Raidmax Galaxy-988, Continued
As for the cooling potential of this case, the Galaxy-988 does not score any points there, either. The single 60 mm fan mounted in the rear of the case is adequate for lower speed systems, but, unfortunately, the lack of a front-mounted fan to serve as an air intake greatly cripples the overall cooling potential of this case. While there are mounting holes for another 60 mm fan to be inserted for case cooling, it would likely cause some difficulty in achieving any significant results due to the inadequate ventilation in the front of the case. The bottom of the front bezel is gapped enough for a front fan to draw air in, but, due to its positioning, the amount of air that could be moved through the front would be severely limited. This places a tremendous burden on the cooling fan placed in the center of the windowed side panel, since this is the primary mode of fan exhaust for the system.
Upon testing the cooling potential of this case, we found this strategy to be seriously lacking, but adequate for many lower speed chips. Raidmax must also consider placing some sort of plastic protective covering over the case acrylic that serves as the window for the side panel. Our sample unit was scuffed and scratched by the fan plugs rubbing back and forth on the window during transport. Simply adding some thin plastic over the window to protect it would be helpful.
A close look at the front mounted ports on the Galaxy-988. Only the USB ports are included, but at least knockouts for the 1394 and audio ports are available.
The Galaxy-988 is a computer case. Beyond that, it is manufactured to meet a specific low-cost price point. It does have front USB ports available behind a drop-down door located at the bottom of the front bezel, and it contains knockouts for both audio and 1394 ports. The sad thing about this case is that most discriminating buyers would not purchase it if they took a critical look and evaluated it based on its own merits. However, when examined from only the outside or as part of a system deal, it makes perfect sense that system integrators choose cases such as the Galaxy-988. Depending on your budget and what you are going to use the Galaxy-988 for, this case may be quite adequate to meet your needs. Discriminating case buyers will want to avoid a case like this, as it is certainly not targeted at the enthusiast wanting to purchase a new case to upgrade. Still those buyers that are looking for a cheap aluminum case will not be disappointed with the price of the Galaxy-988. The case offers some trade offs verus value and this is something that buyers will have to look at. While the Galaxy-988 is functional, we cannot recommend it for purchase.
