Cooler Master HAF XB Evo Review
Category : Cases
Published by Luca Rocchi on 12.06.14
HAF XB EVO is the new cube-case from Cooler Master of the High Air Flow series. Like the previous model introduced over a year ago, the components are placed on two different levels and is compatible with ATX motherboards. HAF XB EVO can be described as a cross between a LAN Box and a bench test table.
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Today, we are taking a look at one of the cube-design cases from Cooler Master, the HAF XB Evo.
| Page 1 - Introduction | Page 5 - Installation |
| Page 2 - Preview | Page 6 - Ventilation options |
| Page 3 - Bundle | Page 7 - Conclusion |
| Page 4 - Product overview |
Preview
Specifications
| Model | Cooler Master HAF XB Evo |
| Case Type | Mini-tower |
| Dimensions | 442 x 330 x 423 mm (L x A x P) |
| Material | Steel, plastic |
| Color | Black |
| 5.25'' drive bay | 2 |
| 3.5'' drive bay | 4 |
| Expansion slots | 7 |
| Form factors | ATX, mATX, Mini-ITX |
| Cooling |
2 x 120 mm Front (2 Included) 1 x 120 mm Rear (optional) 2 x 80 mm Rear bottom (optional) 1 x 200 mm Top (optional) |
| Page 1 - Introduction | Page 5 - Installation |
| Page 2 - Preview | Page 6 - Ventilation options |
| Page 3 - Bundle | Page 7 - Conclusion |
| Page 4 - Product overview |
Bundle
Overview |
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| The Cooler Master
HAF XB Evo bundle is pretty straight-forward. The actual box is made out of cardboard with all the basic information printed on it. Inside, we found the
HAF XB Evo wrapped up in a plastic bag, and safely placed inside two big pieces of styrofoam, so that even the roughest shipping can't break it. Along with the case itself, the bundle also includes an instruction manual, which is always helpful, and a few other things
including a little plastic bag with enough screws needed to assemble your system, zip-ties, HDD slides and a small speaker. |
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| Page 1 - Introduction | Page 5 - Installation |
| Page 2 - Preview | Page 6 - Ventilation options |
| Page 3 - Bundle | Page 7 - Conclusion |
| Page 4 - Product overview |
Product overview
Overview |
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As most of you might know HAF stands for High Airflow which implicates that Cooler Masters makes use of components that allow for an increased airflow compared to cases from other manufacturers. The external design of the case uses the classic style that distinguish the HAF series from other series, including vents and fans. The front features a large mesh for the installation of 120 and 140 millimeters fans, 5.25" peripherals and hot swap drive bay. Both sidepanels, which are identical, include a large mesh and two practical handles. The rear, like the front allows the installation of other components for ventilation. The HAF XB Evo is a cube case divided into two floors for hardware. In the lower floor you can find a hot swap cage, which is able to carry four 3.5 inch or four 2.5 inch drives. Right next to it there are the two 5.25 inch bays for optical drives. Shifting you focus more towards the back of the case reveals the space for the power supply. A closer look at the upper floor shows that there is plenty of space for your motherboard as well as your other precious hardware. |
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| Page 1 - Introduction | Page 5 - Installation |
| Page 2 - Preview | Page 6 - Ventilation options |
| Page 3 - Bundle | Page 7 - Conclusion |
| Page 4 - Product overview |
Installation
Overview |
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| Thanks to the removable motherboard tray and to the ability to remove almost all the panels the assemly with the Cooler Master HAF XB Evo is very simple and intuitive. As mentioned, the bottom houses the power supply and storage devices. The power supply has its own seat with a generous washable dust filter. For our test we used a 550W modular power supply but HAF XB Evo also allows the installation of large power supplies. Once the motherboard tray is placed, wiring the system is very simple and it is possible to obtain a clean setup due the cutholes and grommets on the chassis. Like the previous version, the HAF XB Evo is compatible with ATX, mATX and mini-ITX motherboards. In the HAF XB Evo there are only seven PCI slots and not eight, which means that not possible to install four dual-slot graphics cards for a 4-way SLI/Quad CrossFire configurations. Since this is a case for benchmarking and also LAN party, there are several possibilities that someone wants to use four dual slot cards. |
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| Page 1 - Introduction | Page 5 - Installation |
| Page 2 - Preview | Page 6 - Ventilation options |
| Page 3 - Bundle | Page 7 - Conclusion |
| Page 4 - Product overview |
Ventilation options
Overview |
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| The HAF XB Evo offers an incredible amount of cooling solutions for both air and liquid systems. At the top of the case there is enough space to install a 200 mm fan. Behind, in the rear, the cube-case offers the possibility of installing two 80mm or one 120mm fan. Finally, in the front, there is the last double slot for two 120 or 140 millimeters fans. The bundle includes two fans 120 mm color black, 3-pin and with a low rpm. | |
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| Page 1 - Introduction | Page 5 - Installation |
| Page 2 - Preview | Page 6 - Ventilation options |
| Page 3 - Bundle | Page 7 - Conclusion |
| Page 4 - Product overview |
Conclusion
| General | + | - | |
| The HAF XB Evo is an unique case that combines the best from the world of standard cases with the accessibility of bench tables. Cooler Master has thought this solution for those who participate in LAN events or people who frequently change their hardware. Despite the presence of the handles, we believe that the weight is rather high to be easily transported to events. In general the quality of the HAF XB Evo is good in all aspects. |
- Design - High Airflow Case |
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| Manufacturing quality / Ergonomics | + | - | |
| The build quality is pretty good in line with the Cooler Master standard. Cooler Master did not make the mistake to go for super thin side panels to save weight and have used solid metal sheets. In terms of comfort, we appreciate the presence of cut holes, grommets and tool-less systems. During the process of installation of the components we did not detect any problems even with large components, however, we believe that given the target of the case would have been better equip HAF XB EVO with 8 PCI slots. Like all models in the HAF lineup, the HAF XB Evo also offers a great deal of active and passive cooling solutions and supports both air and liquid cooling setups. | - Build quality - Interior Space - Cable management on the back of the motherboard tray |
- Only seven slot bezels | |
| Design | + | - | |
| Cooler Master provided the HAF XB with its very typical "High Airflow" design. Therefore you will find a steel chassis which offers excellent stiffness and features areas with mesh design where you can actually see through so you get quite a clear view at your precious hardware. Overall, we think Cooler Master has created a product which perfectly fits into their lineup and is a nice addition to their HAF product lineup. | - Design |
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| Recommendation | + | - | |
| The HAF XB Evo is an innovative case and like the previous model, offers interesting solutions for gamers, enthusiasts and even overclockers. The case not only offers good build quality, but also a high airflow and ease of installation of the components. On Geizhals, the price is about 85 euro excluding shipping costs. | -
Gaming-PC |
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| Rating | |||
| The Cooler Master HAF XB Evo gets good 4.5 out of 5 stars. | |||
| Page 1 - Introduction | Page 5 - Installation |
| Page 2 - Preview | Page 6 - Ventilation options |
| Page 3 - Bundle | Page 7 - Conclusion |
| Page 4 - Product overview |