Old, not obsolete - The Cooler Master HAF XB Evo LAN Box - a PC case review

I was looking for an affordable PC case that could serve as my test bench. I really wanted the Primo Chill Praxis Wet Bench or Open Bench from Streacom, but they are both a bit too expensive for me right now and their open nature is a liability because of my cats. Did I find a good balance with the Cooler Master HAF XB Evo LAN Box? Watch to find out.
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Cooler Master HAF XB Evo LAN Box: amzn.to/3sYEldy
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#CoolerMaster #PCCase #TestBench

[@LoongJade]

I have owned this case (window top panel) since 2013. Been through 3 builds and 4th build is coming up soon. This case is built like a tank. My great-grandchildren could probably have this case as an inheritance.

[@c1979h]

I also have had it since 2013 and none of the tabs have broken off. The still feel as strong today as they did 10 years ago in my old I7 3770k build lol.

[@Epicleptix]

I‘ve bought it in 2015 for a really great price used with a 3770k too, replaced the whole insides after the i7 died and run a 3080 in it which fits just flush in it if you know where to go in/out. Im just watching this videothat I don’t have to measure those front fans because the right one doesn’t spin anymore :)

[@Byrkster]

Same, I bought one of these and loved it... Many pc builds have sat in this box for burn ins. Loved it!!! Still have it :)

[@nicka2763]

The switches on mine had worn out and had to buy those auxiliary power buttons. The SATA sockets on the hot swap HDD bays had become brittle due to its proximity to the power supply. Unfortunately replacements are hard to come by.

[@syncmonism]

I bought one in 2019 on sale. It's been awesome so far.

[@canadianwildlifeservice8883]

This is the best case ever built, period. No other case comes close to the ruggedness, build quality and airflow that this case offers in this form factor. Still using it 9 years later and no glass to worry about breaking.

[@canadianwildlifeservice8883]

Maybe not the best case ever but it's the only ATX case like it and no GPU bracket is needed. The Couger Panzer Max is the tower based equivalent to it.

[@Joesolo13]

@@canadianwildlifeservice8883 the couger panzer and this are both the finalists for my new case, and it's a close race but I think I'm going with this puppy

[@canadianwildlifeservice8883]

@@Joesolo13 The panzer does seem like a really nice case, except for the fan controller on the front panel that seems useless given that most motherboards have more than enough fan headers these days. Also the caveat of not being able to use the front fan on top of there is a dvd drive installed*.

[@canadianwildlifeservice8883]

@@Joesolo13 you won't regret it, also no GPU bracket is required. Upright CPU cooler means even pressure on the CPU IHS and socket.

[@darkstatehk]

I've owned dozens of PC cases over the years and the HAF is the one I love the most. It's my current case and have no intentions of changing anytime soon.

[@MiddleofKnowhere]

Love seeing all these posts with love for this case.

[@user-kz9mp4lv5t]

@@MiddleofKnowhere Is it "ok" to place two powered on cases on top of each other? I'd like to save some control room space, but wondering if it could be dangerous/harmful for the computers to do so.

[@QuandarNl]

I'm going to buy it. It is the only case I can find which has carry handlers. I need that since I bring my pc a lot to friends. This will be perfect.

[@auwei]

get some airflow between PSU and the MBA/cpu socket for your MBA's sake

[@darkstatehk]

@@auwei Been using a Kühler water block & radiator for close to 10 years, never crossed my mind and never had a problem, but looking at it right now, can see how that could be an issue for some folks ;)

[@scottmcdonald7577]

I've owned one for a decade! I'm on my 3rd build inside this great case. I don't think I'll every get rid of this one. Actually got this one as an open box in perfect condition for $60. Best $60 I've ever spent on a computer part.

[@jorge10928]

I've had this case for about 10 years and it has been excellent.

[@aaronvw6267]

I love The Cooler Master HAF XB Evo LAN Box. I built my first with this in 2012 and have rebuilt three times since then and the case is still my favorite part. Love that the motherboard tray is removable. and that the the sides come off, makes installing and cable management so easy and clean.

[@ausgamer529]

had this case since 2016 and I love it. the size and chonkyness of it just makes me so happy

[@MiddleofKnowhere]

That’s awesome. I keep getting positive comments on this vid. Me thinks @CoolerMaster needs to update this case slightly to modern standards.

[@fastandadrift4858]

@@MiddleofKnowheretotally! There’s a real market for models like these!

[@Zhurak]

im looking at this case now for my my server unit in 2023! it fits the exact dimension i need and has 4 drive bays which is perfect for my raid 10 setup. my aim is to consolidate 2 different boxes i have, a dedicated HHD enclosure and mid tower PC case into one. so while this is a bigger beefy case it will actually reduce my current setup footprint by putting everything together. This size will fit right onto one of my server rack trays as well! i think im going to get it!

[@iankepner1114]

I have one of these and can attest they frickin rock! Airflow is killer!!!!!! Shape is even cooler.

[@davidhoward5687]

This used to be my daily driver for my gaming pc's, been thinking about getting another one. Who needs RGB when you have this monster :D

[@MiddleofKnowhere]

It’s a beast isn’t it? Really wish cooler master made a 2.0 version for modern times.

[@LAWREANO1998]

This case has probably the best airflow using it aircooled, since it have room for 200mm fan on top and considering heat tends to go up it exhales all the heat up. I would like to see this case in some heat benchmarks comparing to the best cases currently, it will probably figure on top.

