A Closer Look - Outside

Upon first unpacking the case I was once more impressed with the overall design of the HAF 922. It is easy to spot the similar looks between the 922 and 932 enclosures, but Cooler Master has also managed to change things up a bit. Gone are most of the square lines, along the sides of the front which have been replaced by shallower designs, which do look much nicer in my opinion. The top plastic part has also been changed slightly for the better in my eyes. You will find the same HAF label on the side, but gone is the incredibly cool window with the cross pattern printed on it.


The front of the chassis is constructed of steel and very hard and sturdy plastic. The rear looks slightly different than what you would expect to see. The PSU bay is on the very bottom and there is enough space above the rear fan for two large holes to route water cooling tubes through.


Both sides of the case have a very elaborate shape to them. The entire chassis features the same rugged paint job we have seen on the HAF 932, Sniper and Scout cases. I am surprised that no other manufacturer has gone that route yet, as this paint job is by far the most durable out there for steel cases. The main side has a large opening in form of an air vent. This means that there are no dust filters or a traditional window here. While this gives you the option to install two 120 mm fans or even one extremely large unit here, it also means that you will be subjected to the full noise level of the internals of your PC.


Taking a closer look at the front of the chassis, the very bottom is taken by a large 200 mm intake fan, which comes with red LEDs. Above that are the five 5.25 inch drive bays. The very bottom one includes a 3.5 inch adapter so you should easily be able to install a floppy or card reader here at the expense of a single 5.25 inch bay. The front I/O is located all the way up top and gives you two USB 2.0, the usual audio connectivity and an eSATA port. I cannot wait to see manufacturers implementing USB powered eSATA instead.


Turning the HAF 922 over, starting at the very bottom, the power supply bay allows you to install the PSU in two different ways. Above that are the eight mainboard expansion slots. Seven of these are placed traditionally, while the eighth has been placed off to the side. This gives you the possibility to add things like a fan controller, additional mainboard connectivity, CCFL power switch or even a cooling unit right here, without sacrificing the precious space intended for the mainboard expansion slots. The very top holds a 120 mm fan and the two afore mentioned opening for water cooling setups.


Taking a quick look on top of the case. The front area features three buttons. The one to the left turns the internal lighting on and off, while the right is a reset switch. Cooler Master has placed the slightly larger power button in the center of this solid plastic contraption. Moving on towards the rear of the HAF 922 top, there you will find another 200 mm fan, which blows hot air straight out of the case. You may replace the unit with two 120 mm fans or even a dual radiator if you wish. Once again, there is nothing keeping dust out or noise in - so expect to hear your components within this chassis.