New Case Help

[Sonenblick]

I am in the process of building a new computer and need help deciding on the case to get. I was looking at the Raidmax Smilodon cases which come with power supplies. I have an older case with PSU that I can use as a backup after I build the new one. I am trying to build this machine on a fairly tight budget (between 5 and 650 for the whole thing). I would like the case to have good airflow/cooling and also be somewhat quiet, but does not need to be silent.

I will probably go with a
Core 2 Duo (not the quad core)
Gigabyte MOBO
512 MB Nvidia video card
2-4 GB RAM
2 HDD

I would rather not have to shell out 200 on a new case and PSU, what are the opinions on these cases?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811156062
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811156098
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811156209
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811156097

Any opinions or thoughts on alternates would be appreciated.

 

[Tim]

Hi

 

[Zepper]

Hello and welcome to the AT Forums.

I'd get this one (Sigma Phantom): http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811226033 - instead of a Smilodon as it's basically the same case, but lacks a lot of the rice. Pretty good deal right now with the rebate. And I'd put the Antec EA-500 PSU (not the 500D until we find out if it is a worthy successor to the Seasonic made 500 - the D is OEM by Delta) in it. I'd also look at the Rosewill R5600 series or R5A series as you get a lot more case (room wise and construction quality wise) for your money than you do with either version of the Smilodon case.

.bh.

 

[mpilchfamily]

If you get a case that comes with a PSU don't use the PSU. The only cases i've seen that come with decent PSUs are the ones from Antec. All the rest have crappy PSUs or older generation PSUs that would be inadiquate for todays systems. Fact is if you want a good PSU you'll have to spend some money on it. The case is about the only component you really want to go cheap on. I suggest finding a nice case on Newegg that happens to have free delivery. Then get the above mentioned Antec EA PSU and you will be all set.

 

[RallyMaster]

You'll be disappointed with a Raidmax case after a while. The novelty factor fades away in a couple of months and you will wish that you got a standard looking case (at least that's how it was with my Raidmax X-1). My X-1 ended being cut up and torn apart until it no longer resembled an X-1. Then I decided to just splurge on a Cooler Master Centurion 590 a couple months ago and have been happy since. Get a standard looking case with great cooling, quiet operation and good build quality. You will not regret it.

 

[Surutcra]

Hi Sonenbliack, I own the Raidmax Smilodon Extreme Black and I have to say that I was not impressed aesthetically once I actually got the case. Don't get me wrong, this case has great functionality but the led's and styling are not as great once you see it up close. IMO it takes away from the awesomeness of the case. The Sigma that zepper suggested has all the same features with a more subtle look I would definately trade in my Smilodon for one of those. But overall if you are REALLY into the Smilodon look its a great case and you won't be disappointed with its functionality. Hope that helps!

 

[DSF]

As others have alluded to, the risk in buying a case that comes with a PSU is not worth the money saved. Generally bundled PSUs are of questionable quality and reliability. If you really want to get a bundle, the Antec Sonata III is probably the best one available, but it's going to be pricier than the Smilodon. (Look around to make sure though, as Antec sometimes puts out steep rebates on their products.)

 

[Somniferum]

I thought I'd chime in with a minority report on the Smilodon. My GF recently needed a cheap replacement PSU and I'd been wanting to replace my ancient Antec SX-II case for awhile, so we both chipped in for the Smilodon and she took the PSU, I took the case. It's the standard model, black with blue LEDs.

I must say, I've been very impressed with the case so far. My CPU temps dropped dramatically, ~15c under load. I was able to overclock higher than before and still enjoy much lower temps. Of course, cooler temps are to be expected going from a smaller case with 3x 80mm fans to 2x 120mm and 2x 80mm fans, but I didn't expect this much of a difference. My CPU barely touches 50c even while running ORTHOS. Video card runs a whole lot cooler as well.

I personally like the looks of the case -- going from a beige box, it's interesting looking without being gaudy or over the top. I was also impressed by how sturdy the case feels; even the doors feel sturdy. I could live without the flap on the front, but it's hard to find a case without it these days and it doesn't bother me that much.

As for the PSU, so far so good in my GF's system. She has not had any issues with it.

One warning if you do decide to buy one -- be sure you get the newer version with a 120mm rear fan. The older version had an 80mm rear fan, which could not be replaced with a 120mm without modding the case. This was the most criticized aspect of the case by reviewers, and it's to Raidmax's credit that they fixed it. I bought mine at Fry's and it was the new version.