After years of using laptops as my main work machine, I’ve decided to build a new desktop PC last December. It made a lot more sense because of the work from home setup and the fun part, being able to play PC games once more. The rig I built is not for competitive FPS games or live streaming although it’s more than capable of handling both. Those are not high up on my list – at the moment. Another distinct feature of this new rig is a switch to an AMD-based system, it runs on the Ryzen 5 3500, which surprised my friends for they have known me to be a long-time Intel user. Indeed, times have changed.

As there’s not much to flex about my rig, I’d just focus on the case. It’s the popular RAKK Haliya-M gaming case that I have been using since the start of January. A lot of folks have already made reviews about this amazing case so I’d focus on the things that I love most about it aside from its stylish design.

Fan configuration that addresses two concerns for me:

Cooling

• RAKK Haliya-M is designed for optimal airflow and there are various ways of getting good airflow thanks to the enormous front grill which can fit three 120mm fans or a 140mm radiator and on the top, two 120mm fans can be mounted.
• The fan configuration that I have chosen allows for what is called ‘negative airflow‘ which means most of the fans are pulling air out of the case through the front and rear vents while cooler air is pulled in through the top vent thereby maximizing the two cool features of the case: the dust filter for the top vent and the large front grille that provides unrestricted air flow.
• While some would say that this configuration would lead to more dust getting into the case and on to all the components because air is pulled in, it is mitigated by the magnetic dust filter on the top vent. An added layer of foam dust filter further helps in keeping the insides clean and lengthens the intervals for a thorough cleaning.

Cable management

• The Haliya-M was designed with cable management in mind. It has ample space behind the motherboard plate to run cables and even has support for zip ties and velcro straps to keep everything in place.
• The cable slots come with rubber grommets that allow access to the motherboard while keeping the rest of the cables out of sight and in place.
• I added Cooler Master Sleeved PSU extension cables to help with cable management and make the insides a lot tidier.

Overall, I’m happy with the build which would see me through to the next three or four years before a major parts upgrade or outright new system build. The Rakk Hailya-M case is available in most online stores for a very reasonable price.