A Closer Look and Installation
Hardware Support
The HAF700 truly has no limits when it comes to hardware support.
Drawing inspiration from our ever-growing community of enthusiasts, the HAF 700 is capable of housing up to oversized EEB motherboards such as the Dominus Extreme, as well as any sized
graphics cards in both horizontal and vertical orientations. A dedicated secondary row of rubber grommets is available for oversized motherboard.
Any ATX PSU lenght is compatible with HAF 700, users will enjoy the ample cable management volume available in the rear chamber. To top it off, the HAF 700 supports up to 15 drives (3.5″ or 2.5″) at once. All of the modular mounts utilize Cooler Master’s “FrictionMount” technology for a completely tool-free drive handling experience. 5 of the included modular mounts also feature integrated pump and reservoir mounting
New Intake Mesh -FineMesh V2
When we introduced the FineMesh in 2016 with the MasterBox K500, we sent a wave through the industry. We have further optimized the design by refining the design. After testing multiple configurations we structurally reinforced the front mesh and tensioned it in key points to prevent resonances (thus the asymmetric top/bottom front panel design).
Custom Watercooling Support
HAF 700 provides users unparalleled options for users looking to water-cool their systems with custom solutions. The HAF 700 was created for true DIY enthusiasts and high-end builders. In fact, it includes unique mounting solutions, including a fully removable top panel for easy installation and maintenance, and a 420mm modular radiator mount with the ability to be angled
for an extreme look. Builders may pick and choose between installing a selection of
radiator sizes in various mounting locations:
- TOP: Up to 2x 360mm radiators / 1x 420mm radiator
- SIDE: Up to 1x 480mm radiator
- FRONT: Up to 1x 420mm radiator
- BOTTOM: Up to 1x 420mm radiator
- REAR: Up to 1x 240mm radiator
“These Fans Go to 11!”
HAF isn’t the only legacy product line we are bringing back to life, over the past year in fact we have been updating all of our cases and coolers with the newest version of our “OG” SickleFlow fans. SickleFlow represents a brand of quality, airflow performance and quietness packed into a fan that doesn’t scream “look at me!” but does its job and does it well. With the HAF700, we present the all-new SickeFlow 200 ARGB in a special “performance” edition. This version of the SickeFlow 200 ARGB is exclusive to the HAF series and introduces the ability to go roughly 200rpm beyond the RPM range of the retail version. We don’t recommend running them at full speed all the time… but in case you ever need to know that your fans can now “go to 11”!
Out of the Box Thermals
For an HAF case, airflow is, of course, a priority. So right from the start we opened up all possibilities and tested every configuration the layout offers: from bringing back the vented
side panel to creating dedicated airflow channels. We opted for two 120mm fans as the rear exhaust (SickeFlow 120 PWM ARGB), two 200mm as intakes in the front (SickeFlow 200 PWM
PE) and a dedicated GPU intake fan on the bottom panel (SickeFlow 120 PWM ARGB). Although the test results vary greatly depending on the hardware configuration the user utilizes, the out-of-the-box fan arrangement shows the best average results (3×120 and 2x200mm fans, 3 suction
and 2 exhaust). At least, this is the case for a horizontally installed GPU. For a vertically installed GPU, moving the bottom fan to the top rear position and exhausting it will yield the best thermals.
Front I/O Highlights
We considered many I/O positions for the HAF 700. The top panel has the advantage of being easy to reach when the case is placed on the ground while the reverse is true when the IO is placed at the bottom and the case sits on the desk. To accommodate for both possibilities, we decided to place the I/O in the front, slightly above the center so that it’s always reachable easily,
no matter the placement of the system.
Integrated7x PWM & 5x ARGB Hub
HAF 700 features a fully integrated PWM/ARGB Hub that allows for effortless cable management and control over multiple fans and ARGB devices. The Hub is fully compatible with ARGB Gen2 devices.
Addressable-RGB Gen2 Controller
The built-in Gen2 ARGB Controller allows you to easily personalize your devices. Combined with MasterPlus+, this compact device allows in depth customization of each individual LED, as well as access to various lighting modes, and visual effects.
Full Integration with MasterPlus+
HAF 700 comes with a dedicated plug-in in MasterPlus+, making it easy to manage lighting devices connected to the ARGB Gen2 controller. Simply connect the internal USB 2.0 cables to your motherboard, download MasterPlus+ and start experimenting with lights!
TOOL-LESS HIGHLIGHTS
The original HAF obviously prioritizes airflow, however it was never just about fans and mesh. It was about pioneering innovation in the PC DYI space, and many of the things we take for granted today were introduced with the HAF line itself. With the HAF 700, we took the opportunity once again to make something special 😉 The HAF 700 is almost entirely tool-less and you can install almost any component without the need for screwdrivers, including:
- GPUs
- Power Supply
- 3.5″ Drives
- 2.5″ Drives
- HDD cage
- Pumps and Reservoirs
- External Paneling
Tool-Less GPU MountingSystem
Toolless installation of GPUs was a difficult challenge. It had to be easy to unlock, but still be sturdy enough. After many iterations we settled on a two lever design. The mounting lock features pins that hold the graphics card in place so it won’t fall out when the mechanism is unlocked. It is also optionally lockable with screws by removing the pins (we added this for system integrators and users who intend to travel with their fully built systems). This option also grants full compatibility with Cooler Master’s Vertical GPU Holder Kit V2/V3.
Tool-Less PSU MountingSystem
One recurring problem we encountered was the “normal” way of case design often came to be for a reason. Such was the case with PSU mounting. The standard method of installation is actually already quite convenient. We refined the design by reducing the amount of screws
needed from 4 to 2 total by replacing the other ones with pins. These have, of course, been tested for stability. Furthermore, screws have been upgraded to captive thumbscrews so you never have to worry about losing them.
Tool-Lesslatching system
For the HAF 700 series we are introducing a new tool-less latch system. The main challenge in designing this was creating something that requires minimal actions to hold in place, yet sturdy enough to support the weight of a full radiator. After many experimentations, we settled on a small, 90-degree rotatable latch made of engineering plastic (steel would scratch) as a locking mechanism.
Tool-Less Drives Cage
HAF 700 features a full tool-lessly removable HDD cage with sliding brackets for the drives themselves. Since nowadays, HDDs are no longer considered crucial for every type of build, the drive cage is designed to be fully removable should more room be required for cables or other components.
FrictionMounts for Drives
Who needs screws when you have… rubber? Our iconic FrictionMounts are back! Simply insert the pins on back of any drive and push it in place!
As you can see in the picture above, any concern about being able to easily access all the parts of the case were eased. You can take every single panel off and what even better the process is tool less. The easily snap into place and are very secure when in place. You can strip this thing down to bare bones and start putting parts in!
Finished Looks
Let’s move on to the last page and cover a few final thoughts!
