Cooler Master HAF X Full Tower Chassis Review

InstallationMore and more manufacturers are utilising this feature on their motherboard trays but from our resources, we believe that Cooler Master were the first and with the HAF X they have engraved a motherboard standoff guide for the different form factors that is accepted.

Installation of an optical drive is a simple affair which involves sliding your drive into its desired position and simply pressing the button on the locking mechanism to force the prongs out into the drives mounting holes. By pressing it again, the prongs will retract it and the drive will be free.

Installing a hard drive or SSD is a procedure that we’ve seen implemented on Cooler Master cases before which involve opening the mechanism and sliding the chosen caddy tray out. Once out you can install your drive using the prongs on the side or if using a 2.5″ drive like a SSD, the top tray includes an adapter which will need to be screwed into place on the drive.

There is a nifty little feature that’s part of the optical drive bay cage which simple has connectivity of a power connector and SATA data cables. By installing the relevant cables here, it allows you to slide a drive and literally “dock” it into place.

Installing an expansion card such as a graphics card as it’s the most common, you will have to use a bit of force of loosening the relevant brackets needed with your finger and thumb and remove the ventilated expansion plate(s). Once done, you can install your chosen component(s) and tighten the thumbscrews back into place. A very simple method that many cases have.

The installation of a power supply is a bit different to the norm as you need to remove the power supply plastic shelter which aids in cable management. Once removed using the 2 pre-installed screws, you can slide your PSU into place, screw it down at the rear of the case and then reinstall the plastic bracket which hides any messy cables and also has a slot for feeding relevant cables through which in turn assists in cable management.