Hardware Reviews: Raidmax Smilodon Computer Cas

Before you read any further I would like to let you know I am typing from my own experience, I have no affiliation to any of the companies or manufacturers that I am using in this setup.

RAIDMAX SMILODON Desktop Computer Case.

Computer cases are a dime a dozen, and sometimes its hard to know which one to get. While I can't tell you which one fits your specific needs I will tell you my experience of the Raidmax Smilodon, which I have had the pleasure of using.

A little bit about me. I am a computer tech among other things, and I have build my fair share of systems. That being said I have a hight than normal experience with cases.When I look at a case, there are quite a few things that needs to be taken into account.

What is the case being used for? (whats going to be inside, and environment case will be in.)

How comfortable am I working with computer parts? (do I have all the tools? etc)

How much am I willing to pay? (usually ends up determining the ratio of looks vs. usability)

In my case I was looking for a case that could handle performance parts. Being an expert and having the tools that didn't worry me however would like to not have to use tools.Although appearances aren't terribly important, I don't want totally unattractive case. I am not willing to spend more money for looks alone. My last concern is with durability, will the case last me or my client, this includes upgrade ability.

I think many of you out there probably are finding yourself agreeing with me because in my experience, the general need of people is the same.

The feature list of the RAIDMAX SMILODON fit my bill. (listed on their webiste)
Front mounted USB 2.0 and audio ports surrounded by huge ventilation hole to provide the 120mm fan maximum airflow.

Retractable side panel handles for easy access and upgrades.

Side mounted 80mm Blue LED fan blows cool air into your system.

Large interior with lots of space for working up to 10.5" x 12.5" motherboard!

Removable HD rack allows you to install and swap your hard drives easily.

Oneclick agp/pci/pciexpress slot locking system.

Click-Lock tool-less technology allows easy installation of hard drives, dvd-res, cd-roms, and many other peripherals.

A built-in EZ slide tool box is included to keep your extra screws and small accessories.

Additional fan mounts for hard drive cooling!

These are some nice features, however do they work? There have been many "tooless" cases I have worked with where the tooless design actually made things harder, or was bad for the hardware. In this one I found that the tooless design was great didn't need any tools to change hard drives, optical drives, floppy drives. When I needed bolts to install the motherboard, and extra hard drives I just looked in the tool box thats hidden in the bottom of the case. (a big plus)

A feature that wasn't really mentioned very well was the fact that the design allows the mother board to be flipped down at anytime allowing you to install extra pci/pci express cards, and make other adjustments. (for pci/pciexpress installs you will need a Phillips head screwdriver.)

Overall this case scores really high with me. It provides great access to components, that makes professionals happy, and novice's lives easier. the air flow through the case is good. They made sure to include four fans, and easy placement of more.
It also is not hard on the eyes with included blue led accents, and a window panel on the left side so you can see most of your components. The usb panel in front is a nice addition, along with the headphone and mic jack for easy access. At prices way under $100 this case is a must have for building computers requiring easy maintenance. And if your not going to be maintaining your own case your computer tech will thank you.

To give you an Idea of what went into this system here are the parts I used. (They all fit will and provided dependable service.

Case
RAIDMAX SMILODON ATX-612WB Black SECC STEEL ATX Mid Tower
Mother Board
EVGA 122-M2-NF59-TR Socket AM2 NVIDIA nForce 590 SLI MCP ATX AMD Motherboard
Video Card
EVGA 256-P2-N740-LR GeForce 8500GT 256MB 128-bit GDDR2 PCI Express x16
Processor
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+ Brisbane 2.3GHz Socket AM2 Processor Model ADO4400DDBOX
Cpu Cooler
ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler
Memory
G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit
HDD
Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD2500KS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
Optical Drives
LITE-ON LightScribe Black 20X DVDR Burner with 12X DVD-RAM write Black IDE Model LH-20A1H-186 - Retail