SirJamesDTech - Cooler Master HAF X 942 Full Tower Case Review

[SirJamesD]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pvkl9I_3_Po

Cooler Master has created this HAF X 942 full tower case, and I am privileged to do this review for you.
For more infomation, please visit Cooler Master's website:
http://www.coolermaster.com
Remember, my verdict is about more than just the grade, but also the description that goes along with it.

[lkiller123]

I love how you pointed out the wrong placement of the LED fan switch as well as other very specific weaknesses of this product. Most of the other reviewers never do something like this.

[SirJamesD]

Companies know immediately that I'm not a guaranteed positive review.
I'd much rather be honest about my opinions than be a fake.
That wouldn't do the viewers any favors, nor would it give the company specifics as to how they can improve their product.
Thank you for your appreciation!

[Chigurh]

Nice job James! That's what we want honest no BS Reviews!!!! Keep up the good work.

[SirJamesD]

Thank you, Chigurh.
It's part of what I like to think separates me from 90% of other YouTube reviewers.
Clearly my knowledge isn't up to the levels of some, but I try to make up for it with clarity, honesty, and organization.
Much more to come, including the Galaxy GTX465 I'm reviewing right now.

[Frag Maniac]

Nice review James, I wasn't even aware it's a 942, but makes sense I guess. You forgot to mention it supports EATX though, for those whom don't know that's what form factor your MB is. I had a chance to view one of these close up at Fry's the other day.

A few things I don't like:

1) They still use that strangely shaped, I'll call it an hour glass w/ a horn on one end, bottom vent, yet despite claiming all intakes are filtered, it is not, and it's the hardest one to fit a filter on. DEMCIFlex in S. Africa said they are willing to sell the filter that fits that vent separately vs only in the 3 piece kit it comes with though, and it's only $8 USD.

2) The plastic tabs holding the front panel on looked dangerously skimpy to me. I'm a big fan of panels that use bulb ended split pillars that fit into holes in the case. They generally hold up much longer and are actually easier to snap on and off. Interesting to note that even the AzzA Solano 1000 I was talking about on this forum whom some were speculating was crap quality has such an attachment on it's front panel. Overall it's a far sturdier case than any CM I've seen in the ways that matter most.

3) Though easy to access, the lower side mounted HDD cage appeared to block a lot of air flow from the front fan. There's not a lot of side mount cages that offer great air flow though.

4) The casters look too small for a case this size, esp when fully loaded with gear. Nice they at least include some though.

Like you I still feel the positives outweigh the negatives on this case. Quite frankly I always wonder despite the size of a MB cutout if it will line up properly with most of the more common MBs when I see a case with one anymore. There's just been too many reviews of popular brand cases showing poor cutout alignment on common MBs. What I usually do is try my best to get a sideways shot of case and MB, and superimpose one into the other after making sure they match scale, with lineup marks for cutouts, side panel fans, etc, what ever needs measuring for worry of fit.

I could see how one would naturally assume it would fit the CPU backplate of that MB though. I mean EATX support is one of the primary differences that set it apart from the HAF 932, yet they didn't even check cutout fit on the only X58 EATX MB on the market, inexcusable!

Again, nice review. Good to see someone tell the big boys where they need to rethink their designs, esp the cutout and cable management space.

[brightwindow]

really nice review

[SirJamesD]

Thank you, Brightwindow!
Very well thought out post, Frag Maniac.
You're spot-on regarding my not mentioning all the form factors it can fit. I'll be sure to do that for my future case reviews that I've got sitting here.
I certainly don't go into reviews with the idea that I'm going to lecture companies, and I try to be respectful with my criticisms. But it really does need to be pointed out if we ever expect these products to be continually improved.
What I've found is that most other reviewers are plain afraid to say what they really feel because they want the company to keep sending them free stuff.
Complete waste of time for the viewer, the company, and the reviewer.

[Geezer]

I could see how one would naturally assume it would fit the CPU backplate of that MB though. I mean EATX support is one of the primary differences that set it apart from the HAF 932, yet they didn't even check cutout fit on the only X58 EATX MB on the market, inexcusable!

