Cooler Master HAF-X Computer Case Review

With Cooler Master's recent release of the HAF-X the anticipation culminating since CES 2010 can finally be relieved. This new edition to Cooler Master's "High Air Flow" series is a full tower case truly meant for enthusiasts. Heavy-weight systems packing huge power need a heavy-weight case with mammoth cooling performance. Model RC-942-KKN1 builds on successful features from the past while incorporating some new ideas. The case was designed to do two things extremely well, hold lots of high performance parts and keep them cool. Read on while Benchmark Reviews evaluates the HAF-X.

The HAF-X is the newest product in the HAF series. In 2009 Cooler Master released the HAF AMD and before that the HAF 932. This newest release is technically the HAF 942 but nicknamed HAF-X. As technologies mature their physical designs also morph. GPUs are getting more complex and require larger support boards as well as better cooling support. For example, due to the massive power output generated by Nvidia's GTX 400 series cards they recommend installing an additional fan to assist the integrated fans. In parallel with GPU expansion, SLI and Crossfire have matured to scale performance across more and more cards. The combined effect of these two developments has increased the physical footprint required to take advantage of the highest performance available. Thus motherboard and case designs must adapt to accommodate ever changing hardware.

So far what we've seen is a continuation of past trends. Motherboards have remained 2-dimensional expanding in both width and length. Cases have been expanding in all three directions to accommodate the motherboards and the multitude of support equipment (mainly cooling). Case designs remain extremely rugged while trying to make component installation easier; e.g removable panels, tool-less installation, cable-routing. These high performance cases also tend to include windows and hardware management features to wrangle a potential mess into something that can be put on display. Finally, IO panels have expanded to include more ports and features while retaining a small footprint. The HAF-X continues these themes with only slight variation.

Cooler Master HAF-X Features

• SATA Dock for easy installation without the need of removing side panel
• USB 3.0 on front I/O panel
• Air duct to cool the latest graphic cards
• Up to 1 x 230 mm red LED fan and 3 x 200 mm fans
• 9 slots support triple VGA cards
• Adjustable VGA card holder to support heavier GPU cards
• Power supply partition to conceal cables
• Advanced cable management with rubber grommets
• Spacious interior for larger component parts
• Rugged black coated interior

RC-942-KKN1 Specifications

About Cooler Master

Cooler Master was founded with the mission of providing the industry's best thermal solutions. Since its establishment a decade ago, the company has remained faithful to this mission, emerging as a world leader in products and services for companies dealing with devices where heat issues must be resolved.

In pursuing this mission, Cooler Master is absolutely committed to delivering solutions that precisely meet customer requirements for features, performance, and quality. Moreover, we strive to be a reliable long-term partner for our customers that they can truly depend on. It aims to be the first and foremost name that comes to mind for companies around the world seeking thermal solutions, and seeks to build such a reputation through outstanding technology, sophisticated design, and superior service.

Cooler Master's current business encompasses a comprehensive lineup of thermal solutions for a full range of applications. Its products range from heat sinks and fans to component housing, chassis, and ducting for computers, industrial machinery, telecommunications equipment, and many other devices.

Closer Look: Exterior

The overall styling of the HAF-X remains consistent with the HAF series. The dimensions are nearly equal to the HAF 932 but slightly wider to better accommodate wide motherboards and graphics cards. The lines on the case are sharp and the styling of the front panel has changed only slightly from the HAF 932 and HAF AMD. The IO panel is practically the same layout but updated for USB 3.0.

Consistent with other cases, the front panels and fan cover include wire mesh filters. There is hardly any visual difference between past models and the HAF when looking from the front. The main difference is the accessibility of the expansion bays. Instead of using push tabs that required two hands, the front covers of the HAF-X can easily be squeezed and removed with one hand.

One ironic difference between the exterior styling of the 932 and the 942 is the right panel. The 932 panel has an X shape while the 942 is a generic square. Seems like the X should have gone on the HAF-X, but it showed up a generation too early.

