Cooler Master HAF X 942 Full Tower Case Review - SirJamesDTech

[@AmvFreak90]

Awesome!! Bought this case over 12years ago and still using it :) Needed to replace the front fan right now

[@SirJamesDTech]

I ended up keeping the 800D...which at the time was a pain because I'd moved all my parts over to the HAF X thinking that would be my next case. But like I said in a previous comment, my reviews are the real likes and dislikes I feel for a product so, even though it was a PITA, I didn't keep the HAF X.

[@CCLGamer]

Since your review Cooler Master made the Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360R RGB AIO that solves the RESET BUTTON problem. Once connected in a push pull configuration under the stack exhaust fans, the reset button will toggle between RGB colors, To reset you need to hold it for 5 seconds, so no more accidental resets, Oh, and the top bay, I use for my X-Vision temperature gauge panel. As for the back panel, I have a 1600W modular PSU with all the cables connected. Found all the paths to squeeze everything in. I have all the cables connected so it is a simple job to connect power to new devices, since cables are ready to connect inside the case. It took time, but it was worth it. All future maintenance is simplified.

[@Dra6nheart]

I got this case about 2 yrs ago and I am still loving it. For other case builds I would go with this type as well. The Main 3 items I REALLY wish that Cooler Master would change are: --Make the front where the 200mm fan is have mounting spots for two 120mm or 140mm fans. --Make the top where the two 200mm fans can go one long rectangle instead of two separate one so that you could install up to three 120mm or 140mm fans. (There are no holes for these smaller fans so they would need to be added as well.) --Along with changing the top shape they need to fix the cable routing design for the wires going from the front power plate to the motherboard. If you add the second 200mm fan to the top of the case then you have to CRAM the wires around to make it work. It can be done, because I have done it, but it takes a little work. Could be easier. All of these items are items that would not make me tell someone not to choose this case, BUT Cooler Master could do some SIMPLE little design adjustments to give the options that I mentioned for this case.

[@garybarnet3488]

Just don't try to discuss the problems with customer service, all they do is blame you for any problem to which they respond

[@SirJamesDTech]

I can't believe how freaking fat I was in this video...almost 60 pounds heavier than now xD

[@shock_wave0114]

does this case have dust filters on them?

[@EVOlutionHTC4g]

That VGA fan bracket actually attaches to the back and it helps transport the computer without damaging the graphic cards and the mother board. Of course, you can add the fan for extra vent.

[@Miguel151169]

I feel you on the backplate cut-out. I have the newer version of the case and they still didn't fix the backplate problem.

[@jdookie2908]

@SirJamesDTech I fully agree with you on this. You shouldn't have to cut out a "cut out". My Lian Li PCP80 had the exact same issue, and I had to make the cut out bigger. Makes you wonder what boards they use to scribe the cut outs with.

[@Andrew-718]

He gave alot of good information that I have yet to find in any other review. One being the size of the cpu heatsink cutout. Regardless, I'm thankful for all of the people out there that are willing to take the time to review products and allow me a chance to foreshadow my future build and get a sense for what parts and components I need. Troll Rebecca Black, not a fellow techie doing his best.

[@meltyboys946]

I still have this full tower case ten years later.

[@TheTartopum76]

I've got a HAF X and it's a really good case. It's really strong, no risks of damaging it. Cooling is really efficient, especially for the graphic card(s) : you can put 4 graphics cards in it and keep them cool. My overclocked GTX460 reach only 66°C with FurMark stress test after 1 hour. Also you can put in the biggest graphics cards, biggest CPU coolers and biggest power supplies.

[@djdelevic]

@SirJamesDTech. There is no standard on that location of the cpu socket, so not align with CPU cutout is not drawback because it is not possible to position a hole to feed all sockets and all types of motherboards.

[@Cal627]

If you are going to put a 360 radiator, you are also going to want to put a nice fan controller and that top 5.25 bay is perfect for that.

[@Roochfan20]

I really like the looks of this case and I would definitely buy it the next time I have enough money to build another PC. I hope that Cooler Master can make the case with a blue LED in the front instead of the red LED fan.

[@captainpegs07]

You should email your fan suggestions to the company. Good review!

[@SlamBoy434]

James, I recommend you get the Coolermaster red LED fan for the rear as I'm picking it up Tuesday. Pushes 69cfm and runs at 2000rpm. It's the fan Maxishine uses for his P80 at the rear, get that instead. I agree though, the stock rear fan is crap. Put your hand behind it and you don't feel hardly no air pushing.

