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Cooler Master HAF922

After spending some time with Cooler Master's original HAF932, I was looking forward to testing the latest HAF922 case. This version has a much smaller footprint that it's big brother, but still has ample room for the largest components. The HAF922 came in great packaging! My experience with the HAF932 was slightly disappointing. The styrofoam used to protect the case was very thin and the back of the case arrived damaged. After processing a RMA, the second case arrived in good shape. This time it was a much different story. The HAF922 was packaged well, with ample styrofoam protecting the case. The 922 has the basic shape of the 932, but has a redesigned front bezel that I find more appealing. The case still has plenty of room for a water cooling radiator and comes with water tubing grommets in the back of the case, but the fillport on the top has been left out. This isn't a big deal if you don't plan on using a fillport, as it makes the top of the case nicer to look at without having the rubber flap that becomes a dust magnet.

This model also uses standard feet, no wheels are included. The height of the feet may be a problem for those that plan to use this in a carpeted area because there is no room for cool air to enter the bottom of the case. When the case is sitting on a tiled floor, it performs well. A welcome feature on this case is the ability to switch off the LED on the front fan. Not everyone wants a red fan glowing through the front of their case. The side panel has room for a large fan, but none is included. The window on the side panel is also missing in this version. The flared side panels are back and are better than ever for hiding extra cables behind the motherboard tray. The vented mesh leaves no fan unnoticed. Even though the stock fans are fairly quiet, the open airflow design allows every sound to escape into your living space. A little careful consideration choosing cooling fans will go a long way here. The look and features of this case are top notch for the price. I have no problem recommending this as a low budget gaming case.

Features

Model No. RC-922M-KKN1-GP
With PSU No
Material Steel + Plastic and Mesh Bezel
Color Black
Motherboard ATX, Micro ATX
Drive Bays External - 5.25" x 5

Internal - 3.5" x 5

External - 3.5" x 1
Cooling System 1 x 200mm Red LED front fan

1 x 200mm top fan

1 x 120mm rear fan
Side Air Duct No
Side Panel Window No
Expansion Slots 7 + 1
Front I/O Port USB x 2

e-SATA x 1

Audio x 1

MIC x 1
Power Supply 1x optional standard PS2 (ATX)
Net Weight 19.2 lbs.
Dimension 22.2" x 10" x 19.7"
Liquid Cooling Support for radiator mounting
Additional Features

-Provides extreme airflow, uncompromising cooling performance, and ruggedly strong protection.
-Accommodates demanding high-end components, including full length graphics cards.
-CPU cooler retaining hole designed for quick CPU cooler installation.
-LED ON/OFF switch for front 200 x 30 mm fan.
-Patented button design for easy maintenance of 5.25" drive devices.
-Bottom fan can be set facing up or down to increase airflow throughout the case.
-Cable Managment System
I personally like the redesigned look of the HAF922 (left) over it's big brother, the HAF932 (right). Even though it is a mid tower case, it's still pretty large and will accomodate the largest components with ease.
The fillport area from the HAF932 has been replaced by the power, reset, and fan LED buttons. The HDD and power LED's have been moved to the top of the case as well (thankfully). It is very annoying having lights shine in your face as you sit across from a computer.
Here we have a look at the rear of the case. The HAF922 has pre-cut holes for water cooling tubing in case you want an external radiator installed. There is also a spot to the right of the PCI slots to install an expansion card bracket. This is handy if you don't want to block a PCI slot.
The flared side panels return and are excellent to work with. Every cable will fit in there with room to spare. This design does add a little bulk to the case, but it's a tradeoff I'm willing to make.
Here we have a look at the push button drive locking mechanism and the screw-less hard drive trays.
The top of the case has a large 200mm fan, but it does not light up like the front fan. It can also be removed to make room for an internal water cooling radiator. The case was very easy to work with and I had no problems fitting any of the parts. This case is on my short list to recommend to friends.

10/4/08 -Keith Soreghen-