Minor nitpick, but the motherboard form factor in question for the Classified board is XL-ATX. I can't think of a full tower case that doesn't support EATX already (including the HAF 932). XL-ATX (along with HPTX) are the bastard red headed stepchildren of the motherboard world that are a bit tricky to find a case for, and it would appear that the back cutout for the 942 missed the boat for full access on XL-ATX boards.

[Frag Maniac]

Yeah it's kinda sad when even respected tech forums start stooping to writing glowing reviews on parts they are ill equipped to really test well at all, just to keep their sponsorship, net hit points, and freebies flowing. There's one doing this a lot recently who's name shall remain unmentioned. Their forum activity seems to be falling off and at least one of the manufacturers that was a big sponsor for them has made a decision recently that left them falling behind on sales.

You add all that to recession and it doesn't look good. When it comes right down to it, in bad economic times, you need to be all the more honest with those whom read your reviews and even come to the realization that if you aren't equipped to do a review well, like on PSUs for instance, don't do it at all or take out a loan for proper equipment to do it right. Doing reviews badly can only ruin the reputation of tech sites, and that's a hard thing to recover from.

[gatecrasherlok]

Nice review as always matey

[SirJamesD]

@Geezer The Classified 760 that I've got is E-ATX. The 4-Way SLI Classified and the SR-2 are XL-ATX, though.
@Frag Maniac Reputation is absolutely EVERYTHING. I put that in caps because it is that important. Trust me, companies want honesty. If I don't bring these issues up, then their customers surely will. And that will make me look like a complete fake, or somebody who didn't take the time to notice.
@gatecrasherlok Thanks, my friend!

[Frag Maniac]

@Geezer The Classified 760 that I've got is E-ATX. The 4-Way SLI Classified and the SR-2 are XL-ATX, though.

Yeah Geezer is right though, I meant to say XL-ATX because that is the newer form factor and most cases don't support it. Not all full towers support EATX either though.

If you end up keeping that case and like to have all intakes filtered, give DEMCIFLex in S. Africa an email about their filter that fits it. They're pretty cool guys down there are are flexible and reasonable with pricing and availability. Heck, they might even send you one to review. If they do, I'd love to hear your opinion on it, including how well it holds up to a regular vacuuming or wiping. http://www.demcifilter.com/contact_us.htm

(It's the bottom filter in this set, and they're willing to sell it separately, though try to get one for review.)
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catal...ducts_id=26221


Cool and flexible, guess that sounded like a pun, but wasn't meant as one. LOL

[SirJamesD]

The HAF X is gone already, actually.
Just keep that magnetic filter well enough away from the HDDs

[Frag Maniac]

So what are you using for a case now?
As for the filter, I'm quite sure it's frame is no where near that powerful a magnet.

From DEMCIFLex's FAQ:

"Q: I am concerned about the affect that the magnet might have on my data storage units like flash drives and my bank cards.

A: DEMCiflex filters is a patented design and extensive research and development went into the properties of all the materials used in its manufacturing process. Sheets of this magnet was left with bank cards, flash drives and other storage mediums left between them for months. It had absolutely no affect on any of these devices. The magnet used is only 200 Gauss strong. It can hold itself to the case but not much more. Even if you turn the filter around it would not hold to the case. See these links to put your mind at ease:"

http://www.pcworld.com/article/11657..._pc_myths.html

http://community.discoverychannel.co...46/m/707107942

http://www.dansdata.com/gz009.htm

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/115670...drive_magnets/

[ChristianGordon]

Nice review

[SirJamesD]

@Frag I'm back in the Corsair 800D that I was in before I did the "upgrade" to the HAF X.
To me, other than the fact that the 800D does indeed not have enough fresh air intake for high overclocking (in which case you should be on water anyway), and is rather plain looking, I think it is a better case in every single area.
@ChristianGordon Thank you! Got plenty lined up right here.

[Frag Maniac]

The Obsidain IMO is one of the best for WC, but has lackluster performance with stock air cooling compared to cases like HAFs. Newegg sent me a promo email on the 700D for $140 today and I passed on it. I also don't like that they are very negative in pressure because they really only have the one intake and many exhausts. The intake is also at the bottom where it would collect lots of dust if placed on the floor and it's also the hardest spot to get at to clean.

