Raidmax cases any good?

[Wag]

I've been using my old Enermax case for years and I've been looking to purchase a USB 2.0/Firewire front panel. I noticed the Raidmax 10Bay cases w/Front USB 2.0/Firewire is only $5 more.

Anyone share experiences with these? For ~$40 shipped it seems too good to be true.

Here's the one I'm looking at- Radmax Case @ Newegg

It appears to have 2 USB 2.0 ports in the front but just the cutouts for the Firewire.

 

[Blooz1]

I built a system using that case for my g/f for Christmas. The quality is good, but there are cooling issues with the way it's built.

The front chassis panel is punched out for 4 80MM fans, but there's no air intake! The plastic front bezel only has one small slot at the very bottom for air, which would be blocked if the case was sitting on the floor. That's why they have the two side intakes. I didn't bother with front fans at all due to the intakes on the side panel.

I found the "grills" on the side intakes to increase noise. I cut them out with a Dremel, which quieted things down. The placement is good, with two 80MM fans the M/B stayed cool.

The biggest problem is with exhaust air! If you look at the back, it's only set up for a 60MM exhaust! I found a YS Tech 60MM that did a good job(don't remember the model or specs), but it'll still create more noise than a comparable 80MM would. The final system ran about 29-32 C system temp. I also used an Antec Truepower PS, which helped with the exhaust due to dual fans.

The finish on this case is great! If you hunt around more, they make the same chassis with the back set up for 80MM fans. I've seen it at many places, but don't have any links.

 

[Wag]

Thanks- almost too much info there.

The case has to be relatively quiet because I use it to drive my Home Theater.
Considering I lost the cover to my current case, anything at this point would be an improvement.

I wonder why they put the audio/firewire punchouts there if there's no hardware for them? Bummer.

 

[John]

Originally posted by: Wag
I wonder why they put the audio/firewire punchouts there if there's no hardware for them? Bummer.

It's an optional kit. I too have used that style of case for several builds, and utilize the side 80mm fans only. You can find that case in many variants @ Directron.

 

[Blooz1]

Here'a guide on building an HTPC using the same case! HTPC This system is water cooled, but the guide is well worth a look. You can see better pics of the case.

 

[Wag]

Here's the other Raidmax case I think you mean Raidmax 879P @ Newegg

USB 2.0 but no firewire.

Where would I find the Firewire kit for the 268?

 

[Blooz1]

Yeah, there ya go....

Not as fancy on the cosmetics, but better exhaust. The window model has a very nice glossy finish similar to a car.

 

[Wag]

Watercooling is nice but I don't think I want to spend so much modding the case.

I think either one will suit my purposes, but I need the Firewire so I have to decide what's more important.

Thanks for the help- I ordered the black 268 case.