[@The5thUSER]

It does not come with a PSU, and if you were looking to get one, I recommend a corsair CX model (choose your wattage depending on how much power you want to use)

[@bioware5]

@Destination73 you get three 230mm fans front,top and side,one 140mm on the back. one place on the top to add 230mm.also 120mm and 80mm to put inside sort of video supporters.(80mm has to be around 15mm deep)

[@800764]

I didn't like the HAF on the side of the other cases either which is why I bought the Storm Trooper case. I have to say that this is also a great case and if I was doing another build I would seriously consider this case.

[@eimzic]

Nice review. Make me rethink from trade my 932 for this. u sure covers a lot features that were not mentioned on others review on this case. thanks mate.. im subscribing now.

[@CaptainP00face]

You smile the entire time you talk, it's obvious you like this case.

[@BadApathy]

@FlightMaster2310 The cutout allows you to switch out your heat sink without removing the motherboard. The cutout allows access to the bracket that anchors the heat sink to the back of the motherboard. Having no cutout does not mean you cannot have a heat sink.

[@Whitehorze]

My HAF 932 drive locks were still a bit loose. I just pulled the locks off when I painted the inside of my case, then screwed the drive and fan controller in place. My CPU window was off center and too small as well.

[@reche1321]

Remember, this case was specifically made for extreme overclocking and that REQUIRES watercooling not an air fan, thous the short hole in the back of the CPU.

[@Wowakocht]

for a ek bay spin I Used a Hammer on chase to use two slots that was not ok..the quality is good the fan for gpu is not needed is too heavy

[@WedgeBob]

Seems like that was a good point about the backplate cutout there. One cutout I'm a big fan of is the one that NZXT uses on their Phantom 630s. However, I still wish there'd be a case that would utilize the modularity of the Phantom 630, yet have the same airflow and connectivity features of the HAF X. I still have yet to see if such a case exists.

[@GenericName007]

I plan to use this case and I've watched pretty much every review here on youtube on it, I mean that quite literally, I've watched dozens. Most of them don't really mention the issue with the back plate; I was aware of it due to some user reviews I've read saying how some took a saw to the back plate to enlarge it. I do find it surprising how many reviews seem to overlook that design flaw. For me it's not that big of a deal as I don't really remove the heatsink once it's on, but still...

[@Eli9A]

it looks almost perfect for a r9 295x2 crossfire setup. they have to upgrade that case though to what was pointing out.

[@NotKingFish]

Okay, What do you like better, The Coolermaster HAF X 942 or the Coolermaster HAF 932?

[@roywood312]

I don't know what motherboards you been looking at but my HAF X case gets the USB 3.0 on the front of the bezel plugged into an Asus Crosshair V Legend Z from the MoBo not the IO panel

[@GamerErman2001]

I know this is an old case but I have to agree with you on the CPU backplate area and the design of the door. I never have had to use that backplate opening, but why include it if it doesn't work with a lot of motherboards? I am also terrible at cable management and find that door hard to use, making it wider like you suggested would've been awesome.

[@georg041]

i have the same tower and i am very happy its gorgeous

[@VagueDustin]

I have a AM3 NF980-G65 Motherboard and the HAF 932 has the exact same problem with the cut out. It was extremely annoying the first time I put my build together cause I had to take back out the montherboard.

[@tibor29]

What a great review! Pleasure to watch.

[@Andrew-718]

:D He definitely makes his reviews "his own" and has an interesting way of pronouncing and explaining things, but hes enthusiastic. With the support of the community, we'll make a pro out of him yet ^_^

[@SirJamesDTech]

I was in between coolers at that point and that was the stock one included with the i7-980X I had at the time

[@Star_Sn1per]

@xbasket12x If you don't plan on overcloking you should be good with the stock heat sink that comes with the cpu since it uses push pins. But an aftermarket heatsink or liquid cooler like the h70 is likely to have a back mounting plate, which you would be left with the same problem.

[@jdookie2908]

Very cool and functional case, but I still like the looks of the Obsidian better.

[@TheCaptainMI]

I have the same issue with my ThermalTake MK-I. The reset and fan LED button is so close together and I always freak when i change the colour of my fans, because I am scared of hitting the reset button

[@donbenefiel5682]

Please share Cooler Master's response when you asked them about the too small CPU cutout.