I like the Lian Li PC-A70F except that it has no top or side vent/fan, unless you buy the fairly expensive optional top panel that comes with 140mm vent. I also like the design of the Antec DF-85, though it's not the best looker. I don't particularly care for bottom vents or wimpy construction. I like cases that are low maintenance and solidly built. Currently I'm leaning toward the DF-85, though hoping I'll see a better full tower design by the time I start my build, which may be when the 384 core GF104 GPUs come out.

[Geezer]

@Geezer The Classified 760 that I've got is E-ATX. The 4-Way SLI Classified and the SR-2 are XL-ATX, though.

4-Way Classified is XL-ATX, yes. It's the same mounted width as an EATX board but is a little bit longer (bottom standoff holes for an XL-ATX mount are 40mm below the bottom standoff holes for EATX). SR-2 is HPTX, which is as long as an XL-ATX board but also a fair bit wider, which is why HPTX cases are in such short supply (and getting details from EVGA regarding specific mounting hole placement for HPTX boards is no small feat).

All of that is just minor details not directly related to your review so I hope you don't take it as an attack. I just figured that since we were talking about honesty in reviews we might as well smooth out the veracity of the information in the discussion as well ;D

[SirJamesD]

@Frag What I did was flip around the fan at the back of the case, so that is also an intake. Also, switched out all the junk 140s for a bunch of 120mm Scythe Slipstreams.
My view is that Corsair should have designed in a front 140/120mm where the logo currently is at the bottom.
Also, on the inside of the windowed side panel there is a fan which blows into the HDD cage. Which I don't fully understand because it's not bringing in any fresh air.
I'd have liked to have seen at least a meshed section on the side panel where that fan could bring in fresh air instead of just pushing around what's existing.
@Geezer No I didn't view it that way at all! I actually very much appreciate constructive criticism, as it helps me to be a better reviewer.

[Frag Maniac]

Also, on the inside of the windowed side panel there is a fan which blows into the HDD cage. Which I don't fully understand because it's not bringing in any fresh air.

Yeah I'm aware of all the fans and their placement/purpose. That fan is supposed to draw it's air in from the front part of the bottom vent, though I don't think it's even ducted is it?

I had similar discussions on design with the guys here that love WiNDy cases. They're very expensive alu cases with meticulous detail to quiet operation. My argument was that the focus on quiet operation appeared to limit their ability to cool as well as other gaming cases that cost far less. It seems Corsair has taken a similar, though less extreme approach. It's odd because other products they sell like PSUs are very reasonably priced, with the focus on basic performance vs radical design.

[SirJamesD]

I didn't mean to imply that you weren't aware of the fans' placements or purposes
It seems that's what the designers hoped would happen, for that bottom fan to do all that intake for the entire case. But that just was not realistic, and when I had my two GTX480s that was apparent quickly.
There truly is not a perfect case out right now.
Wouldn't take much for the Corsair lineup to become perfect, though.

[Lanek]

I have the HAF -X, about the hole on the back of the motherboard, on the version i have ( retail ), there's no problem, the hole is enough big, i have 1 cm around fixation of the Apogee GTZ mount plate .... i imagine you have not get the retail version, or it's due to the motherboard you have ( is the classified have the socket far away of the standard board ATX board ?, if this is the case, it's not good from CM to have not think do a larger hole in this case ..)

Need agree the case is far to be completely perfect, but it's a good case, maybe not the best around, but it's fine.

[SirJamesD]

This was the retail version, so not sure why your cutout is seemingly larger.

[NFC]

You would have to have a very very very powerful magnet to do any sort of damage to modern HDDs.

I've been experimenting with neodymium magnet retention systems for hot swap drives in enterprise server setups and have yet to see a problem.

If you wanna test it for yourself find an older maxtor or seagate you have lying around (year 2000 and up) and stick some magnets on it and put it in the freezer. It will still work as good as a maxtor/seagate will