HAF X - is it nuts to get one for a non SLI/CF system?

pmv · 12-08-2012, 04:21 PM

Vaguely thinking of getting new PC. Limited choice of cases from custom-build vendor. Keep being drawn to HAF X, because it actually works out adding very little proportionally to cost of system compared to lesser cases, and it does have very good build quality.

However it's only going to be a modest system (i5 3750k, 660ti/7950 at most) and I'll likely never go SLI/CF. So this seems embarassingly over-the-top, like [insert some car-related analogy, invovling a feeble engine in a high-performance body, here] and I worry the solitary gfx card will die of loneliness in its cavernous interior.

But I still keep coming back to it as the price difference works out far less than I'd have thought once you add in the cost of the fans that other cases don't include as standard, plus I do want a side-window (which many lesser cases the vendor vends, including the other HAFs, lack - the 912 advanced, sadly, isn't widely available here).

Also the HAF X-M is, puzzlingly to me, almost as large and costly as the X anyway.

One thing I was wondering - would the excessive cooling of the HAF X with my undemanding components mean I could run the fans on lowest possible level and have a quieter system than if I went for a smaller case with smaller fans?

And if anyone has a HAFX with only one gfx card, do you just think 'wow, that case looks good' or do you regret it and wonder why you chose such a stupidly huge case?

Charlie98 · 12-08-2012, 04:56 PM

I have a HAF922 (mid-tower) and wonder why I chose such a stupidly huge case...

pmv · 12-08-2012, 05:20 PM

Thanks. I'll take that as one vote against HAFX!

The only other option seems to be the 912+...and then buy a replacement side panel with window, plus the non-included fans. Its just that that ends up costing just as much as the HAFX. Its less likely to kill me than the 30lb+ HAFX if it topples over though.

Charlie98 · 12-08-2012, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pmv

Thanks. I'll take that as one vote against HAFX!

The only other option seems to be the 912+...and then buy a replacement side panel with window, plus the non-included fans. Its just that that ends up costing just as much as the HAFX. Its less likely to kill me than the 30lb+ HAFX if it topples over though.

The 912 is marginally smaller in dimension to my case... about 1" all around, so it's not significantly smaller.

What other cases do they have available?

pmv · 12-08-2012, 05:35 PM

In Win Dragon Rider, NZXT phantom 410 (which I decided against partly because of the stupid case door that opens the wrong way and partly because its bigger than the 922), In Win Fanqua, In Win GR1 (which I dislike because it has no side fan, hence no good GPU cooling), Aerocool cases I don't really like the aesthetics of, Zalman Z11+...
CORSAIR CARBIDE SERIES™ 200R - smaller, but no side window. Would cost a lot to populate all the empty fan mounts.

Plus most of the Cooler Master ones and some small and dull cheap boxes.

My fixation on a side window rather limits my choices. Maybe I should give that up.

AustinInDallas · 12-08-2012, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charlie98

I have a HAF922 (mid-tower) and wonder why I chose such a stupidly huge case...

No rear fan?
I'd turn the cooler facing up

Charlie98 · 12-08-2012, 06:24 PM

Of those others... I'm real fond of the Corsair 200R, I'm considering it for an HTPC build.

How about the CM Elite 430? It's smaller than the 912 and has a side window. Throw 2 more fans in and you'd be set.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrysAssociate

No rear fan?
I'd turn the cooler facing up

No, it has one now. The small one that came with the case had a broken fan blade, so I swapped it out with an identical fan as my 212+ has. My idea was to duct the fans from the 212 into the rear exit fan to try to carry some of the heat off better than it is now.

I actually wrapped my 212+ in duct tape, sealing the edge gaps for better flow through the heat exchanger... and it works! It dropped my LinX temps 5C.

Rvenger · 12-08-2012, 10:15 PM

Corsair 200r was a DREAM to build on. You would be amazed at how much space is inside. I am using 2 Bitfenix Spectre fans (Front and back) along with a passively cooled HD 7750. The rig is unbelievably quiet!

I am currently sporting the 200r and CM Storm Trooper. I can certainly recommend them both. They are solid cases!

Trooper

200R

RaistlinZ · 12-09-2012, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pmv

Thanks. I'll take that as one vote against HAFX!

