- Back to homepage
- Related articles
  Related articles

Cooler Master HAF XM mid-tower Case Review

Cases & PSU/Cases by leeghoofd @ 2012-07-27

Cooler Master, one of the leading case manufacturers, has recently launched their latest addition to the HAF series, the HAF XM. The HAF range targets gamers, wanting functionality, maximum hardware compatibility and excellent cooling under any circumstances. Modern high end gaming setups usually comprise multi GPU setups, big CPU coolers and likewise power supplies. Case designs have to be constantly adapted to suit the needs of its end users. Easiest solution is to opt straight for a big tower case. Having more than adequate space, ready to being stuffed with the biggest and baddest hardware available. However the size of these cases can be way out of proportion to fit under your desk. A pain in the butt to transport as they mostly weigh a ton or they are just too expensive. With the mid tower HAF series Cooler Master has addressed most of the aforementioned statements. Time to explore what the new HAF XM has to offer.

A Closer Look Contd.

A serious gaming case has to have adequate cooling, to dissipate all the generated heat as fast as possible. But most importantly doing this at an acceptable noise level. Lety's have a closer look on how Cooler Master approached this.

To obtain access to the top 200mm cooler, just one thumb screw has to be removed and then the top cover slides out. Mark also the three rubber grommet holes for routing the watercooling tubing:

Due to the presence of the big 200mm top fan, heat can hardly remain trapped in the upper part of the case. There's room for an optional second 200mm fan or to install a dual 120/140mm combo. For those that fancy some LED action, the top fan is ready to house them:

Since noise remains a sensitive matter, Cooler Master opted to use a silent 140mm fan in the rear of the case and a second 200mm fan in the front. No high speed, nor noisy rpm fans in this housing. On the left picture you can spot the big cutout for easy CPU cooler installation. The front 200mm fan has an on/off switchable red LED. The LED function button is to be found on the left side of the front panel. In the center there is a generously sized power button and finally the mandatory reset button positioned on the far right:

The front panel sports two USB2.0 and two USB3.0 ports and the obligatory in- and out-audio jacks. There's a small top compartment with a rubber pad foreseen, to place some of your personal belongings. This rubber pad can easily be removed for cleaning purposes:

No comments available.

All information and graphics contained in Madshrimps are sole property of the Madshrimps crew and may not be reproduced or copied in any manner without written permission from us.