From the back are seen the 9 expansion slots, PSU and motherboard openings as well as three grommetted ports. One for coolant in, one for coolant out, and one for...? We'll hypothesize on that later. The HAF-X joins a very short list of cases with enough slots or size to run 4-SLI on an XL-ATX motherboard.

Another major difference between HAF models is the arrangement of the top panel. The HAF-X lacks the coolant reservoir of past models but replaces it with dual 200 mm fans, a first for the series. In the next section these features will be inspected more closely.

Detailed Exterior Features

The top four expansion bays are typical 5.25" bays that can be accessed by removing the front cover. The bottom two bays have been converted to sliding trays which accommodate smaller SATA drives. Each tray slides along rails to automatically dock to a SATA port mounted inside the case.

The new latching mechanism for the front panels can also be seen in the image above. Past HAF models used push tabs that were hidden behind large bars on the front of the case. They required two hands or very long fingers to open. In addition, the tab had to be pushed and almost nudged out from the side. The new method simplifies to squeezing the tabs which are visible from the front. Although visible, they blend extremely well with the front of the case. The top four panels can be opened with a single finger, and the bottom two slide trays can be opened with a single hand. The locking tabs are sturdy, high quality (metal) and unlikely to wear out. They are my favorite 5.25" covers to date!

The front fan is the same as seen in past generations. A single 230 mm fan provides cool air input for the case. The front panel is easily removed by pulling a lever on the underside. Choosing when the panel popped off became important when trying to manipulate a heavy case full of components.

The IO panel has the nearly the exact same layout throughout the HAF series which includes a single firewire port, four USB ports, audio input and output, and one e-SATA port. The HAF-X is a good example of cases morphing to meet new technological development. USB 2.0 is so standard that nearly all motherboards include a USB 2.0 header on-board. USB 3.0 is too new to be a standard feature on motherboards much less cases. There have been various approaches to implementing USB 3.0 and from a consumer perspective, nothing that could be considered standard. The most common implementation is through external ports at the back of the motherboard. Cooler Master has provided early USB 3.0 support by using standard cable ends that can be inserted into the external USB 3.0 ports on the motherboard.

In essence, the USB 3.0 ports on the front panel are simply extension cables that move the ports from the back to the front. But even for motherboard lacking USB 3.0 support a PCI card could easily be used to power the front panel. Of course, lacking all these it is still possible to use them as standard USB 2.0 ports.

Above the front IO panel are the power management buttons. A large "POWER" button is accompanied by a smaller "RESET" button and a "FAN LED" button to toggle the LED on the front fan. The buttons can all be protected from accidental toggling by a sliding cover. This is an essential yet often missing component for households with curious children. Despite having a lock on our office door, our newly walking baby still manages to turn the PC's power off about once per month.

Here's a closer look at the two...no three water cooling ports on the back. In, out and...what? Perhaps the third port is meant to be used with the USB 3.0 cables. The cables are plenty long to reach out the hole to be plugged into the external USB 3.0 ports on the motherboard. In the next section Benchmark Reviews will take a closer look at the interior components.

Closer Look: Interior

At first glance there's not much internal difference between the HAF-X and prior models. They use the same layout, drive trays and the same locking mechanisms.

A few differences can be noted. The interior is all black which provides more visual appeal and better contrast when showcasing your hardware. The cable orifices are grommetted for safer cable routing. Two of the bottom 5.25" drives lack the standard locking mechanism, but for reasons that will be seen later. Finally, the PSU supports have also been protected to help dampen noise and vibrations.

Here's another look at the same interior with some optional features included. On the bottom is a cable cover that can be installed to hide the cables where they mount to the PSU. Some PSUs are not modular and may have extra, unused cables that dangle off the back. These can be tied and hidden behind the partition for a much cleaner look. Mounted to the 3.25" drive cage is a duct or fan cowling that can be installed to guide the airflow directly to the video cards. This "VGA Fan Duct" accepts an additional 120 mm fan to accelerate airflow across the graphics cards. Finally, a "VGA Holder" can be installed above the graphics cards to provide additional support and cooling. This holder accepts one 80 mm fan and will adjust its height to fit the cards installed.

