COOLER MASTER HAF

[Azaran]

So I'm building a new comp for the first time in like 6 years. My current case isnt going to cut it so I need to build up in a new case. After researching a bunch of cases the COOLER MASTER HAF looks to be decent but I'd like to hear if other people have this case and can give me some feedback on it.

I'm looking for something that will be quiet and cool. I now its a hard task to go with but I'd like to get as close as I can. I game, so the new i7 rig is going to most likely be sporting 2x SLI in a couple months. I also do a lot of Photo and Video editing so I have a minimum of 4 hard drives running.

So any advice guys?

 

[PCTC2]

I have the CM HAF 932, but I've never used it (still building the computer. Still need parts). From just working with it, it's well built. I fit my watercooling internally.

HOWEVER, if you're going to be running 4+ harddrives, you're going to hear them. The stock fans are quiet, but there's no sound-isolation at all. It is just one BIG vent, everywhere.

 

[Zepper]

There have been a number of threads on the HAF and others with a brief detour about it. A quick search will find them. Don't forget to check the other new ones from Silverstone, etc. too.

.bh.

 

[Azaran]

I've done searches for the HAF on the forums and just get a bunch of posts about cooler master in general.

 

[Azaran]

Thanks PCTC2, that was my main concern about the case. Unfortunately I have to decide between good cooling or good sound insulation, I haven't found a case that does both that'll fit the hardware I want/need to run.

 

[Zepper]

Except, perhaps, for the new 840, many of the recent C-M cases look like they just cut or punch or mesh a bunch of holes until the thing can barely stand on its own and then back off a bit, instead of actually bothering to design a cooling system. The 690, for example, sets up a recirc flow if you actually use the top mounts for even one fan as the top cover/bezel can't flow the air out well at all so it comes back in thru other holes in the top. Pretty dumb from my POV... At least the 590 lacks a top cover, so that shouldn't be a problem there.

.bh.

 

[spacegoast]

This is actaully a very good case. It is pretty quiet, since the fans run at 700 RPM and 17 or 19dB, but move 100+ CFM. Ya many people say it is low, and I agree, it is pretty low, but I had an Antec P180, which is a quiet case. So I was quite surprised at the HAF. I have a thread on mine here: http://www.overclock.net/compu...-management-guide.html

If you want quiet and cool, this case is for you. And 4 hard drives will easily fit. The tool-less installation od hdd's is also a huge plus, with the front intake fan blowing right on them.

 

[Peter Trend]

I have this case, and it runs very quiet and cool. I'm planning to watercool it as quietly as possible.
Regarding the HDD noise, if silence is really that important I reckon you should look at getting NAS (network attached storage - ethernet) and putting it in another room. And have a solid state drive for your OS

The HAF definitely doesnt insulate anything, they were never trying to. For instance, I can clearly hear the elecrical whine of my 4870 under full load, and that isn't fan noise so I will be stuck with it even after water cooling. I think it's a bad capacitor or possibly a badly designed (therefore resonant) circuit, but my 3870 never made any sort of noise except for the fan.