[@joshcornell40]

Easily enjoyable, informative, lack of solicitation, very detailed source info, smooth editing and the most clever name around! Keep up the great work man! Happy to be lost in the middle of knowhere.

[@MiddleofKnowhere]

Thank you so much!

[@gamecollectorbr]

Just hit the buy button after watching this video. Simple, nice audio, well explained. This will be my testbench for some proxmox and cheap china x99 boards. Actually, got 2 of these, as I am going to paint one to fit as a gaming rig to my living room.

[@MiddleofKnowhere]

That is awesome!

[@firstjohn3123]

I've owned this case (with top screen and NZXT top fan) for almost 6 yrs. Air-flow is excellent. Used AIO graphics card & CPU coolers. This DOES require a bit of desk space. It's a test bench size case. Go the the Coolermaster website to double check dimensions, as the new 4080/4090's may be tight lengthwise (mine has about 338mm space). My 7900 xtx fits fine though. Also, the bottom mount PSU area is behind the hot swap bays...I had to extend the retaining plate out 80mm (using extended fan screws) to accommodate my EVGA 1600w PSU-but it still worked. All the newer PSU's fit with no issue. I really like the 2 level design. You can even access the internal HDD bays without issue. The hot swap bays...👍👍 Very easy to get into this case for cleaning. Very well built, nothing has broken. The nice thing is, with the new graphics cards being so heavy, they're sitting vertical!

[@Al3ksandrOrlov]

I think one of the reasons it's aged well it's because of the PSU space you get, 290mm is great space wise. I also like that the side panels aren't acrylic as you can literally look at that stuff, and it'll scratch. I very much wanna get one now, but I'm unsure on availability in the UK

[@markjones2349]

Amazon my friend.

[@magicwordxyzzy]

Best case I've owned; I don't see myself getting another case ever, no matter what I upgrade the insides to.

[@user-ov5ot6bd8p]

Just bought one thanks for the brilliant breakdown/review of this case and all the helpful comments.

[@Skyburnbright]

Great review, I just bought this case based on your feedback after shopping around a bit. Thanks. I don't need it as a test bench but rather for moving my VR PC from one room of my house to another when I want to VR. This seems like a great portable option for that.

[@MiddleofKnowhere]

Glad I could help! Hope you really like it. Just be aware of the case footprint as it's a tad bulky compared to your standard midtower; although, shorter. :) I really do like it and hope Cooler Master updates it.

[@ghoulheadx]

I'm such a sucker for PC cases like these. I just like the cube-like form factor.

[@MiddleofKnowhere]

I definitely like these, not the norm, cases.

[@WeencieRants]

Just picked one of these up the other day. I was wanting one when I did a build in 2017 but I’ve regretted it ever since. Biggest reason why I wanted this is to prevent GPU sag. My 1080Ti is sagging hard these days and I want to prevent that going forward considering how HUGE GPUs are now. I’ve got 2 HDDs and 2 SSDs so the size of the case is a high desire to preserve my data.

[@BronzeMantis]

When I built my new computer I bought this as a secondary case to house my old parts. It currently sits in the corner of my room right now, but I've been finding myself tempted to transplant my new build into it. Such a unique design.

[@KizzyMMA]

Mid 2024 and I'm picking one up for $40 CAD... Love the look and functionality of this case for some reason. Great Review btw!

[@MiddleofKnowhere]

Thank you and great find! I really wanna check out the new BeQuiet! Light Base 900. You can lay it flat so it's horizontal and almost seems to be the modern child of this CM case.

[@KizzyMMA]

@@MiddleofKnowhere Wow, just saw some pics of the Light Base 900. It looks incredible! So if history repeats itself, I will be looking forward to buying this in 2037 ! I've always liked Be Quiet and have had many of their case fans and PSU's in my past builds. Thanks for the reply and I just subscribed!

[@Paul_nutfrom80s]

thorough & clear review, never thought of using a case like this as a test bench but it's certainly built to take the abuse

[@randallamik3230]

Nice to see the price come down. It was about $250 last time I looked. This is the case I want to put my system in. May pick one up shortly

[@blazingmaniac100]

I have had this case for a number of years and still use it to this day. infact I have just done an upgrade and fitted an Arctic Freezer 280MM CLC in the front. The fans fit in place of the stock fans and the rad sits behind in the main area. Yes it reduces the space for a GPU to a degree but there are plenty of smaller powerful cards these days that dont require a triple fan setup on the GPU. Nice review.

[@Outmind01]

In-depth review with lots of useful tidbits. Hope your channel becomes more popular since you clearly deserve it.

[@MiddleofKnowhere]

Thank you so much. :)

[@FordGTmaniac]

I started building with this case a while back, and there's one accessory that is absolutely perfect for it, the ECR 501 Mighty Charger made by Enermax. Aside from all the USB ports and card readers you'll ever need, you can mount 3 hard drives to it meaning you actually gain some storage capacity over the OEM drive bay. With an optical drive in the other 5.25" bay, you now have all your multimedia needs taken care of.