The back shot shows the hole in the motherboard tray for installing coolers and also demonstrates that the tray is not removable. Around the perimeter of the tray are several anchors for cable ties (included). There are several slots that give more options for bringing cables to the surface. This means that the cables can be surfaced closer to the connection point so more cable can be hidden.

The HAF-X panels are removed by hinging and pulling instead of sliding then lifting. The fit is secure and in practice I find this much easier to remove and replace then the sliding type. The main panel incorporates a 200 mm fan and the remainder is windowed.

Removing the top panel is no simple task. Unlike many cases, this top panel doesn't simply pop off with applied pressure. I have one case that is hard to move without the top popping off. The HAF-X uses locking tabs to secure the lid in place. There are 6 tabs which must be pressed from the inside to release. The most difficult tab to reach is on the front right near the IO panel. I tried to reach through the left side of the case, but in the end both panels had to be removed to get the lid off. I actually prefer the locking tabs to the pressure release as I handle my cases much more than I remove the top.

Here is another shot of the drive trays for 3.5" and 2.5" drives. The internal cage is the same as previous models while the external trays are an addition new to the HAF-X. Unlike the other drive trays and bays, the tray requires screws to mount the drives, and they have no grommets or rubber to help dampen vibrations. This seems like a hassle for the drive bays I will be accessing most frequently.

One really nice feature of the HAF-X is the rollers in place of rubber knobs. I keep my case on the floor in a relatively narrow space. In order to get inside my case I have to slide it out. The huge rubber feet on my current case makes this sliding an undesirable task. Even though the HAF-X is a larger, heavier case, the wheels make it easy to slide the case back and forth. However, they add 1.5 inches to an already tall case. It won't fit in my other computer desk. Based on the convenience of the wheels I'd rather keep the wheels and buy a new desk. Let's look at the interior more closely in the next section.

Detailed Interior Features

Inside near the front fan sits the drive cage for 3.5" and 2.5" drives. The drive cage, trays and 5.25" bays consume the entire front portion of the case from top to bottom. Five trays pull out using the same mechanism as the HAF 932 and HAF AMD edition. Unlike some other Cooler Master series this drive cage is not changeable or customizable.

Each tray locks into place using a single plastic tab. The tabs are sturdy and will likely last for some time. Three and one half inch drives are secured to the tray by metal posts seated in rubber grommets which can be removed from the tray. Speaking of grommets, the image also shows one of the grommets which protects the cable through-holes.

Seating a 3.5" drive into the tray is quick and easy, though the hold is not the sturdiest type available. It is strong enough to secure a drive against moderate jars and nudges. Two and a half inch drives can be secured by using an adapter.

The adapter supplied with the HAF-X allows two slim 2.5" drives to be mounted into a single 3.5" slot. In this fashion it is theoretically possible to mount 10 drives into the drive cage. That many drives seems impractical with the large densities available in 3.5" drives and the high costs associated with SSD drives. Three slots would be plenty.

At the top front of the case, above the drive cage, are the 5.25" bays. These bays use a push button to lock the drives into place. A single push and release sets the posts and locks the drive in place. A second push and release frees the drive for quick removal. If, for whatever reason, manual mounting is desired, the locking buttons have access ports forward and back through which screws can be used to secure a drive. As with the 3.5" drive cage, there are more than enough 5.25" bays. Four bays is more then I've ever used. Three could be considered plenty. Four is definitely for the enthusiast.

Between the 5.25" bays and the 3.5" cage lies the SATA trays. Above is an interior shot looking at the back of these trays. A small PCB provides an interface between the motherboard and the SATA trays. While not as convenient as an external SATA port, this is a close second. While benchmarking I frequently swap between drives since I don't always want the overhead (power and otherwise) of running multiple drives. Some of my benchmarking cases have had an e-SATA port that made adding a drive easy, but actually switching between drives required opening the case. With these trays I found it easy to mount two drives at once and slide them in our out before booting. It's not the most elegant solution, but it was an improvement from opening the case on every switch. The trays could be improved by supplying a tool-less mounting mechanism similar to the other bays.

