Cooler Master HAF XB Case Review
Author: Dennis Garcia
Published: Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Conclusion
People are often skeptical when you start messing with things that are perceived as standards in the industry and the computer chassis is no exception. In fact the first time I saw this case I wondered where you would put it. Tower cases are nice because they are thin (ish) and can sit next to your desk and take up very little space. Desktop designs will often sit on your desk with a monitor on top or stand up vertically off to the side. The large cube case doesn't fit either of these scenarios but does have a few nice benefits such as easy access to the components and the modding potential so show off every part of your system.
The Cooler Master HAF XB is built on the HAF (High Air Flow) principle which favors multiple fan positions and strategic chassis venting. The idea is that with better chassis cooling you can improve system performance and minimize noise. There are a total of six fan positions in the XB including a 200mm top mounted fan, 2x 120mm or 140mm fans in the front, a single 120mm in the back and 2x 80mm fans in the lower section. Sadly Cooler Master has only included 2x 120mm fans with this case requiring that you purchase the others if you need them.
Overall construction of the HAF XB is quite good and featured high quality steel construction throughout and double rivets at each of the joints. There are plenty of modding opportunities with this case including custom paint and DIY watercooling. Chassis mods are not suggested given the construction however, if you wanted to convert this into a 24/7 benching station it could be accomplished with a little Demel action and some fiberglass.
We did find it odd that the XB is only fitted with seven expansion slots given that previous HAF cases featured eight or more which can really limit your options when it comes to multi-gpu configurations.
The Cooler Master HAF XB is built on the HAF (High Air Flow) principle which favors multiple fan positions and strategic chassis venting. The idea is that with better chassis cooling you can improve system performance and minimize noise. There are a total of six fan positions in the XB including a 200mm top mounted fan, 2x 120mm or 140mm fans in the front, a single 120mm in the back and 2x 80mm fans in the lower section. Sadly Cooler Master has only included 2x 120mm fans with this case requiring that you purchase the others if you need them.
Overall construction of the HAF XB is quite good and featured high quality steel construction throughout and double rivets at each of the joints. There are plenty of modding opportunities with this case including custom paint and DIY watercooling. Chassis mods are not suggested given the construction however, if you wanted to convert this into a 24/7 benching station it could be accomplished with a little Demel action and some fiberglass.
We did find it odd that the XB is only fitted with seven expansion slots given that previous HAF cases featured eight or more which can really limit your options when it comes to multi-gpu configurations.
Good Things
Top Mounted Motherboard
Hidden System Components
Dual 140mm Radiator Option
Venting and Fan Options Everywhere
Hidden System Components
Dual 140mm Radiator Option
Venting and Fan Options Everywhere
Bad Things
Only seven expansion slots
Includes 2x 120mm fans
Not a "true" test bench
Includes 2x 120mm fans
Not a "true" test bench
Ninjalane Rating
Cooler Master HAF XB Case Review
Silent 4 of 5
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