[@thekingdomofbaddecisions7982]

I've got one and I love it. I agree that the filter access should be much easier. I am in the process of gathering the parts for a new system so I have time to tinker with it. I am figuring out the best way to put filters on all the fans because I am having them all draw air into the case and will let the air find its own way out through the basement area. I have two 140's, one 120 and one 200 for the case, and I have to figure something out for the bottom because I've cut out the space for the two 80's and mounted an 8 drive raid array cage there. I love its size and its look and the options it gives me. I have seen that this case will even fit a 3090 gpu without any surgery, so I'm very confident that this case can swallow up anything I would ever need or want to stuff in it. It's called a HAF, High Air Flow, so CM's intent was just that. I don't see a good reason for water cooling in this case, so for me, none of that is a concern. I think this case is timeless, so I don't understand how CM decided to discontinue it, especially considering how popular it is even today! Good video. Thanks.

[@user-tz5uq2bt1s]

Just ordered one of these to do my first build. Pretty excited.

[@user-bf5vn8so5k]

Thank you for the useful review! I still think this case worth its money in 2023.

[@soundguy622]

I have had this pc case for a couple of years now and it's the best case that I could possibly want. It is so versatile allowing for different setups. My pc runs very quiet and very cool. It is also very hefty. One addition I have is that in the hard drive rack, you can fit 2x 3.5" hard drives, Or like my setup, I have One hard drive on the bottom and 2x 2.5" SSDs installed on the adapter. The 2.5" adapter can hold Two SSDs. One facing the top and uderneath you can screw in another one up side down. You may be able to have enough room on the bottom to set an additional SSD. I haven't tried it, but it my be possible. Not suggested if you use the case for mobile use.

[@nicktayloriv310]

Still have 2 in use. Actually bought them because they fit in a nook enclosure in my den (read: computer room) as a "regular case would be on the floor or on my table so being in the nook clears up a lot of space. One's my editing rig and the second is my streaming/general use computer.

[@nicktayloriv310]

And I blocked off the vented side panels with thin pvc cut to size. No effects on thermals whatsoever.

[@louisbowels6858]

I'm doing my third build and wanted something different and saw this case while browsing. I was really interested and this video helped sell me on it. Thanks for the great vid!

[@MiddleofKnowhere]

You're very welcome! Have fun with your next build. :)

[@johnpaulbacon8320]

Nice video. I love my HAF XB Evo. Yes type-c usb wan't out when this case came out - you can probably modify the front panel to have a USB-C cut-out slot. One of the major sale aspects of this case is it's Full Water Cooling support. There are holes in the back for tubes. I love the ability to have 2 x optical drives in the front. I have 2 of the : LG Electronics WH16NS40 16X Blu-ray/DVD/CD Multi compatible Internal SATA Rewriter Drive, BDXL, M-DISC Support. This Optical drive is probably the very best one you can get ; it supports every type of Optical discs you can think of. I will probably use this case until I am in the ground ; unless I find a newer / better one. I agree that accessing the front panel could be better.

[@Synchrodipity]

I've been using a HAF X for 12 years now, which I initially got to run a stack of HDDs. Not so now, and have decided it's time for a change -- if this was updated for USB-c it would probably be a perfect replacement.

[@MiddleofKnowhere]

I’d love a new version. One with a mobo tray that can come out. Would be pretty cool.

[@Synchrodipity]

@MiddleofKnowhere Imagine a clean white option with front USB-C and a stack of removable 2.5 trays.

[@gremfive4246]

Good video, I just recently got interested in getting one of these cases. Sad to see they now cost 20% more than when you made your video less than a year ago.

[@MiddleofKnowhere]

Oof. Inflation is real!

[@progenitor_amborella]

Great review, thank you! I‘ve been looking around to find a small ATX case to stick my current build (Skylake on an ATX board) into to use a server, while having a small footprint. Wanted to load throw some Noctua fans in there and just keep it silent. The front drive access points look like a future project waiting to happen! I think this is just what I was looking for, and the look itself is cool too! I don’t need significant cooling, so now to decide if I should top mount a 200mm fan, or get the window and show off those brown fans… Edit: just kidding you can’t find this thing anywhere in 2024

[@MiddleofKnowhere]

DANG! I hope you find it soon. Keep an eye on eBay.

[@DocNo27]

I've also had this case for a little over 10 years and I like it so much I'm about to get another one for my next build. I just haven't found anything close. I also like horizontal motherboards for the support of graphics cars - especially as nuts as graphics cards are getting these days!

[@raider762]

Cooler Master really should make an updated version of this case.

[@MiddleofKnowhere]

I agree!

[@sleeplibrary2845]

the airflow is so excellent that it makes a very strong choice for those looking to buy quiet fans and run them at low RPM and win the lower noise use case.

[@MiddleofKnowhere]

Yeah I really like it. The footprint is a bit large, but overall it’s just a fun and good case. Really hope an update happens some day.

[@hamidfindingpeace]

This case is addiction

[@macross101292]

I think this is the perfect case for a home server. Consumer motherboards only have 4 sata ports now so you can set up a 3 drive raid 5 set up with a 5.25 bay adapter, and have one 5.25 drive bay, for ripping movies. It has enough air flow to set your fans to a low and have a quiet system. Also you can get magnetic air filters for the case for about 30 USD. Personally I like the look of the haf line but, if the case sits in a closet or a basement looks don't mater.

[@MiddleofKnowhere]

It’s definitely a tanky looking case.

[@userbosco]

I'm selling my 10 year old case, it was a great platform for building. Built like a tank!

[@JoseBenavides456]

Great review. No fluff or jibber jabber. Definitely helped in my decision making.

[@MiddleofKnowhere]

Glad I could help!

