PC Tech: A Review of the HAF922 from Cooler Master 6.02.2010

Cooler Master is an industry leading name for computer cases and cooling specifically targeted at custom computer markets. They offer an excellent variety of case and cooling products that are for the most part affordable. Today we are reviewing the HAF922 which is a stylish medium tower design. Check out this review featuring the new high air flow design....

The HAF922 is the younger brother of the HAF932 with the primary difference being the 932 offers a few more front mounted connectors and is slightly taller as the full tower version. Buyers will probably prefer the 922 since it offers plenty of space to install equipment and is not too big. One other small difference between the 932 full sizes and 922 medium sizes is the fact that 932 models come with the fan installed in the clear mesh side slot and the 922 does not - although it does offer the mounting holes to install one yourself.

The High Air Flow 922 model offers front mounted USB, Audio, and eSata ports designed at the very top area of the case facing front, above the optical drive bay areas. This is an acceptable location because the height of the tower will make the ports easy to access if the case is placed on the floor or base mounted computer desk. Power button, reset, and fan controls are located on the top of the case, which also make this a floor placed case where you want it as low as possible to the floor - otherwise you will not be able to see the hard drive indicator light or power light. Both the hard drive light and power indicator light are red in color. Since this is a gaming case, red may be, but may not be similar to the normal green/orange/red scheme used on other cases. Even though the case has red front fan (led) and status lights are all red, it is easy to get use to. The black finish makes the color of the lights complementary. If you want a stylish mesh style case that offers enough space to expand or install excessive hardware - you might want to consider this case. It does offer cable management or water cooling slots in the rear which are great for cables as they are predrilled and a rubber cover is designed in the feeder holes.

Similar To Other High End Gaming Cases
Like many other high end cases, this case is a tool-less design where even the hard drives can be installed without a screw driver. On the bottom of the case are screw mounted rubber feet which are great to balance the case and raise it slightly from the floor. They use snap in screws on a frame that can be slided in/out for easy access. Rear screws are the thumb type on the case which is great for removing the panels on the outside of the case. Although this is a good case, it doesn't come with a power supply. One recommendation would be that Cooler Master include a 500watt red led power supply to complement the existing black and red color design.

The Specifications
Available Color: Black, Dimension (W / H / D) Main: 253 x 502 x 563 mm / 10.0 x 19.7 x 22.2 inches, Gross Weight: 19.2 / 24.0 lbs, Material: Steel + Plastic and Mesh Bezel, Motherboards ATX / Micro-ATX, 5.25" Drive Bay 5 Exposed (one could convert to 3.5" drive bay), 3.5" Drive Bay 5 Hidden, 1 Exposed (converted from one 5.25" drive bay), I/O Panel USB 2.0 x 2, MIC x 1, Audio x 1 (supports HD / AC97 Audio), eSATA x 1, Cooling System Front: 200 mm fan x 1 Red LED on / off fan x 1 / 700 RPM / 19 dBA, (can be swap for 120 / 140 mm fan x 1), Top: 200 mm fan x 1 / 700 RPM / 19 dBA (can be swap to 120 mm fan x 2 ), Rear: 120 mm fan x 1 / 1200 RPM / 17 dBA, Bottom: 120 / 140 mm fan x 1 (optional), Side: 200 mm fan x 1 (optional),(can be swap for 120 mm fan x 2), Expansion Slots 7 + 1, Power Supply ATX PS2 / EPS 12V (optional), Optional Component Transparent Acrylic Side Panel.

Good For the Money
Overall, this is an excellent case compared to what is on the market today. It is a good blend of size, color, a slick mesh side panel design, and tool-less long lasting design. Although it doesn't come with a power supply, the wattage buyers need may vary so maybe they just left it up to the consumer to purchase that separately. Cooler Master products are offered all over the internet and at many retailers. We recommend CompUSA for these cases as they do weigh some and you might want to consider purchasing it locally to avoid shipping the large package. Happy computing!



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