[@SirJamesDTech]

The response was two-fold: 1) jack and 2) shit

[@garybarnet3488]

Good review except no mention of how the front hot swap sata and power cables get in the way of the 120mm GPU fan cooler. However I fully agree with the CPU backplate problem and Cooler Master's response was abysmal At first they claimed I had fitted the motherboard incorrectly (so I sent I pile of photos) - then they claimed that I should not expect a unusual motherboard (Gigabute GA-Z77X-UD5H) to fit. What is unusual about it? After contacting Gigabyte over CM's claims, Gigabyte technical help laughed at their claims So I tried several other mothboards (1x Asus, and 2 Gigabyte all either 68 or 77 chipsets) and none of them would allow full access to the backplate. Then I start reading on several other sites that other people have had the same problem and the same customer service response. What if I had a major problem, would I get the same response? They also stop warranty if you modify anything, so to fix their design flaws means you have no warranty. Last time I deal with a company who has such a poor customer service response. SirJamesDTech

[@zakusato]

cool , I am selecting between Corsair 600T and this CM HAF. 600T look plastic. I just want to know what is that LCD screen on your 5.25 bay?? Never seen that before... I hate this kind of USB 3.0 connection... nice video and very detail describe.

[@firefox5009]

can this case fit in COOL MASTER MASTERLIQUID PRO 240MM?

[@freightdawg6762]

Absolutley

[@Rainbow__cookie]

Yes

[@gibbek]

@TheCrazyVideoMan yes. there is a dust filter on the bottom of the case, side, front, and top.

[@kreed445]

the only thing I never liked about the haf x was the fact that that it only came with 4 locking clips for the 6 drive bays on top and the Power supply shroud only covered half the bottom area so - - I bought a second case just to get those parts as I have all 6 bays occupied - and it makes the whole system just look so much better - and I'm still using it as I type this comment

[@omfgg3tlost]

@CharlesWaddle i am pretty certain that cooler is intels "aftermarket" cooler and apprently you get good temps with it enought you can oc with it

[@bonn1771]

@airconaaron the 932 advanced was on the list, but i went for the extra expansion ports down the road.

[@KayinMoon]

just gonna leave some info and some questions on this comment: 1. I have this case and have replaced all the stock 200mm fans with the red cooler master megaflow red LED and in truth it was a pain to thread them, and also the optional spot for the top 200 mm looks nice but it gets kinda tight in there when it comes to the cords that run your front panel so a little wiggling may be necessary 2. Now thats out of the way im gonna ask my question: how do i controll the led on the other fans?

[@yuno9999]

Beautiful PC dude!

[@itskevonejonesyo1088]

my brother bought one custom made from best buy with 2 Nvidia 780 graphics cards 38 gigs of ram and 3 terabytes of space , it can run every single game out right now on the max settings without even breaking a sweat

[@thegameksk]

What is the front E-sata port used for? Will those cooling accessories work with a 980ti? Also anyone who upgraded the fans what would you recommend? Id like more lighting fans.

[@mitchellblu3]

@Sinistar24 I know you can overclock it up to about 4.7 Ghx with liquid cooling. I've heard or people hitting 4.5 Ghz with it with the stock cooler. I'm using the H60 with my 2500k and running it at 4.3 Ghz.

[@peteyesco]

Hey Sir James, can you tell me the specs of your rig? Most importantly, what is the model number of your LCD fan mem card device in the front.

[@stalker6recon]

I agree with most of what has been said on here, but will add a few things that I believe are worth noting. Having the top front fan port, with out a fan installed from coolermaster, is just stupid. If you don't buy a fan, or mount the water cooling system as mentioned in this video, you have a HUGE opening that just invites dust to collect inside. Also, the hot swap front trays, this needs tools, so is inefficient at best. If they had come with extra trays, then it would make sense.

[@pesoen]

i know that now, another one said the same thing, but still no one has told me how much one cost and where to get it.

[@elewis0]

Good review. I was thinking of getting this coolermaster but i did seen the fact that there was not enough room for bracket as well and u cleared my mind on this ty man. p.s. ok slow but clear :)

[@DreceonMW2]

Dear James, what will happen if i press the reset button? Can it destroy my hardware or will it just put it off?

[@TrashPanda5150]

Great review! The cutout is big enough, it's just not placed correctly :)

[@hephteous]

I would have thought that the side panel fan would have been better served as an exhaust fan, given the shape of the fan scope, it's probably more efficient at pulling air out across the graphics cards. Just saying.