[@alvin908]

I still own this HAF XB mid tower case until now over 10 year

[@cssplayer91]

I still think this is the best computer case ever made, period. I chose a corsair carbide air 540 white case since it looked a bit more modern than this cooler master. It has the same exact features in a vertical design, but I was very close to buying this one. If I build a new gaming PC in 10-20 years from now, I'll be choosing this cooler master case to build it 👍

[@terrysennhenn896]

Just ordered the case for a new build with my collection of old parts

[@silentknights5796]

The case features a few metal punchout holes on the rear for watercooling in and out to a reservoir or external radiator.

[@StiggyAzalea]

Using the top mesh as an active exhaust dropped my GPU temps by a measurable margin. Gave me 2-3 extra megahashes back when ethereum mining was feasible

[@MiddleofKnowhere]

That’s awesome. Yeah I figured it might help pull air through the gpu heatsink.

[@chrispychreme02]

Thanks for this helpful video! I’ve been looking for unique cases with certain features and I think this one ticks about all the boxes for me. This will definitely be my next computer case.

[@MiddleofKnowhere]

Thanks and I'm glad this was helpful! Have fun with this case!

[@gregt5150]

I have two of these and love them. Price just dropped on Amazon back to $105.99.

[@uss-dh7909]

Great review. I'm looking to build a mini NAS server and the case caught my eye for its cooling, the included hot-swap bays, cube shape, and helpful handles. I understood it was ATX-sized going into this, but now watching you install the components is giving me some second thoughts now as far as its footprint goes. Something smaller that I can tuck under my arm would be great, but I haven't had much luck in that department when including my desired 5.25 bays. Ah well, guess the search continues. Keep up the content, it's the first video of yours I've seen but I like the laid-back nature. I've gotten pretty used to watching jays2cents, linustechtips, gamers nexus, etc, all of whom seem infinitely smart and more professional.

[@MiddleofKnowhere]

Silverstone has some good small form factor cases that might fit the bill but not sure about 5.25 bays. Thanks for the view and compliment. Maybe one day I’ll reach the production quality level of the other guys when I can have this be my full time job. :) it’s a dream and goal.

[@gmailgmail4901]

Very nice video , well done . Crisp , informative and understandable

[@MiddleofKnowhere]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you

[@sashomedia]

I like this formfactor case. Allows video card for horizontal install. With this days beefy cards, fix the sagging issue. However, watching your review, I see the case feels already a bit outdated. Thanks for the video!

[@MiddleofKnowhere]

You're welcome! Glad you liked it. Yeah it's definitely getting long in the tooth. Would love to see CoolerMaster do an update already. :) Thank you for watching!

[@markjones2349]

I just got one of these for Christmas and I love it. I officially hate window cases. This puppy is cool.

[@MiddleofKnowhere]

Glad you like it! :)

[@xTh1eFx]

I'm using this case since 2014, I love its heaviness (thanks to thick metal plates), so it's quite not possible to have any vibrations.

[@KCOCGOD-SKCUSLRIG6669]

Front panel tabs on mine has not given up yet. I have the case for 10 years now purposely bought to counter the 7970 matrix plat sag. I love the case it has served and still serving me well. The look just looks outdated and old but fits well as I am also old ahuhuhu.

[@Amfibios]

great, unique case. i wish there was more in this form factor

[@MiddleofKnowhere]

Me too. I really could see a redesign of this case with some modern features possibly slimmed down in certain areas dimensionally without losing support.

[@JosephGauthier]

thanks for the review, I'm thinking about doing a 13th gen Intel build, and I was looking for a case that still has a 51/4 slow for optical drive. I came across this and think it will be a good fit for me.

[@statutoryape9098]

Thanks for the review I am working on my first build and wanted something practical instead of flashy lights and suffocating cases like so many pre builds I see these days

[@MiddleofKnowhere]

Thanks! I'm glad the video was helpful to you. I really like the case and hope it gets a modern revision someday.

[@JunkTardis]

This video was useful, I was looking at a replacement case for my home plex/file server. I have 3x 16TB IronWolf drives, 2x Quadro GPU's in SLi and a 12th gen i7 and was planning on throwing an AIO cooler and all Noctua fans in one of these. This case should fit the bill.

[@MiddleofKnowhere]

Glad it was of use to you!

[@vinylgabfest2853]

Nice review. I've had the HAF XB Evo mesh case for many years. The biggest issue i have is room for additional radiators for a water cooling loop. I managed to fit a 280 EVGA AIO CLC CPU cooler on the front. I'd like to do a loop with it and feel like the sides are the best spot for the additional radiators. If Coolermaster moved the handles on the sides to the bottom instead of the top then you might be able to fit a 280mm radiator on the GPU side of the motherboard. They could add the mesh stuff like you said in your review. Great overall recommendations fingers crossed they do a revised HAF XB :)

[@andrewpelletier7921]

Nice review, I was looking at this as a lan party box because of the handles.

[@InsightfulGaming]

While I really like your content, as it is very insightful, I love your intros even more. Keep up the great work! Thank you!

[@MiddleofKnowhere]

Thanks!

[@swlak516]

You really covered everything. Great review. I enjoyed it.

[@MiddleofKnowhere]

Thank you very much. :)

[@johnpaulbacon8320]

You can get 3 and half inch to 2 and inch adapters to use so you can use more 2 and half inch storage drives.

