Cooler Master HAF X or Corsair mid-tower?

 

 

The Corsair cases are very well designed, internally, and would be easy to work with in terms of expansion. I'm not a big fan of their hard drives bay, though; they're a little flimsy and we have had issues in the past with shipping full systems using a Corsair case. We have had to take extra precautions to make sure the hard drives are hard-mounted to the case, but then that takes away from the tool-less bay ease of use for our customers. If you're a big fan of neat and tidy cable management, I would also consider Corsair cases as they have many points for you to tuck cables away and keep them hidden.

 

On the other hand, Cooler Master has been in the case manufacturing game for a long, long time. They have tons of experience over most manufacturers and continue to implement their knowledge on a frequent basis with their case designs. I can understand where some individuals might say that cable management is difficult, but at the same time I think it's easier than smaller cases. I have a NZXT Vulcan case, with many custom liquid-cooling mods, and cable management has been a complete nightmare, but I was able to get it done regardless. Then, my father purchased a computer and decided on the Cooler Master HAF 932 case. As the wonderful son that I am, I pre-built most of it to help him out and performed wire management on the case with absolutely no headaches. There are tons of places to hide cables, everything is out in the open for you to get to (if need be) and my father actually complained about how cold the exhausted air is coming out of the case! My only gripe is that, while performing cable management, there were times were cables were actually to short to reach my intended destination. Many front-panel cables to mid-board USB headers, so adapters were needed, but I definitely think the positives out-weight negatives with the HAF series.

 

Bottom line, go with what you feel comfortable with. Don't listed to reviews, as most of them are based on opinions anyway. If you feel one case sticks out to you the most, and speaks to you more, then go with your instincts as you're less likely to wish you chose a different case. When I find myself in similar situations, as cliché as this may sound, I make a pros a cons list of hardware that I'm interested in. This helps you weigh the differences and decide if there are features that are deal-breakers, or those that make you completely forget about the negatives. From what I have seen, I like the following two cases by both manufacturers.:

 

Corsair: http://www.avadirect.com/Corsair-Obsidian (Window version)

 

Cooler Master: http://www.avadirect.com/Cooler-Master-HAF-932-Advanced

 

 

 

 

 

Since it is our job to provide the best cable management, we will do what is necessary to ensure it makes sense.

 

You don't have to deck your entire system out with Cooler Master, if you choose a case manufactured by them. You can mix and match brands and it will be perfectly alright; that's why we're a true custom builder!

 

 

 

 

We currently offer two different styles of the Cooler Master HAX X cases; the standard version, and the other which lists "Blue Edition" in the title of the case. You can choose either or, depending on your color preference.

 

Yes, each case comes with a set of stock fans that will all have LED lights on them. The reason I recommend choosing the correct case, for your color preference, is because Cooler Master makes it pretty difficult to swap out some of the larger fans in the case. It's easier to choose a case, keep the stock color LED fans, and move forward rather than change them out. We do sometimes receive requests to have Cooler Master HAF cases without LEDs, and it tends to become difficult finding larger, compatible 230mm fans without LED lights.

 

Feel free to post any questions you may have, regarding these Cooler Master HAF cases. I'm a huge fan of the HAF case line, so I can answer any questions you have about them!

 

 

 

 

 

Yes, typically we are able to do this with most cases, however the HAF cases are incredibly difficult to find replacement LED fans for; the larger 230mm fans only come in red and blue, in which Cooler Master has HAF versions for those two colors. Options like green or UV are not available as no manufacturer makes those colors in 230mm fan size. It would be easier to simply purchase the HAF version based on your color preference, to get the most out of the configuration without any complication.

 

Yes, fan filters are not the easiest to work with. The best way, as I have learned, is to use a can of compressed air to get all of the dust loose from the vents and hard-to-reach areas within the case. Then, have a vacuum handy and use a hose attachment to suck up any of the loose dust in your case. This method has worked well for me for years, so it should work well for you too!

 

 

 

 

1. Can those two Hotswap devices in front bays be removed completely and Vantec 401-ST hotswaps installed?

 

2. Can you add the other 230mm fan that isn't included on top or would it block one of the front bays.

 

3. Do I have to add a side panel fan? If I add another 230mm fan on top?

 

 

What about a single card: GTX 690 can I get away with no side fan? Yes I caved and bought a 690 :)