Syndicate v. HAF X

Hi all:

I am conflicted as to whether I use the Syndicate or the HAF X for my build.  I intend on using stage 4 LC.  I love the look of the syndicate and would prefer that one, but are there any functional differences between the two? 

Here are my two proposed builds (the first one with the syndicate and second one with the Haf X).

Thanks!

Syndicate build:  652144
Haf X build:  652145


Edited by josh134 - 06 Feb 2012 at 8:36am

The Syndicate has very limited space for a SLI set like you want so you would have to discuss the build with a DS tech before placing the order to make sure all the hardware you want will fit.

Also I believe they set it up differently then what the stock pictures show. Go to the main DS website and go to the 3rd article about the interview with Nvidia. You will see that the case is turned 90 degrees and the mobo is actually mounted horizontal across the top with the drives and PSU getting mounted underneath the MOBO. (*Note, don't look at the pic in the article, look at the pic advertising the article with the green lights)

But any way you configure it you are still limited to a max 18" which does not leave you a lot of room. That's not to say that it can't work but you will have to check with DS to see if everything will fit.

Beyond the size there will be the issue of noise. No case offered by DS has better air flow then the HAF X and every other case offered by DS will be louder due to smaller fans. You are going with liquid cooling which by it's self will be a little noisy but a case like the Syndicate will only add to that noise and will not have as good air flow.

Edit:
I just noticed the price difference. Those two builds are exactly the same except the Syndicate build costs $461 more then the HAF X build which is total BS. For that alone I would skip the Syndicate as there is no way in hell that case costs that much more then the HAF X and if by some fluke it does cost that much more it's a ripoff. The HAF X is already about $200 on it's own so that would mean the Syndicate is some $600+ case.

My guess is DS is taking on some premium base pricing to any Black Ops build over a Special Ops build. Which is total nonsense too. There is just no way they can justify an almost $500 price difference when the only thing that's different is the case.


Edited by jmaster299 - 06 Feb 2012 at 9:47am

josh134...Way to go

Edited by bprat22 - 06 Feb 2012 at 10:23am

Thanks! Trigger was pulled 3 weeks ago. I've been in stage 2 the whole time. Still waiting for the 3930's to come in. Fingers crossed for the end of this week. I have a 30" dell monitor still in the box on my floor.

the ordered system has always had the Haf X.  The lingering wait has made me re-think a few things, which is why the idea of the Syndicate came up.  I also changed the cooler form the Noctua d14 to the Stage 4 LC.  I also originally had dual 580 sli (1.5) but changed that to tri 570's due to the monitor.  The waiting sucks..... but hopefully will eb over soon.

Thanks

Hi arch04.....thanks for the feedback.   Still not worth the extra money in my opinion, but for some it is worth it. You do have to give the customer a range of options.   

It's true the HAF X is more airflow efficient and cheaper, but the syndicate presents so much better imo. DS has also confirmed that the fans on the Syndicate can be replaced with cooler master ram 4's which they say are noticeably quieter. I think I've changed my mind again and am going with the Syndicate. Decisions decisions.

Hi Jmaster. You are absolutely right, and the HAF X is most efficient for that. However, the new Syndicate (gen 2) boasts 6 front fans and 4 on the back. Ill get the exact specs. The one you see on the websites is outdated. The new one is much more cooling efficient. With the great number of fans and stage 4 LC, I believe the tri-sli will be ok.

I will get the info. Stay tuned!

The only U2-UFO case I know of that as 6 front fans is the Duality which is designed to house two separate systems, which you are not doing with your build. It'd be nice if DS had some valid pictures to see the set up.

Best news yet - because the change in chassis put me right over 5k mark, it triggered additional $250 discount because my purchase was during the holiday special.  The change from HAF X to Syndicate only cost me about $50.

Edited by josh134 - 07 Feb 2012 at 5:02am

jmaster, that was the only picture they sent to me but I will request some more.  They give you an option of where to place the 240 mm radiator - either in front or on top.  They said the preferred placement is on top.  Not sure what the shelf is for in the pic - that is not my build, it was just a random UFO they are working on.  I wanted the pic to see the front fan placement.  

If I had the money my dream build include the Syndacate/U2-UFO with these Noctua fans for the chassis cooling all controlled with a good 30w+ per channel lamptron controller.

Edited by AndydViking - 06 Feb 2012 at 10:54pm

Originally posted by AndydViking If I had the money my dream build include the Syndacate/U2-UFO with these Noctua fans for the chassis cooling all controlled with a good 30w+ per channel lamptron controller.   Yes, the Haf-X is much cheaper and the UFO case is something you'd have to spend a lot more time and money tailoring on to get it right.  But I'm betting that the case would last a long time and for many many builds to come.  It's so customisable cause mountain mods has so many things to offer for it.  Just IMHO.

The difference in price for my build between the HAF X and the Syndicate is only about $50 because I placed my order mid-January during the holiday special period.  It would be a much harder decision to make to switch to the Syndicate if it would cost me $300+ more.