[@Pictus_Invictus]

Nice review, I love this case! In the future if want to go water, I would place the radiator in the top. Just need to remove the top grille and 3D print some replacement, can go more bold with an external custom water kit and place it into another room for ultimate silence. Search for the words "external water cooling dock".

[@MiddleofKnowhere]

Ooh that's a good Idea. I've been seeing more people do external rads. You could set up a pretty cool rad and pump/res combo externally with some soft tubes leading into the case then hardline the gpu/cpu or stick to an all soft tube build. I'll def. look it up.

[@neveser]

Probably going to grab one of these for my HTPC upgrade. I need optical drive bays since I have a lot of imported blu-rays that can't be played on domestic players. Not many cases still have external drive bays anymore. I'm also upgrading it to play more games. Playing games on a 119" screen in 4K HDR is just too much fun!!! :D Thanks for the review, great job ion the video.

[@MiddleofKnowhere]

Thanks for watching! Enjoy your HTPC Upgrade!!! ;)

[@blackgeeser]

I regret selling mine. I should've just kept it. I'm tempted to buy another one to put my new build in.

[@jk_navyko9006]

I have had this case as of 2020, and I love it. I just wish the top had other fan mounting points not just the 200mm fan and it is not slandered. I have been trying to find a good low speed fan for the top of the case.

[@MiddleofKnowhere]

You could probably make your own holes for a smaller fan somehow. The benefit of a 200mm fan is due to its size you can run it at low rpms so it won’t make a lot of noise.

[@jk_navyko9006]

@MiddleofKnowhere yes, I was thinking about that just doing that.

[@PjC1060]

It is not particularly beautiful, but it is super functional and its accessibility is perfect in my eyes. This is my third configuration in this same case, for + 10 years ... and the next will still be in the same case! (Unless Cooler Master takes out a successor of the same format) PS: liquid cooler AIO 240mm fit perfect.

[@MiddleofKnowhere]

Thanks for sharing! That’s awesome to hear.

[@FangsofYima]

Its funny I was looking into making my own case and had the design made up, but the price of metal is insane right now so I went back to looking at built cases and this thing is almost exactly what I had designed. But I was sad to see that it doesnt support E-ATX without hacking it up

[@Johninadelaide2022]

I have the original HAF XB and it's an awesome case

[@intetx]

I like mine, except that the front audio introduces a lot of noise. It's either broken or terribly insulated.

[@MiddleofKnowhere]

That seems to be the opinion of a lot of case front audio and that it's a better bet to use the rear audio.

[@rysterstech]

If only companies rediscovered 200mm side panel fans

[@I_Really_Enjoy_Not_Seeing_You]

My only complaint about this case is that the 200mm upper fan will not fit with my noctua nh-u12a. Seems to only be viable if you're water cooling or using a 92mm air cooler. Which, in a situation that requires a high airflow case, seems counterproductive. That said, it looks utilitarian/no RGB nonsense or glass to show off my glorious dust collection, has bays for my CD/DVD drives, and is fairly easy to lug around when needed. It's still my favorite.

[@kznight]

Great review Seth. I just bought this. Great box.

[@MiddleofKnowhere]

Thank you! Enjoy that case!

[@bobbymoss6160]

Holy F, that thing is huge!

[@brianweber1973]

I have this same case. Have had it since 2015. I have also rebuilt the internals 2x. It presently runs an AMD ATX mb, Ryzen 7, 32Gb RAM with 4 SSD's ranging from 250Gb to 1Tb. This last build is currently in use by my kids. I still like the case, but I am thinking I may go to the Lian Li 011 dynamic mini since it is slightly smaller, and I work in different locations as a consultant and I want something more portable but not a laptop for the extra GPU's. Oh the choices these days...

[@MiddleofKnowhere]

I really like the Mini. Also check out the Cooler Master NR200. It's a small form factor case too that's pretty cool. I think there might even be a v2 out now.

[@narcoleptic-insomniac4663]

I’m still kicking myself in the ass for passing up a Lian li test bench a few years back. I didn’t really know I’d be averaging two builds a month back then though. There is a well used Xb for $50, I’m currently using my personal favorite case as a test bench, which I can’t keep using simply due to size. It’s the Corsair Graphite 600t and that is one thicc B

[@a9udn9u]

I love this form factor but the case looks like a grandma's "home theater". I hope they refresh this case

[@MiddleofKnowhere]

Me too!

[@Buile-ThrashGaming]

still using this case

[@Buile-ThrashGaming]

just put a 7900xtx red devil in it last night

[@yuvarajvelmuruganmudaliyar]

I have this case. It does the job as the name says. But it would be great if there is a miniature version of this case for m-atx motherboard without ODD.

[@MiddleofKnowhere]

That would be a cool little cube. That's a great idea actually. I love it!

[@testthepest6259]

By the way the only case you can put a Mo-Ra3 420 on top (with little modding)

[@zahirkhan778]

My only gripe with this case is that it needs an update with USB C and more I/O on the front.

