple of screw drivers

...Galvanized

I agree... and have a case door is a benefit. You greatly reduce Optical drive noise and protect your eyes from the Sunbeam Rheobus you are bound to have

:thumbsup:

 

[Elcs]

Originally posted by: potato28

Originally posted by: Elcs

Originally posted by: GalvanizedYankee
At your price point the choices are limited.

Froogle the Antec SLK3000B. Buy it and a couple of screw drivers

...Galvanized

I agree... and have a case door is a benefit. You greatly reduce Optical drive noise and protect your eyes from the Sunbeam Rheobus you are bound to have

:thumbsup:

Well at least someone agrees with me today

I hated the thought of a door until I got one and started rippng my CD collection again, then the door became my best friend, greatly reduced the noise coming from my optical drives.

EDIT: By the way, my Antec SLK3000B came in a retail, Antec box and was completely unscathed during its delivery.

 

[RallyMaster]

Agreed about the case door. Used to be so loud listening to my optical drives spin up. Now I can barely hear it even if the drive is on the top bay.

 

[starwars7]

Originally posted by: RallyMaster
Agreed about the case door. Used to be so loud listening to my optical drives spin up. Now I can barely hear it even if the drive is on the top bay.

but how does it affect air flow?

 

[Elcs]

Originally posted by: starwars7

Originally posted by: RallyMaster
Agreed about the case door. Used to be so loud listening to my optical drives spin up. Now I can barely hear it even if the drive is on the top bay.

but how does it affect air flow?

In the case of the SLK3000B, its not going to affect any airflow. Fan is at the bottom of the case, optical drive at the top behind the door. Unless people have slapped fans in front of their optical drives... I dont see how it can affect airflow.

 

[starwars7]

I see what you are saying abou the SLK3000B since the doors only cover the drives, but what about cases that have the doors over everything. I know ther is a slit at the bottom to let air in, but it seems as though it would allow less air to flow than a mesh front.