The only other option seems to be the 912+...and then buy a replacement side panel with window, plus the non-included fans. Its just that that ends up costing just as much as the HAFX. Its less likely to kill me than the 30lb+ HAFX if it topples over though.

Wait! Don't just go off one person's opinion. I hvae the HAF-X and the system below and I'm glad I got it. It's nice having a lot of space to work in, and it keeps my overclocked 7970 nice and cool. If I ever want to go CFX in the future I know I'll have the space and cooling for it.

When it comes time to upgrade my i7-930 to something better I know my case will be up to the task. The huge intake, side and top exhaust fans also make for a super quiet system.

I strongly recommend it. If you want a case that will last through multiple upgrades you can't go wrong with it.

Besides, Charlie98 is using a micro-ATX motherboard in his HAF 922, so of course it looks way too big.

aaksheytalwar · 12-09-2012, 10:23 AM

I have a 932 and am satisfied

MrK6 · 12-09-2012, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pmv

Vaguely thinking of getting new PC. Limited choice of cases from custom-build vendor. Keep being drawn to HAF X, because it actually works out adding very little proportionally to cost of system compared to lesser cases, and it does have very good build quality.

*cough* build your own *cough*

All jostling aside, buy whatever you like best aesthetically. Personally I don't like big cases. I have my CM 690 II because it's the smallest case that I could put two radiators in without modding (at the time). It's still quite thin and I really like the look and layout/design, but the minute I drop water cooling I'm going back to a mini ITX rig. I also don't care for bigger cases because they tend to echo and create more noise.

However, there are others of the opinion that a big case is aesthetically pleasing and it is most certainly easier to work in/on.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pmv

Also the HAF X-M is, puzzlingly to me, almost as large and costly as the X anyway.

You'd be surprised how much space an inch or so all around saves, although that HAF XM is much wider than the HAF X.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pmv

One thing I was wondering - would the excessive cooling of the HAF X with my undemanding components mean I could run the fans on lowest possible level and have a quieter system than if I went for a smaller case with smaller fans?

To a degree (wow that's a bad pun), but none of the components you've listed are terribly hot, so it really wouldn't change much.

szvwxcszxc · 12-09-2012, 05:02 PM

Excellent airflow.

Charlie98 · 12-09-2012, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RaistlinZ

Besides, Charlie98 is using a micro-ATX motherboard in his HAF 922, so of course it looks way too big.

Soooo.... add another few inches to the mobo and then it looks proportional?

Not knocking the HAF X, but for the OP's purpose I think it's silly... In my humble opinion my HAF922 is too much case for my purpose. Not that I don't like it, it's a fine case, as I'm sure the X is.

Eureka · 12-09-2012, 05:27 PM

Well, considering that for most "enthusiast" setups a mATX or mITX will work, yes a full sized case is harder to justify. However, that being said, it doesn't hurt to have a bigger case; there's more room for airflow, more room to add in cooling, and just more room for wiring and working with.

Mid-towers offer enough room to grow in without being ridiculously large, and that's why they're the most common segment. You won't go wrong with one. But, if you know exactly what you need, and if it's only one gpu, one cpu and less than 3 hard drives, you could consider mATX or mITX for your needs.

pmv · 12-09-2012, 06:46 PM

Got nothing much to add other than I'm still currently unable to make a decision. Kinda leaning towards the 912+, as its only 5cm taller than the 200R, and I think it has better cooling in default state and has the possibility of adding a window panel at a later date (though, agreed, from looking at reviews the corsair looks like good quality)

Don't think I can face the effort of a self-build. I have previously done every part of building a pc short of actually installing the motherboard in a case, but I get quite nervous about it all.

Plan to continue procrastinating for a bit.

supremor · 12-10-2012, 01:40 AM

I love my HAF-X but then again the primary reason I got it over a Corsair mid tower is because I run SLI. It's a huge case, easy to work with and great airflow while being relatively quiet and I have mine on my desk not under it.

Personally I like big cases,clear side panels and actually need a full size ATX board so its a win-win for me. In my opinion if the cost is negligible and you don't mind having a huge case I'd say go for it. Otherwise I would probably go for a mATX build in a mid-tower or smaller.