[@TheDiner50]

It is a odd case. But it is sticking with me for as long as I can keep it. I got it since late 2016. (sale) Forget storing stuff on top of it with that mesh at the top. It is really tin and the holes are big enough for water and small stuff to fall down there. (mind blown) Easily the weakest panel on the case is the top one with the mesh. I fear having anything but the lightest of items on top of there. No fan fits in there if your running a big CPU cooler. So rather have it all metal or as a passive heat went. But then the airflow is ruined. So no storage on top of the case without going for the non mesh one. Or mod it... Or maybe just slap some paper on it and smile as you expected that a 200mm fan was going to be a good idea but here you are trying to block the air from escaping the top. And no monitor on top due to how high up it is going to sits XD Aww old good days. Only bad thing (outside of the odd shape) I feel is the hot-swap drive bay. I got a broken back plate or card whatever you call it from factory. Got 2 for free I think? Got one in reserve witch is nice. Still not going to hot-swap or over stress it. It is for removable HDD backup drives only. GPU length is poor by today's standards. Replacing the PSU require a hole tear down and you got to get the cables to the second floor. But hey it is fun. The slides or hard drive sleds are simply bad quality. When you put the sled in you lock it in place. It makes a sound and then your all good! Well you do that if they are not broken and worn from light use. At my peak I used it ones a week. But on average? Ones every 2 months I say... It really is poor quality and sucks for SSD's. One of the sleds basically do not lock right after my light use. Not a real problem to keep using it, but it really is just poor quality this things. Have worked with servers and this is crap quality stuff. Was descent when new but now pure crap. Do not lock as they should etc. Better of with a external drive reader. Even now that is not as cool. Just opening the side of the case up for my SSD's since the slides sucks for SSD's. As this side panels are soooo sooo nice to work with compared with most cases. And throwing SSD's in there are really easy. Just stuff em in there! What mounting? Just trow em in down there! The top side is the businesses side in this case XD Down here only dust and PSU/Storage lives! And you can cram like SO many SSD down there! It is SATA cables you run out of first. That is if you do not have a DVD reader. Why would you is the question? Just cram ssd's! The quality of the materials used everywhere else is grate! The paint feels bad but no scratch yet so it must be good. Really outside of dust and drive bay it is like new this case. I really care about it but it should have gotten a ding or 2 by now. But no it is just dusty even after I clean it. :c Edit. Got a second case. Banged up from storage I guess so my old case feels nicer. But to stack HAF XB evo's are real nice. Grate second life for old hardware being stacked and used for every need outside of big GPU gaming. No real problems stacking the cases and looks really cool.

[@TheDiner50]

