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.

  • prev
  • next

Test Setup and Temp. Results

Due to the gaming nature of the HAF series we directly opted to install two GTX 480 GPU's. Secondly all future case testing will be done with just the Corsair H80 Hydro cooler. This to get more balanced results and particularly with this case to allow the installed top 200mm fan to do it's job. The hardware comprises of the following parts:

 

 

Obtaining a clean build is no problem with the numerous cable management possibilities of this HAF XM. Room to spare between both our GTX480 GPU's and the installed top HDD bay. The Corsair Hydro 80 cooler blends in perfectly, no clearance issues with our G.Skill RAMs at all. Even routing the top 8 pin CPU power plug is a breeze with this enclosure, as all cutouts are adequately sized.

 

 

The top HDD tray is equipped with a fast Intel 520 240GB SSD. If needed an SSD can also be mounted on the back of the motherboard tray.

 

 


The cutout to route the USB and AUDIO cables has got decent clearance with the power supply. In many housings this luxury is most of the times not foreseen. We opted not to install the slideable plastic PSU cable cover.

 

 

 

Time for the test results:

With our i7-3960X running prime95 custom test ( 12-12K ) at 4500Mhz (1.37Vcore) we never breached 80°C. Which is quite an excellent value since it is just cooled by the humble Corsair Hydro 80 cooler. All credit goes out to the two 200mm fans that provide excellent airflow from the front to the top of the case. On top of that, the top fan aids to dissipate the PWM heat fast.  The 88°C measured in the PWM area is one of the better values we have seen till now on our X79 test bed, this while being 100% stressed.

 

 

Both our GTX480 Fermi cards remain sub 90°C level to while running the 3DMark Vantage loop. Nuff said, the thermal dissipation is excellent in this case. No hot air remains trapped, thanks to the good airflow. Noise wise we tested the case with the H80 at low speed setting to exclude both the 120mm Corsair fans. We measured a meazle 37dBa with the case fans at full blast, which is just above room ambient noise. Bigger seems better :P

  • prev
  • next

No comments available.

 

reply

 

Copyright © 2001-2011 Madshrimps, All rights reserved.
Graphic Design by Dennis Kestelle, Programming by Maarten Menten, Overall Site design by John Meys

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.

Madshrimps