Impact is what describes your initial reaction to this new RaidMax X-1 case, with words like elegance, intelligence and simplicity following once you take a close look. Could this case get a coveted top “Pimp hat” rating? Well, let me start at the beginning…

Package

The case came to me with an obviously high amount of wear and tear on the outer package during transportation to my home. The fact that the case came out of the polystyrene foam without a scratch is a major kudo for the company. RaidMax went all out to ensure your case comes to you pristine. Along with the foam, it was of course encompassed in plastic and they have covered the side acrylic window in plastic as well, successfully keeping any stray scratches away. The arrowhead/triangle design surrounding the window look blue at first, but they have also been protected with a plastic film and with nothing more than a fingernail will bring the protective film up to peel off, revealing an elegant silver finish underneath.

The box of goodies included, houses the PSU cord, a SATA/Molex adaptor cord, the required hardware, case feet, the thermal tape for the thermal sensor, a case badge and a few other things. Eh…the box will be more exciting when you get yours, I promise.

Specs

Here are the specs for this case taken from the RaidMax website:

Chassis Spefications
_5 x 5.25" and 2 x 3.5" External Drive bays
_3 x 3.5" H.D. Internal Drive bays
_ATX Form Factor 12" x 10.5" or smaller
_Standard ATX 7 expansion slots
_constructed with 0.7mm Japenness SECC
_450watts PS2 ATX12V Power Supply(US SPEC)

Case Features
_Real Time Thermal LED tempurature display
_Custom side panel window with LED fan
_2 Front USB 2.0 access ports
_Front Audio jacks
_Super Slience 120mm case fan
_Temperture responsive cooling fans
_Meets Intel CAG Regulations
_Intel Prescott Ready

Case Exterior

The exterior of the steel case is finished in black high gloss paint, with an aluminum door. You also have the option to purchase the case in gloss white and the aluminum door. The black power button is almost hidden, being flush with the front of the case, under the LED display. I like that, I’m tempted to remove the markings from the button, just so it’s totally hidden. A real-time thermal LED temperature display shines brightly for you to show off your cool or not so cool temperatures. They should have added a feature to switch the display over to Celsius; it would have been a nice touch. Along with the temp display you also have a HDD activity light, a fan light that includes an alarm if the fan fails and a light stating “Power” telling you the power is on…uh yea. That last idea came from their office of redundancy office.

The case includes a custom side panel window with Blue LED fan. Instead of some average looking fan grill that would detract from the case’s elegance, they covered the fan with the always stylish mesh.

Opening the door you find your access to the external drive bays a recess for the included case badge or one of your own. Placed at the bottom are 2 USB 2.0 access ports along with a set of front audio jacks.

The case is sturdy without any sharp edges to be found. The steel creates a lot of weight but the plastic molding keeps the weight from going to “Too heavy”. As a gaming case it will stand up to many, many LAN parties.