Value –
Value is another very subjective topic.  What is expensive to some might be a deal to others.  You can look at this topic in multiple ways.  One is raw price and the other is what you get for your money.  Each is an accurate measure and both are correct ways to look at price/value.  We tend to look at features, performance and real-property when we discuss value.  However, we also take into account the raw cash cost of the item.

Value is an important topic with any case, but even more so with this one.  The MSRP on the HAF Stacker 935 on release is $169.99.  Obviously this includes the 915R and the larger main unit.  That price is dead on with cases like the Phantom 630 from NZXT and the Corsair Obsidian 650D.  I’ve had my hands on both of those as well and I can honestly say that while they are both very nice cases with all the bells and whistles, they are far less value for your money than the HAF Stacker 935.

Let’s look at some of the things I mentioned that many might take as a strike against this system: only two fans included, no reset switch, slide-and-latch side panels, and only one I/O panel. A possibly excessive use of plastic as well, but I saw nothing that looked or felt flimsy in any way.  

All of the above are the way they are for a reason: price.  The team at Cooler Master has eliminated what they (and many of their fan base) felt could be done away with.  Every feature they eliminate lowers their production cost and allows them to lower their sale price.  They’ve managed to bring what really should have been a $250+ case (given its innovations and versatility) to the masses at $179.  No, it doesn’t come loaded with fans, but you’re not paying for fans you’ll be taking out anyway.  No, it doesn’t have a second I/O panel in the smaller case, but you can buy one aftermarket if you need one.  

In fact, Cooler Master is coming out with an extensive list of items to go along with the 935 system, from I/O panels to a bracket that will allow the installation of that front-mount 240mm radiator we mentioned.  

Planned accessories include:
-Storage kit – Quick detach pins (also available separately), HAF Stacker series HDD cage, SATA power extender cable (also available separately)
-Stack-It Kit – Quick detach pins, HAF Stacker series top rail, HAF Stacker series bottom rail, HAF Stacker series feet
-1.5m SATA data cable (black)
-Main Unit Window + 200mm Fan Combo Side Panel

Some will say that all of this should have come with the case out of the box, but I disagree.  Adding these would have raised the price considerably, and I for one would rather just buy what I need.

Let’s not forget one of the most important point here either: expandability.  The 915R and the 915F can be purchased separately for $69.99 each.  If the 935 system gets too small, one of the 915 units can be added at any time.  In fact, a system could be built with nothing but 915 units, stacked as high as needed for the system at hand.  (Note that Cooler Master recommends a height maximum of 935+915 or 915x3 without securing to a fixed object.)