A Detailed Look – From the Outside
As I mentioned in the introduction, the overall fit and finish of the HAF XM is very good; it’s a nice looking case. One of the features that I really like about the HAF XM is how easy it is to remove the sides, top and front panels to work on the enclosure. You can pretty well strip the case down in a couple minutes with nothing more than a screw driver.
Both side panels are removable and secured with two thumb screws at the back. The right side panel slides back and off as usual but the left side panel features a latch mechanism at the top that when released, allows the side panel to rotate down and off, simplifying removal (and installation). If you plan to be in and out of your case a lot you can just leave the two left side panel thumb screws off so the easy-access latch feature is always ready to use. The left side panel on our review case features a mesh covered vent opening on the side that can mount either one 200mm fan or two 140mm fans. The HAF XM can also be purchased with a side window option.
The top panel is made up of two sections. The rear mesh portion, which covers the fan area is secured with one thumb screw in the back and is easily removed, which will expose the included 200mm fan. A second 200mm fan can be added if you want more airflow. If for some reason you don’t want the 200mm fan on top (maybe move it to the side panel) you can install two 140mm or two 120mm fans instead. Or, if you plan to install an internal liquid cooling system, this top area is designed to support a dual-fan 280mm radiator. How’s that for flexibility!?!
The front section of the top panel, which contains the I/O panel and accessory compartment, can also be removed (2 screws).
Note the warning label to remove X-Dock trays before removing front panel. You can also see a close-up detail of the mesh grill openings on the front drive covers and lower air intake area.
The front of the HAF XM enclosure contains openings for three external 5.25” drive bays near the top and two external 3.5" X-Dock HDD bays in the middle. A full featured I/O panel is located at the top of the front panel. It contains:
• (2) USB 2.0 ports
• Headphone Out
• Microphone In
• (2) USB 3.0 ports
At the top are pushbutton switches for turning on-off the front fan LEDs, main power, and system reset. Behind the I/O panel is a small tray for storing personal items like your cell phone or keys.
Behind the mesh grill on the lower section of the front panel is a pre-installed 200mm intake fan (with red LEDs) that blows air in over the six internal HDD cages.
Great review. Keep these
Great review. Keep these Tower/Enclosure Reviews coming
Great review but, I think
Great review but, I think they neglected to mention about that the button where the PSU would be facing down, Has a removable Dust Filter that cannot be remove unless you remove the PSU entirely.
“What is the difference
“What is the difference between DSL, IDSL, HDSL, SDSL, ADSL, CDSL, Ci – DSL, etc. I’m Roni” ( you might want to use your own name)
off course, don’t forget to look directly into her “bridge” this will completely create a subconscious breakdown
in her mind. It is difficult to say that the theory of repression is false in the
case of sexual abuse, because there is some evidence that people do forget things
that were especially traumatic.
great review, you guys
great review, you guys overlooked the fact the how HAF-XM has latches only on one side-panel and other one has thumb screws. Also in order to remove the front panel, both the X-docks need to be removed which is a real shame considering how good CM has implemented hot-swap HDD bays on their other cases.
Good case, but for $110 you
Good case, but for $110 you can get a nice Corsair case as well.
I have a Corsair 500r and I
I have a Corsair 500r and I have had nothing but trouble with the front panel connectors. I am about to replace it for the second time under warranty.