Raidmax Monster II Mid-Tower Case Review - PAGE 1

Raidmax has aimed to provide computer enthusiasts with product solutions that have flair, performance and quality for over 25 years. Now Raidmax has updated their computer case lineup with the Monster II, naturally the next version of their original Monster enclosure with a totally new look.

Thanks to plastic loops at the bottom, the new Monster II case stands higher off the desktop (or floor) for potentially more air flow volume into the power supply/hard drive mounting area. These loops are also found at the top where they double as hand grips to facilitate transport around the office, home or to LAN parties. The Power and Reset switches are built into the top front handle, followed by the Power and HDD activity LEDs, and the audio and USB ports at the rear.

While the Monster II maintains the two front mounted cooling fans, the number of external drive trays was reduced to two. The Monster II front panel has been redesigned without the panel latches, and is removed by pulling upward at the bottom to reveal the filter for easy cleaning. The two front fan mounts also have been updated to allow for 140mm fan mountings, with one 140mm blue LED fan included.

Moving to the interior of the Monster II case, we can see that the front HDD mount cage has been removed to allow for a 280mm liquid coolant radiator mount; the external dual mount cage is removable to make room for a 360mm radiator instead. The case comes with 140mm rear fan that can be removed to make room for a 120mm radiator. Users have the option to install two 120mm or 140mm fans at the case top for a very proficient cooling setup.

I have only touched a few of the options and features incorporated into the new Raidmax Monster II case, so expect to learn more as I go into more detail over the case. Currently only available in black, we can hope only Raidmax is eventually convinced to extend the Monster II color choices.

Packaging
We have all been hearing, reading and maybe even experiencing the terrible rain/snow storms that have been hitting North America recently. As luck would have it, the Raidmax package managed to arrived 30 minutes earlier than I hoped but I was even more surprised at the package itself. As shown in the photo on the left below it arrived completed covered in protective plastic that many manufacturers use to protect shipments, but I rarely see this on a single product. The extra side package protection under the plastic covering can be seen in the photo on the right below. So fortunately this package managed to survived the rigors of shipment during this stormy time.

The front cover of the Raidmax Monster II packaging is largely comprised of an image showing the front, top and window side of the case. The upper right corner has the Raidmax logo/name with website URL, and along the bottom is the case model name accented by a blue stripe.

The packaging's back cover is where we will find more information about the Monster II case. Along the bottom of this panel are 4 images, each showing installation for the drive bays, interior component length limitations, top accessible USB/audio ports, water cooling system installation areas with maximum allowable radiator size, etc.

The side panels are largely identical with the Raidmax logo across the top, followed by another oblique view of the Monster II case and model name occupying the upper half. Below that is a listing of case specifications and international certifications/package handling requirements depending on the side. The top cover has a simple Raidmax logo with the Monster II model name.

Contents
The Monster II case is stored inside the packaging with a plastic bag and two pieces of foam cushioning. After removing these we find the case has further scratch protection over the front panel and side window (covering both sides).

The box of accessories is found inside one of the drive cages accessed from the cable management side panel of the Monster II case. Inside this box we find a plastic bag with all of the mounting screws, and the user manual at the bottom. Inside the plastic bag we find: a motherboard standoff tensioning tool, 10 plastic tie wraps, and 4 additional plastic bags containing different sets of mounting screws.

The unfolded manual contains a exploded view of the case along with a listing of the major parts and plastic bag contents on one half. The remaining half has photos and explanations of the motherboard, power supply, drives and other components/connectors of the Monster II case.

Specifications:

Information courtesy of Raidmax http://www.raidmax.com/monster_II.html