Cooler Master HAF XM Computer Case Review

Full Disclosure: The product sample used in this article was provided by Cooler Master.

At Benchmark Reviews, we have established that the main three items to look for in a computer case are price, functionality, and style. All three of these are vitality important for a case that will be taking up space in your home or office for the foreseeable future. None of them should be overlooked. As a gamer, I take a special interest in Full Tower cases because of the functionality they offer. But sometimes Full Tower cases are just too big to fit comfortably where they need to. Mid-Tower cases can provide a lot of the functionality of a Full Tower case but with the style that might be preferred, depending on the circumstance. It's the balance of providing that functionality that often gets case manufacturers into trouble. Benchmark Reviews has Cooler Master's new HAF XM case on hand and this article is dedicated to discovering if the famous HAF-X's little brother holds true to the family tree.

Cooler Master is an old name in the computer chassis arena. They churn out many various styles and sizes of cases and also delve into the peripheral community. One of my favorite peripherals of all time is the CM Storm Sentinel Advance Laser Gaming Mouse. With this much experience in the game, Cooler Master should know how to keep their ear tuned to the needs and wants of computer users.

Keeping those desires in mind, Cooler Master shrunk their extremely popular HAF-X case into a Mid-Tower size with the HAF XM. The HAF (High Air Flow) line of chassis was designed by Cooler Master for those computer gamers and enthusiasts that need more than the normal amount of air flow to cool their components. The HAF-X provided that with a militaristic style and with plenty of fans. The HAF-XM keeps a very similar style to its big brother and tries to maintain the same level of cooling in a slightly smaller enclosure. Let's move on inside to take a look at the features of the HAF-XM and to see if it lives up to its legacy.

HAF XM Mid-Tower Features

• Rich I/O support (USB 3.0 x2 , USB 2.0 x 2, audio in/out); Intelligent fan LED control on the top
• Supports high-end hardware such as E-ATX motherboards, 3-Way SLI or CrossFire (8+1 expansion slots)
• Room for future upgrades with support for up to 6 tool-free HDD or SSD
• Hidden 2.5" SSD/HDD mount behind motherboard tray
• Dust filters on every intake are removable to allow easy cleaning
• Support for a 2 x140mm fan radiator up top and a 140mm fan radiator in the rear
• Easy cable management and routing
• Sliding power supply cable cover
• Supports large 140mm case exhaust fan
• Supports long graphics cards (up to 13.9" or 354mm)
• Two external hot-swap X-Docks

HAF XM Specifications

Features and Specifications provided by COOLER MASTER.

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