More info from me. The carrying handles are REALLY strong. Fully loaded with 4 HDD's and Noctua nh-d14 + full size GPU it feels solid and reliable to lift the system around no problem. But for going on LAN/moving the case from room to room the box size really is not good. Just to heavy and really it only is nice with a true LAN boxes to move them around. Like ones with good handles and not to big or heavy. But from a table or somewhere to a rolling table or something somesome??? It really is convenient to lift it like a box with the handles that you trust. But to really transport a PC around, then a normal case with a handle on top is really much better. But picking the PC up and turning placing it down agen? Ooo such a good pc case! Sturdy and reliable! You get a good grip when lifting it. You can not walk this PC like you can with a briefcase "case". You have to move this heavy thing like a heavy box of all you expensive computer parts in it... 1m up in the air. But I do not like the ide of mounting a D14 in that kind of a case. And I do not even LAN so XD But really go with a water cooled normal case with a carrying handle instead of XB Evo if your into that stuff. Take out the GPU when in transport. (or not if you like to be gentle when carrying it) This case do not need water cooling. It is made for massive air flow. And with a big CPU FAN cooler the sandwich of F.F.H.F.H.F.F is no joke. Like 5, 140mm fans into 2 heat sinks are no joke! My setup is just 3 out of the 5 fans possible. Even then I got more fans then I need. No rear fan and no rear fan on the CPU cooler. So F.F.H.F.H. (F=Fan , H=Heat sink) Even at full tilt a good gaming laptop is LOUDER doing moderate work... I mean simply put I honestly do not think the fans on this thing is louder then if it had been on water. Just more work. 140mm fans from Nocuta is doing as good of a job on a radiator as they do on a dam heat sink on top of the CPU. Like the loudest thing in my system is the GPU. (and HDD's) It is more or A normal case you need fans to feed air into the case just to FEED the main components. Here there is very little to block air from coming into the case in the first place. And at the top with the mesh it also can leave easily. And even now I do not have a back fan on the case I feel the heat coming out tanks to the CPU fans running at 20-30% + the GPU spinning. If under constant full load the CPU might need 50-70% fan spin. But at that point they might aswell be spinning at 100%. The noise is really not a big deal from good quality quite fans. That is 120mm or bigger ones. As some point a water cooled PC is going to make sounds also. Pump etc etc. PSU and the drive bay is really the big pain in this case honestly. For the PSU you really have to put it in first and then to change anything with/on it you have to take the computer apart. I mean the motherboard tray is really strong and even with the D14 still on the motherboard there is no flex or any real problem lifting it off from there. If only the USB 3 connector comes lose.... It dose not. The flexing. The horror. So really getting to the PSU is a clear disadvantage in this case. All I mean is that the PSU becomes part of the case with this one. You need to take everything apart to work on it. Or change it for example. Btw. Changed PSU 5 days ago, URGGG, F you USB 3 connector not coming off. Made it a pain to work on the PSU! But the motherboard tray is awesome. But you still need to take out the motherboard to work the PSU. That is a real con if the case. It is kinda part of the case in this case. ha ha. But really the case is really grate and even now there is not much protecting you from dust I find it not really that bad inside. And I live dusty trust me. I can live with a bit of dust and having to clean it every 6 months. Really fighting dust going into a PC is pointless at home. Just clean it every so often. When my desk is dusty my PC is dusty. So the top off and BLOW! My gaming laptop is FAR worse and it really is impacted by dust when it comes to temp and fan life. And it is dam LOUD too. Like your spoiled until you get a gaming laptop. Even if you try and keep it clean you are fighting a lost battle... The desk can be clean and tidy. Then you look under the laptop and your fans are about to be clogged up. Already?? And cable management? What cable management? ;) Really you are going to have allot of cable ugliness placed all around the motherboard. No way to really hide it due to how the PSU cables have to come up from the bottom at one spot. I mean when you learn where to put the PSU and SATA cables working on it is no problem. But all the PSU cables are really ugly in this case. Blocking the "airflow". I mean your spoiled until you try and live with a laptop... The cable management sucks even more on my laptop. LAPTOP! It really is a sin if you look at my cables in the XB Evo right now. It looks like I have not even tried but that is how the case force you into doing it. But it is a black simple case and I love it for that. It is a SERVER/cheap ass case. Not a RGB box. The only real cable management here is trying to avoid cables from having a chance to come in contact with the fans. The open design of the case can offset the cables being in the way. And the easy to access top lid deals with the dust. Really easy to clean this case due to handles and if it lives on a table to being with. Lower deck is not easy to clean but the PSU do not mind. But HDD's had liked some small fans to cool them. But more into SSD anyways. Sooo... And the clips are as good as day one on the front panel. I do not remove it and just use compressed air to blow it off from inside. It is so easy to work inside the PC since it is like a work bench. I take off the top lid and DUST BE GONE! No need to take the front off. Just blow it from inside and it keeps clean. I only open it up to check on it 5 days ago. 3 years and no nasty in there. Really dusting it off from inside the case is all you need to do. The dust that is trying to get into the case that way get stuck on that dust mesh. So why get in there? You can not remove the mesh. Blow the dust back out and it is like new. No need to take the front off or anything. Good quality dust mesh that is like new even 4 years later and hold up to that treatment of dust cleaning. The fan blades are dusty but I did not even care to clean them by hand when opened up. The PC do not rely on them for air intake like a normal case do anyways. So they keep quite clean non the less. I mean really if you care about dust having a PC on a table that you can just slide off the top and clean the dust away? Is that not what you do with a dust mesh anyways? Open something to clean? This case is loud or quite. And the dust you deal with as you do with your computer desk. You clean it around the same time. (it is on the table) You only take the top off and BLOW IT. You can do it with the PC on. No need to move anything or unplug anything. Grate! I have opened the front plate up like 2-3 times by now. Really set it and forget it. Really do not think they are going to brake even. Fans are mounted inside the front. 2 Noctua 140mm. No problems fitting them. Can almost fit any GPU in the case thanks to that. Love it. (due to moving the fans inside front panel and not wasting space) I love the compactness yet stupid box shape this thing has ;) Satisfying sliding a big boy GPU and CPU into it! It is meant to be a server later down the line for me. But up until now it is my main desktop. Before it was the Windows 7 box. Now it is the Linux box. Going to move more and more into Linux and FreeBSD and then retire it as a NAS/server. Or a movie box. Something where the odd shape fits the need. But until GPU prices and such are sane I stick using it as a main desktop. But really a normal case under the desk saves space. This is a labor of love. That if you do not want to water cool and such.

[@TheDiner50]

Do NOT route the SATA cables like he shows here. You can instead go a route where the motherboard tray is not in the way of the cables. So you do not need to take the motherboard out to add a extra SATA cable or remove one etc. Only cables going from bottom to top of the case should be the Motherboard power cables and GPU power cables. SATA can be routed later between the DVD drive cage and motherboard plate support beams. There is the big hole he showed in the video between the 2 bays where power NEED to go. But there is just enough space next to the outer sides of the bays for SATA to be routed down without needing to mess with the motherboard AT all. Hard to spot it without looking at it for a while. But there is a way! Really SATA can go down there at the sides of the bays and POWER can be routed in the middle of the bays. No interference with the side panels as this holes are inside of the motherboard tray you can say. They are slim but if you look for them you can find them just big enough for SATA to easily be routed. The point is that really only the PSU and 3 cables of it needs to be routed and prepared before hand, then place down the motherboard plate. Well outside of cable management down there for your power to SSD's and DVD players what not. Or if got some need for a extra CPU power cable or what not then yea route it up before putting down the M plate. The point is that there is this one hard to spot place that really is made for the SATA cables to easily go! No messing about before hand just strait where they need to go! I was not able to route my SATA cables like he did here. Since I was trying to do that for all my cables at the same time. Just deal with the main power cables and leave SATA and everything else for later. You really do not want to fight the cables when getting your motherboard and cooler into place. I mean sure if you like to fight then go ahead and do it the hard way :)

[@ClassicBMWFanInQuebec]

After spending a year with a 3950X build installed in a beQuiet! Dark Base Pro 900, I'm transferring my build into a HAF XB Evo. I thought I would like the glass side panel, the RGB LEDs, the PSU shroud... but I don't. They're all fad items that, to me, don't have much value on a day to day basis. And the case is TALL, and there is no way to carry it at all. Very difficult, heavy and awkward to bring it outside for dusting. I believe when I transfer my PC into the HAF XB Evo (still waiting on shipping) it will be a much more practical solution to my PC needs. I love the side handles and the 13" height; my Dark Base Pro 900 is 10 inches taller! And this cube looks like a properly nerdy PC; mesh everywhere, angular styling, 5.25" bays, minimal lights... the way good ol' PCs were back in the day.

