Which case: Raidmax Smilodon or CoolerMaster CM690?

[GundamF91]

I'm wondering what's a better case. CM680 has more fans and no window, while Smilodon has fewer fans, a window and take down motherboard tray panel so it's easier to install.

Any preference from actual users?

 

[Tullphan]

I can't comment on the Raidmax, but I did have the 690, loaded it up w/fans (including the 80x15mm behind the motherboard tray) & hooked them into a Sunbeam rheostat. It did a pretty good job cooling & was fairly quiet.
I liked the cable management on it & the built-in screw holder was a nice touch.
I currently have a Stacker 832. I like it ok. I'm a wheel guy since I do alot of work on other pc's in my office & have to unhook mine all the time & the removable motherboard tray is spoiling me.

 

[GundamF91]

Is the 690 pretty quiet with stock fans? I was thinking it would be loud with that many fans, and also so many vent holes to pass the sound through.

 

[mpilchfamily]

The CM690 is my choice. The case only comes with 3 fans. One rear, one front and one bottom. But you can place a couple more into the system no problem. The stock fans are quiet and slow so they don't push allot of air. But over all the case is great. You can see the mod i did on mine in the link in my sig.

 

[Tullphan]

I add 4 x 140mm Y-L fans to mine. 2 in the side panel (both intake) & 2 at the top (exhaust). I had each pair pig-tailed & hooked into my rheostat. I also had the 80x15mm behind the mb tray hooked into the rheostat (it's a noisy rascal!).
IIRC, I think I replaced the stock fans w/Y-L 120mm or Scythe's...can't remember.
All in all, though, with the additon of the rheostat, it made for a fairly quiet system considering.
BTW...excellent mod-job on your CM690, mpilch!

 

[RallyMaster]

CM590 would do fine as well but the 690 is a good case (albeit a little bit ricey for my tastes).

 

[Somniferum]

I recently replaced an old Antec SX-II case with a Smilodon. I've been happy with it so far. The fold-out motherboard tray makes it easy to put together, and the construction feels sturdy. It looks interesting without being gaudy, and airflow is fantastic. My CPU temps dropped by roughly 15c compared to the old case, and I've been able to overclock higher with lower temps.

If you decide to buy one, make sure you get the newer version with the 120mm rear exhaust fan. The original version had an 80mm rear exhaust, and a 120mm would not fit without modding the case. That was the most common complaint about the case in the reviews, and Raidmax responded by changing the design.

 

[BlueAcolyte]

CM 690 ricey? The thing is a big black square! (Not that I have any problem with that. *hugs 50LB steel monstrosity*)

Oh, go with the 690.

 

[RallyMaster]

Originally posted by: BlueAcolyte
CM 690 ricey? The thing is a big black square! (Not that I have any problem with that. *hugs 50LB steel monstrosity*)

It felt ricier to me than the 590 did so

 

[BlueAcolyte]

I think the 590 looks pretty ugly compared to its bigger brother.

 

[RallyMaster]

Wait a second...didn't we have exact same discussion last week?