The HAF series was one of the best-selling products of Cooler Master. Right from the gigantic HAF-X to the HAF 912 the series has something for every range. Today we will check out a new product in the HAF series which is mainly portrayed as a LAN BOX.
Presenting the HAF-XB :the LAN Box and test bench fusion from Cooler Master.
| Coolermaster HAF XB | |
|---|---|
| Model | RC-902XB-KKN1 |
| Material | Steel body, Front Mesh, Plastic |
| Dimension | 442(W) x 330(H) x 423(D)mm / 17.4 x 13 x 16.7 inch |
| Weight | 8.2kg / 18.1lb |
| M/B Type | ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX |
| 5.25″ Drive Bay | 2 |
| 3.5″ Drive Bay | 2 (from X-Dock) |
| 2.5″ Drive Bay | 6 (2 from X-Dock) |
| I/O Panel | USB 3.0 x 2 (internal)Audio In & Out x 1 (supports HD Audio) |
| Expansion Slots | 7 |
| Cooling System | Front: 120mm fan x 2, 1800 RPM, 21 dBA (or optional 140mm fan x 2)Rear: 120mm fan x 1 (optional), and 80mm fan x 2 (optional)Top: 200mm fan x 1 (optional) |
| Power Supply | ATX PS2 (Support Max. of the PSU in 180mm length) |
| Maximum Compatibility | VGA card length : 334 mm / 13.1 inch CPU cooler height : 180 mm / 7.1 inch 155 mm / 6.1 inch (with top 200mm fan installed)Water cooling support : 240 mm radiator x 1 (front) 120 mm radiator x 1 (rear) |
Availability : HAF XB is available in India through multiple online dealers. The general price range is 7.7k to 8.5k.
As always picture time!
The HAF XB’s unorthodox design catches the eye while not being too aggressive.
Dimension wise HAF XB is unusual measuring in at 44.2 x 33.0 x 42.3cm (WxHxD). The cabinet is about 91% wider than HAF X but is 40% shorter height wise and 29% depth wise.
It’s constructed from SECC steel along with plastic.
From the front it looks like a compressed HAF X with a few tweaks.The top part is dominated by a fan grill with the CM logo.The grill hides the two 120mm fan that comes with the cabinet.
Below the fan grill we see the compact I/O panel which includes the power button, reset button, two USB 3.0 ports and HD audio input and output panel.
You see the stripped version however.
Coming to the top you see a transparent glass window slightly raised above to make room for a tall cpu coolers.
There are two versions however, one with windows and one with a space for a 200mm. My favorite would be the one with the window since it gives more options for a boutique build.
Coming to the back we see the PSU mounting space at the bottom left.
It supports psu up to 180mm, so guys with psu’s like AX1200 will have a problem.
The installation was pretty easy..but for custom watercooling with a thicker than usual rad you might face a problem while routing cables through the front of the cabinet.
Also CM can do away with the 5.25″ slot.No one uses a dual dvd writer setup anymore.
I will close this section with a few more pictures..
When Coolermaster design team sat down they thought to themselves “hey let’s throw the Haf X in compactor and see what we can do!” The result was HAF -XB.
Overall they did a very good job and i gotta give it to them, this is THE reason why they are one of the brands to be reckoned with.
However, I do have some suggestions for this cabinet.
1.We need support for bigger motherboards if coolermaster truly wants this for all the enthusiasts. With bigger motherboard coming out like the Maximus V Extreme and the likes., people like me would be more inclined to buy this.
2.Bigger PSU support.
3.Bigger radiator support, a bigger radiator support would increase the options of modding and cooling performance.
4.Also a few more fans won’t hurt. At least one more in the back panel.
With that fixed it will be THE ultimate lan box form Coolermaster.
Even without the fixes it is in itself is a very good product. I would recommend it to every one who is looking for a lan box setup or even a powerful gaming + HTPC setup.
But I would only buy it for my test bench if its bigger and have 360 Radiator support.
Overall a 7.5 / 10 from me. Coolermaster managed to hit every spot correctly with this. I am very impressed by it and might base a build around it someday if i get time.
A big thanks to Coolermaster India for bearing with me and sending me the sample.
signing out
Sumon