[@enticeman28]

so what other case you recommend that is better than this one?

[@XTheAlieNaToRX]

you can put one in the to 5.25 bay but u need a rad or a fan grill to mount it to

[@polhunter6511]

about the case. i have this case for long time now, and i m not considering change it now soon. My question is about the way i should put the fans. I have 1 fan infront, 2 fans on the top, one fan back and one fan one the side. Is it wrong that one of the top fans is intake and the other outtake? I did this to have the optional pressure inside. Thank you and keep up the good work.

[@clondan1]

@bloodsuddler if you can spare the extra cash like 50 bucks extra you should get a 6970, preferably one that isnt stock, try a powercolor PCS 6970, its 370$ on newegg compared to the stock one that is 360, has custom cooling and OC's like a boss...also comes pre-OC'd at 940mhz instead of 880mhz on the core clock...you can pretty much max out crysis at 30 fps with that...also unless you plan on using that case forever to constantly upgrade it, get the HAF912, only 60$ and can still fit everything

[@tonyschn145]

What is the model number on your optical drive and where did you find it.

[@FrostyTheBeerMan]

Hi James, at 10:33 into the video you talk about the backplate not being big enough, can you go into more detail on that ? .. also - best video on KZbin, - nobody comes close. Question for ya, - the 2 swappable drives in front, - can you swap those out WITHOUT removing the front panel ? .... I'm saw the Acer Predator case at BestBuy here in Canada and fell in love with the SATA drive pullout drive method. Amazing. This case looks nice. Will it work with reg. size motherboard though ? hmm.

[@pancakezombie13]

@airconaaron well they are fairly alike in most cases, but if you compare on what they can hold, like the HAF X can hold the 4 way EVGA sli mobo, and im really sure the 932 can't :3

[@BrutalGamez]

like you said YOU dont have any problems but for me, so there is no dust filter right ??

[@Conan568]

I love the case but the front to me doesn't look so much like a tank track as it does the tread of a tire.

[@SirJamesDTech]

@eimzic I think a lot of the issue with other reviewers is that they try to get in good with the company, and therefore overlook the product's weaknesses. To me, that's just not being fair to those watching, nor to the company itself, who may be wondering about specific ways to improve their product.

[@LOLCHICKEN92]

Is that the SR-2 Classified? Because, if so, the reason you're getting problems with the backplate is that the SR-2 is a huge mobo, and a non-traditional form factor. I think it's the HPTX, or something like that, but it's much bigger than the E-ATX, which is what the HAF X is rated to hold, at most.

[@Dizzaro92]

@CharlesWaddle it an aftermarket intel gaming heat sink which surprisingly is pretty good

[@IsoNurFace]

Well crap! LOL, I was seriously thinking about getting this case for a P67 build but NOT now! The small opening for quick and easy cpu cooler install/removal is too serious a design flaw for me. Oh well the search continues! Nice review keep'em coming.

[@gferil]

i agree on that cpu cuthole same thing on my asus rampage III extreme.. so now i have to removed my motherboard everytime i wanna replace my cpu cooler kinda sux. also the front panel wiring has issue had to use electrical tape to fix those wiring eg. usb /esata/firewire. to prevent the short of the motherboard. make sure to check yours too man. some people said it short their motherboard when they plug the firewire or the sata (front header).

[@ZzBiohazzardzZ]

Do I need to use the VGA bracket or the AirDuct that comes with this, I see you arn't so I'm wondering.

[@garybarnet3488]

They are there more for multiple VGA cards - a good example is if you use say 2 reference AMD R9 290x since they get very hot, best bet as far as I am aware (just my opinion) these are a HAF or High Air Flow case so try to get positive pressure inside and fill all the fan spots and add a fan controller

[@DarkPrefix]

@SuperBoeBros Wouldn't it make more sense to have the exhaust upwards since you can have more exhaust there.

[@pesoen]

whats the Blue color display you have under the Blu-ray drive? and how much did it cost?

[@Loulito]

hey james how do i remove the lower SSD/HDD drive cage? im trying to swap out the 230mm fan for a different one..

[@bonn1771]

do you like the HAF X better then the 800D for air cooling? thanks

[@TheWoWRevelation]

HAF X and HAF X 942 are the same thing right?

