The Raidmax Raptor is an interesting case to say the least. I think the overall looks of it are very appealing, and the red version has the right amount of accents without going overboard. The dedicated 2.5″ SSD HDD cage is a great feature who’s time has definitely arrived, and should be included in most any case now days honestly. The included fan controller is a definite plus as well, and it’s ability to control all three red LED fans is an added bonus. The modular 3.5″ HDD bays is another nice feature that allows you to customize them in order to accommodate longer video cards.

The Raimax Raptor is not without issues though, most notably the cable management. Raidmax claims 25 mm space between the back of the motherboard tray and the right side panel, but this is only true for the areas where the side panel has been bulged out. Sadly, this is a real limitation when trying to organize cables behind the motherboard tray, and in some cases might not be possible at all. I really can’t understand why the motherboard tray was positioned so closely to the edge of the frame, given the fact that several other Raidmax cases have plenty of room there.

The other two main issue to me are the difficulty in removing the front panel, and the Air Foil top panel. It is quite a chore to get at the front filer and fan if you desire to give them a good cleaning, or add the option second 120 mm fan. It’s been a long time since I have run across a case that require removing screws to relieve the front panel. I think the front panel attachment design took a step back in time. The Air foil top panel design looks cool, but it reality will make those two top fans work doubly hard to get the air pushed through those Air Foils.

At the time of this review, the Raidmax Raptor is priced right at $100.00 USD. At that price range the competition is pretty stiff, even against other Raidmax offerings. That’s not to say the Raidmax Raptor is a bad case at all, in fact it may very well appeal to many of you out there with its stylish looks. Not everyone out there is a stickler for top notch cable management like I am, and there is no doubting the Raidmax Raptor has some features usually reserved for cases costing much more than this one does.

Based on price, features, and a couple areas for improvement, Overclockers Tech has given the Raidmax Raptor an 8/10 and the accompanying Silver Award.

Dino DeCesari (Lvcoyote)