[@MiddleofKnowhere]

That's awesome. Have fun with it! Would love to see pics of the build when you get it built. :)

[@thekingdomofbaddecisions7982]

I totally agree. I was building computers before cpus needed any additional cooling, and this RGB thing escapes me. Only leds we needed were a hard drive activity indicator, power light, and post code leds! I'm like "if you have time to stare at pretty glowey lights, then you're not using your computer! Get out side and do something !" lol.

[@ClassicBMWFanInQuebec]

@@thekingdomofbaddecisions7982 I installed an old three-button NZXT Hue in the 5.25 bay. My kids get a kick out of playing with the buttons to adjust the colors of the lights. That's pretty much the only purpose LEDs serve :)

[@temp87]

if i flip the case on it's side, i would have a thicker midi-tower. nice

[@hhectorlector]

great video, man. thank you for this.

[@unimatrix82]

I wish Cooler Master would update this case with more modern IO.

[@Draydon_Longfellow]

Case reviews by a Bears fan checks many boxes for me.

[@MiddleofKnowhere]

Checked in a good way I hope. lol #BearDown my friend. :)

[@brokebothmearms9237]

It would be nice if you would include inch measurements as well. It's a small thing, but it's nice to have. Good video.

[@MiddleofKnowhere]

I can do that. I just tend not to since most computer parts are in mm but I get it. We Americans will have a greeter point of reference if something is 9” I suppose. :) Thanks for watching!

[@idofps9709]

That hotswap seems nice for a little home server... hmm.

[@canadianwildlifeservice8883]

Since migrating to nvme, I use my hotswap bays to hold sandwiches so I can eat at LAN parties.

[@ciprian1919]

I have an X570 TUF mobo, 5600x with the Noctua NHD-15 paired with the 3060ti TUF OC. I have replaced the 2x Cooler Master 120MM fans with the Noctua Redux 140 and this thing is as silent and as cold as it can be. The cons IMO would be that it takes a huge amount of space on the desk and that is lacking good air filtration. No regrets here! I got a bigger desk and removed that filter fabric completely - doesn't do much filtration wise and it just looks dirty in 24 hours after cleaning.

[@MiddleofKnowhere]

I replaced the fans with EKWB Vardar RGB fans and added another one to the exhaust. This thing runs silent!

[@demographicreplacement539]

i have lots of fans on this case but i am hesitant to put external fans on the top because it might blow hot air back in. Can I get your opinion on this?

[@ciprian1919]

@@demographicreplacement539 sorry for the long delay! I wouldn’t add any additional fans on top - the panel is mesh and any heat that comes that way it will naturally find it’s way out. If you have the exhaust in the back and 2x 140 in the front you are all set.

[@byrons8956]

My favorite case, I bought this after messing with an all acrylic cube style case which gave me nothing but grief. I originally order the mesh top but later found out it didn't work for me when I also mounted the fan on it and the fan didn't clear my CPU air cooler and then bought the acrylic top, which I like more. I keep forgetting I have internal 2.5 drive mounts, since I installed a 2.5 drive mount converter for one of the front bays. I'm currently researching my AMD Threadripper build I want to upgrade this cases components.

[@MiddleofKnowhere]

That's cool. I bet too with the acrylic top it wouldn't be hard to mod it for glass. Good luck with the threadripper build!

[@PeaceBuddha13]

I have this case and love it. I am about to upgrade to the 4090 and need to get a new case as this one is not big enough to contain the card... I am very sad and getting frustrated looking for a replacement.

[@MiddleofKnowhere]

The case so can fit the massive 4090 . . . just get out the dremel. :P grats on getting a behemoth of a GPU.

[@PeaceBuddha13]

@@MiddleofKnowhere haven't bought it yet lol. Comes out in 4 days. But I did just order the Thermaltake 500 case for it. I decided to get the watercooled msi 4090.

[@MiddleofKnowhere]

Ooh nice. I think I’m going to skip a gen and upgrade for the 5000 series.

[@PeaceBuddha13]

@@MiddleofKnowhere I am still running a 1080ti I want ray tracing but the 20 and 30 series didn't seem like a logical jump for the amount of performance increase.

[@ArtisChronicles]

Been thinking about getting this for a friend since it looks like it doesn't take up a lot of room at all.

[@elpilotodeldesierto3113]

I want to build one of these for a Recording Stuidio PC

[@MiddleofKnowhere]

Nice. You should have plenty of expansion to put in some expansion cards to support that.

[@Moshe_Dayan44]

Hilarious. I was actually looking for a replacement HTPC gaming case for my MSI Radeon 6800 Gaming X Trio, because it's so f*&ing long, and the graphics card you used to demonstrate is an MSI GTX 3070 Gaming X Trio, so the identical card form factor to mine. Now I KNOW it will fit! Thanks! Even funnier is you're using exactly the same motherboard that I just bought, before I even saw this video! Asus TUF Gaming B550 -Plus. Great minds think alike, I suppose, but next time, buy a Radeon. :)

[@MiddleofKnowhere]

That's awesome! lol

[@esunsalmista]

It's beautiful. The gimmicks on modern designs really turn me off.