Cooler Master HAF XB Case / Test-bench Review
Up Close: Test Bench Configuration
Published: 28th January 2013 | Source: Cooler Master | Price: £82.99 |
Up Close: Test Bench Configuration.
The well made and smooth fitting top and side panels are easily removed by means of knurled thumb screws revealing the bare frame of the chassis. Like the case exterior the chassis itself and interior are powder coated in thick matte black so should be well able to withstand a knock or two without losing their rugged good looks. The release of 6 clips allows the front panel to be removed leaving the front I/O and power board behind. In this configuration, with all the pretty panels removed the HAF XB reveals its inner test bench credentials.
Although not offering quite the same amount of access as units such as the Dimastech units, it does have to be said that working on the hardware in the HAF XB with all the main panels stripped away is simplicity itself. Perhaps the ability to remove the struts running from front to back along the upper corners of the case would have made access even better, but we really are just being pedantic. Credit where credit is due though, although we might have preferred screws enabling removal, Cooler master have ensured the structural rigidity and strength of the unit by double riveting the joints between cross members. Not something you see every day, but i guess if you're designing something to be portable it's best to make sure that the thing you're carrying it by stays attached to the rest of the case.
So having stripped the case down to its undies, before we move on to the build let's have a quick look at what else we get in the box. First up is a set of comprehensive instructions with informative although quite small diagrams. A small brown box secured inside the case contains the usual selection of screws, a slack handful of black cable ties a buzzer and a set of rails for mounting the 2.5" drives.
Most Recent Comments
I have 5x 3.5" drives and 2x 2.5" SSD's (patriot pyro 128's in RAID 0) I need to fit.
I'm pretty sure with all the room in the bottom hard drive area (2.5" cage area) I can make something work to where I can either add a 3.5" cage or just drill out the 2.5" and just replace that cage. I've got plenty of sheet metal and car guys that have the tools who work with me in the Air Force.
But then I look at the cosmos 2 and really drool over all the area it has. But then I'm reminded that in 3 years the military movers are going to be handling my stuff again and quite possible are going to break another $300 case.
Both cosmos 2 and haf xb fit the new 280mm all in one water coolers, thats a must have for me with a new case.
AHHHHHH I'm torn. I'm leaning towards the HAF XB
Btw I just purchased this case with my new build about a month ago and say I love it. With some quieter fans I could make it much better on the ears. But really, if you buy a HAF case, you aren't bothered by some wind noise.
EDIT: Also if you have the Noctua NH-D14 it fits like a charm. You won't be able to put the 240mm fan on top but the cooling is good enough you don't need to.
One of my MSI 560ti Twinfrozr fans went out on me and it still stays plenty cool enough in this case. Very very pleased.
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