The kit supplied with the case includes cable ties for cable routing, all the necessary mounting screws, a PC speaker, the VGA Holder, four wheels, an 8 pin power extension cable, and a USB 2.0 motherboard cable. The USB 2.0 cable can be used in place of the USB 3.0 cable for an internal motherboard connection. The conversion is accomplished by unplugging the blue USB 3.0 cables from the front IO panel and replacing them with the black USB 2.0 cables. The VGA holder will accept an 80 mm fan in two different locations, but the location probably makes very little difference. The power extension is practically a necessity. Some motherboards put the 8 pin power header opposite of the PSU, and in my experience the PSU 8-pin power is barely long enough, often going right over the expansion cards. The extension cable gives the extra inches needed to go around the backside. Granted the difference is case, motherboard, and power supply dependent, the power extension saves a trip to the store.

The installation process was straight forward. It takes about an hour to install everything the first time. Much of that time was spent determining the best routing for cables. It's amazing how little cable can be seen in a completed build. Another fun surprise was found in the screw kit. Pliers are usually required to install the motherboard stand-offs, but Cooler Master included a small metal adapter that allows the stand-offs to be installed using a screw driver. I still have my pliers handy to clip the ends off the cable ties and to loosen pesky thumb screws.

During the build I ran into a few small issues. After installing all the parts and connecting the fan on the main panel, closing the panel can be a tricky ordeal. The long power cable for the side fan tended to get pinched when closing the panel. A small inconvenience. Also, when the VGA Holder is mounted (that's the one that sits above the graphics cards) it interferes with the cowling on the side fan preventing the door from fully closing. This made the cryptic message from the manual more clear, "Please install either VGA bracket or side air duct." In other words, don't install both. Another problem occurs with the air flow. With only the stock fans running it seems like too much air escapes out the bottom of the case. Seems like there needs to be at least one more fan installed in the top. Either that or plug up the big holes one the bottom side of the case.

There were some issues I did not encounter. The graphics cards installed easily with plenty of vertical and horizontal room. The PCI slots use thumb screws which caused little of the hassle involved with some attempts at tool-less PCI slots. I had plenty of room for running cables to the drives since the case is extra wide. The power supply fit easily and looked small in the huge case. There was plenty of room around the motherboard so no issues there. Finally, the PSU partition which hides the cables makes a huge difference in the overall appearance. This principle should be more widely employed. Move on to the next section to see the final thoughts, impressions and rating of the HAF-X.

HAF-X Case Final Thoughts

The High Air Flow series by Cooler Master began and has continued a strong theme in computer chassis. This series is designed to accommodate the top end of technology. For now this means four video cards, a huge motherboard, a high performance CPU with cooler to match, and oodles of drives and peripherals. All that stuff needs a PSU to match, lots of cabling, and room to install everything simultaneously. That many parts can add up to a heavy mass. The huge number of electronics also amounts to massive wattage being dissipated. At 90% efficiency there is easily the potential for generating 150 W of pure heat inside the case. To put it in perspective that's 1 cup of boiling hot cocoa every three minutes.

For a chassis running the latest and greatest setup there are thus three main needs; more space, more strength, and more cooling. These are the core components of the HAF series. In addition to the core components Cooler Master has also included other useful feature to add convenience and style. These core components seem to be consistent across the chassis spectrum with various companies and series focusing more on some core components and less on others. As the technology treadmill continues rolling, new developments will continue to push the maximum possible performance. Expect to see the HAF series continue to accommodate this space.

It should be interesting to see whether the technology advancements will continue the same trends of increasing size and power consumption. If the current trend continue then eventually cases will be so mammoth that even enthusiasts will balk. Imagine the case required for a computer that projects life-size 3D immersive games. We'd be back to the '70s when the computer consumes an entire room. So obviously at some point the trend needs to change for even the cutting edge hardware. Maybe the way we see case dimension can change to get rid of the excess space consumed by drive bays. Or perhaps case layout can go 3D and get away from ever expanding footprints. In the short run expect to see more dual chip cards, many large fans and heavy duty cases.