[@giancarloamaya1774]

so this is a recommended Pc tower? Because I'm currently stuck with a mid tower same brand older about 60 bucks need a new case with massive airflow cheap and at least 4 fans

[@giancarloamaya1774]

FULL TOWER!!!

[@SirJamesDTech]

@JCOOL2329 Performance-wise the HAF X for airflow, the Corsair 800D if you're going all water.

[@rockdrummer1226]

@SirJamesDTech Dammit. I expected much better from them. Time to look at a different case. How do you screw something like that up. The cut out is pointlass now.

[@Wolfcubware]

Does this case have a area for cable management

[@ixy1987]

with the haf x can you control multiple fan LED with the LED ON/OFF switch ????

[@cbremer83]

@TheNewbpowner123 I have a HAF X. There is a video on my channel with a dry ice airflow test and my old build. I'm going to be doing a new video this weekend for the new build in the case. So far I really like it. I did notice similar issues to this video with my new SB board. But I can get the cooler brackets on ok. It's just really tight. Not offset by half a socket like in this vid. I will do a third vid once I get the water cooling in.

[@JeremyNaude]

I Have been looking to buy this case for a while where do i buy one and how much!!!!

[@TheNewbpowner123]

what would be better for a 2500k+gtx 570 build? the haf x or the haf 932 with a zalman mfc1 6 channel fan controller? im leaning to the haf 932 because its a bit more upgradable (side panel fans) but the extra space behind the mobo tray and the design of the haf x looks sweet too... what do you think?

[@DEATHTRUTH]

the 932 has the same problem with the back plate hole, you would think they would have fixed it on the X apparently not :/

[@MinecraftingPlatypus]

I don't think you understood, he put a dot of glue on top of the button so he knows that the button with the small bump made by the dried glue is the fan LED button, so he wouldn't accidentally press the reset button

[@GnarlyVinny]

Hey man I have a question I'm planning of buying it but is it worth it cause I'm getting a motherboard that 4 gen would it work with it

[@TesticleFury]

which do you guys think is better, Antec twelve hundred or HAF X ?

[@Punish94]

Hey what's that second driver under the disc drive???? Also, Where can I buy that???

[@LuMario]

what made you get rid of your 480s? what are you gonna replace them with? I plan on getting a lian-li hotswap cage to replace the stock hs bays. Pain in the ass to have to screw them in, thats "screw bay swap" more likely...

[@herrjonna2007]

what did you do with the fan-LED since you got a fan-controller... ?

[@nightwingv]

like tmoney said..i rkn u should just extend the cutout with a dremel...i agree that its CM's fault..but u should mod the case just for the sake of convenience, i cant really think of situation which requires warrenty from CM..

[@Sinistar24]

I've never overclocked a CPU before, can you overclock a 2500k at all, using the stock CPU cooler?

[@stalker6recon]

@stalker6recon 2 Sapphire HD6970 crossfire cards, using a Cougar 1050w 80gold PS. I built this, trying to future proof for some time to come, I am not an OCer, just like my games to run great. This case helps a lot, love all the space to navigate inside. I am using this with a Samsung 55inch LED, but might back down to a 32inch, 55 is just too big for a monitor. Using onboard audio, through a yamaha receiver. Not sure if I should spring for an audio card, would love recommendations.

[@WoodHead0815]

but the question is: will it blend?

[@SkaOnPC]

The cpu backplate cutout is the same on the 932x HAF. I guess CM just didn't learn yet.

[@elnikoleto]

ZALMAN RESERATOR 3 MAX DUAL 240MM will this cooling systen fit in this tower without mods

[@ji3200]

@SirJamesDTech im thinking about buying haf 932 or x 942 but could not decide which one. 932 is 70 bucks cheaper so should i get a 932 if theres no big improvement over 932 and 942??? reply me thanks

[@byVELTEN]

is this upgrade good, i will use it most for playing games and video editing. what i have now: amd phenom 2 965 3.4GHz(basic cooler) 8GB vengeance DDR3 CL9 XFX RADEON HD 6970 2GB MSI 870A-G54 WD 2TB 5400rpm UPGRADE: Intel i7 2600k with the corsair H70 cooler 8GB vengeance DDR3 CL9 maybe 12GB XFX RADEON HD 6970 2GB Corsair SSD Force Series 3 120GB WD 2TB 5400rpm and one of these mother boards MSI P67A-GD65 B3 MSI P67A-GD80 B3 MSI Z68A-GD65 which of these motherboards should i buy,