PC Case Roundup: Spring 2008

Raidmax Iceberg

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CaseTypeSize WxHxDWeightCooling5.25” Bays3.5” BaysI/O panelNoiseApprox. Price
Raidmax IcebergATX mid tower216 x 483 x 533 mm23 lbs4x 120mm, 1x 80mm462x USB, 1x 1394, HD Audio (on top)43 db$150

pc case roundup

pc case roundup

pc case roundup

pc case roundup

Specifications

At $150, the Raidmax Iceberg is the second most expensive case in our roundup, so it has a lot to live up to. The case sports four 5 ¼” external bays and four 3 ½” internal bays. There are an additional two internal 5 ¼” bays that could also be used for internal hard drives, so the total number of internal 3 ½” bays is six.

pc case roundup

The case has four 120mm fans, which provide a great deal of airflow. The I/O panel is located on the top of the case, and includes the typical two USB ports, a Firewire port and audio jacks. Because the Iceberg is a little more expensive than its competitors, the lack of an eSATA port is notable.

Unique Features

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The best unique feature of the Iceberg is the side panels that are removed with two metal latches. Unlike the Sigma Unicorn, however, the motherboard is not mounted to the side panels.

The second notable feature is the Iceberg’s focus on cooling : with four internal 120mm fans as well as a single 80mm fan included, the Iceberg has tremendous airflow.

Appearance, Fit & Finish

The configuration of the Iceberg is, like the NZXT Tempest, reminiscent of the Antec nine-hundred. There are two large exhaust fans situated to blow air straight up and out of the top of the case, as well as an intake fan in front and an exhaust fan in the back.

pc case roundup

As far as aesthetics are concerned, the Iceberg has a look all its own, with metallic cooling fins on the top and bright blue LEDs in all of the fans. If the chrome-highlight-on-black-look appeals to you, you’ll like the appearance of the Iceberg.

pc case roundup

The Iceberg is made of lightweight metal and doesn’t use much plastic, if at all, but liberal use of aluminum keeps the case light. The case is sturdy and well made, and has a high quality feel to it.

User Experience

The Iceberg is a great case to work with : large, simple, light, and sturdy in construction. Raidmax opted for a higher quality tool-less solution : instead of plastic clips or rails, everything uses metal screws that you can install with your thumb — no need for a screwdriver.

The Iceberg’s four 120mm fans do create a lot of airflow, so this might be a good case for overclockers. However, it’s hard not to notice that the NZXT Tempest includes more fans at a lower cost. It would be easier to justify the price of the Iceberg if it had higher quality silent fans, but the case was one of the loudest in the roundup. Still, the all-metal construction does set it apart from cheaper offerings.

  • geotech
    Nothing on the Thermaltake Armor?
    One of the best case designs and plenty of room and features.
    Reply
  • bf2gameplaya
    Every one of those cases is butt ugly, unwieldy and depressing.
    Reply
  • Gravemind123
    Nothing from Lian-Li, Thermaltake or Antec? In that price range you could review a nice case from any of those companies.
    Reply
  • Yep is a very poor roundup allright !
    Where is Antec Nine Hundred or the new Twelve Hundred and the excelent P182 ???
    The Cosmos S seems to be out of place here.... its in another league: Armor+, Silverstone TJ07B, Stacker
    Reply
  • otheos
    Simple is an uknown word in the aesthetics of the east.
    Reply
  • scherfistv
    Lazy review, the guys from TOM's couldn't find more attractive PC Cases? It's all made in "China"-like?
    Reply
  • TiberiumSoldier
    poor Roundup.. no Enermax Chakra/uber Chakra no EZCool .....
    Reply
  • SinisterCanuck
    All mid tower cases... not one Full Tower! I haven't purchased a mid tower case in nearly 8 years for any of my builds because they are too crammed for my liking. As stated by other commenters, where's the Thermaltake Armor? Where's the Antec Twelve Hundred? etc. These were nice looking cases, but they are all middle of the road as far as I am concerned. You need to do a cases revisited or an enthusiast case round up! ...please do that
    Reply
  • I have my doubts about your praise on 3R System case. I have similar model. Exactly the same inside structure but without the remote control, display and with different front side.

    First of all, it's not that well-built. Sides bend and that inside metal (Al?) is really soft. And if you want to remove the front there are like 6 almost unreachable screws to be unscrewed which is pain in the a**.

    Fans are really quiet though.
    Reply
  • only Cosmos S look good to me.
    Reply