RC-942-KKN1 Conclusion

Model RC-942-KKN1 is a big, big chassis. It makes a mid sized case look like a micro ATX. Because the dimensions are proportional to smaller cases it's difficult to comprehend the actual scale from images alone. Despite the size it looks sharp. Hard lines, sturdy metal mesh and a black matte finish give a sturdy, rugged appearance. But the look appropriately projects the actual construction of the case. The interior is also a matte black which provides excellent contrast for the flashy hardware contained inside.

As was just mentioned, the case is built just how it appears. Big, strong and heavy. Since the case is designed to hold so many components it must be strong. It must also be safe to carry under the additional weight. Having panels that remove under low forces is not an option. One nice thing about the HAF-X is that none of the panels or covers will come undone unless you want them to. Everything is secured by sturdy tabs, thumbscrews and levers.You won't have to worry about something slipping and dropping thousands of dollars of precious equipment. But there are finer points that also lend to the high integrity of the HAF-X. The power buttons are covered by a sliding panel which keep wandering fingers from making costly mistakes. There are several options for providing extra cooling and ducting through the provided VGA Holder, VGA Fan Duct, and a large side fan with cowling.

The HAF-X keeps up with the times by providing USB 3.0 along side e-SATA, firewire and USB 2.0.For installation ease many tool-less installation features are also included. Several options are also provided for drive installation. There are the tool-less 5.25" bays, two front sliding trays with interior SATA docks, and a large tool-less drive cage. Every bay can be configured in multiple ways to accept different style drives, some requiring extra mounting hardware. Another welcome addition are locking wheels which can be mounted to the bottom of the tower. These wheels make it much easier to slide the tower into and out of its home. finally, the tool less design is adequate but not overbearing. Drive locks are quick, simple and reliable with the option to fall back on conventional installation. The PCI ports use thumb screws which are proven reliable with any PCI card unlike some tool-less PCI attempts.

What will you pay to store your 4-SLI system? Much less then you shelled out for everything else! Newegg.com now sells the HAF-X for $199.99 pre-shipping, or Buy.com offers the RC-942-KKN1 model for $198.82 shipped. As far as 4-SLI options go the HAF-X falls towards the middle to top of the pricing range. Although we've become accustomed to full tower cases over $200, the recent trend has pushed many sub-$200 cases. These less-expensive cases will get the job done with few if any frills. The HAF-X is well priced based on the features and construction offered. Personally, I feel...safe...keeping my expensive toys in the HAF-X. In addition, the price provides excellent features and style lacking in cheaper cases. Basically, the money spent on the HAF-X is well worth the investment.

Overall the HAF-X is an excellent case which fulfills the anticipation and demand. It has the right balance of construction, features and pricing that will tempt even budgeters to go for a top-end system. If you're going with a 4-SLI setup then you can't go wrong with the HAF-X.

Pros:

+ Sturdy Construction
+ Many Cooling Options
+ USB 3.0 on front IO
+ Two front SATA trays
+ Relatively quiet fans
+ Tool-less drives, panels, PCI
+ Many cable routing options
+ XL-ATX, E-ATX compatible
+ 13.46" allowance for video card
+ Sliding cover for power and reset buttons
+ Locking wheels for easy moving

Cons:

- Really Big
- Really Heavy
- No tool-less or vibration mounting for front trays
- Cooling loss at bottom of case

Ratings:

• Performance: 8.50
• Appearance: 9.00
• Construction: 9.25
• Functionality: 9.25
• Value: 8.75

Final Score: 8.95 out of 10.

Quality Recognition: Benchmark Reviews Silver Tachometer Award

Questions? Comments? Benchmark Reviews really wants your feedback. We invite you to leave your remarks in our Discussion Forum.

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