Any Lian Li PC-101 Owners?

[Woofmeister]

OK. I think I've made up my mind and after considering all the new Lian Li cases, I'm 99% sure I'm going with the Lian Li PC-101 for my new Vista PC. Since noise is somewhat of a consideration (though performance is more important to me), the SPCR Review pretty much sold me on it.

My concerns now have to do with installation and clearance of certain components. Specifically, I want to know about modular PSUs and CPU heatsinks and whether they presented any problems when installed in the PC-101. Also, is anyone using the "patent removable cooling kit" with an 880GTX?

Aside from the review I linked, there's almost no information on this case, so any responses would be appreciated.

 

[ShockwaveVT]

The PC-101's internal layout is identical to the PC-V1000 plus2.
See
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811112117
vs
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811112106

There's quite a few reviews of the V-1000 series as they are very popular. I suggest you look up a few V-1000 reviews for more information about the interior layout.
here is one to get you started:
http://www.overclockercafe.com/Reviews/cases/Lian_Li_PC-V1000/

 

[Woofmeister]

Originally posted by: ShockwaveVT
The PC-101's internal layout is identical to the PC-V1000 plus2.
See
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811112117
vs
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811112106

There's quite a few reviews of the V-1000 series as they are very popular. I suggest you look up a few V-1000 reviews for more information about the interior layout.
here is one to get you started:
http://www.overclockercafe.com/Reviews/cases/Lian_Li_PC-V1000/

Thanks much Shockwave. The layouts do look the same, particularly with regard to airflow. However, I do notice that the PC-V1000 is slightly larger than the PC-101 (210x490x525 mm (W,H,D) vs. 210x460x490mm (W,H,D)), so I'm sure you can appreciate my concerns.

(What can I say, I'm a worrier)

Edit Seems like I was right to worry. All the reviews describe the PC-V100 as incompatible with PSUs with modular cables unless you remove the divider panel. Not a huge deal, but certainly a cause for concern since I'm planning on using a Seasonic M12 700W. Since the width of the PC-101 is identical, that means I'm either going to remove the divider panel or look at another Lian Li case. That takes me back to undecided between PC-101 and the PC-A10 as you and I are discussing here. Aside from the PSU to fan orientation (which you've convinced me is irrelevant), the size of the PC-A10 is the main drawback. It's just too big!

 

[ShockwaveVT]

yeah that tight clearance of the PSU up against the divider between PSU/HDD area was one of my concerns with the V1000/1100/101 cases as well... Antec P-180 seems to have similar tight clearance unless the 120mm between the PSU and HDD area is removed.

The V2000/2100/201 eliminate that PSU clearance issue while maintaining the same layout - but introduce a size problem... 210W x 592D x 592H.

The PC-A10 is a bit in the middle at 216W x 536D x 524H and has enough clearance for most modulars (my Seasonic fits fine). Also there in the middle is the PC-V1200. At 210W x 625D x 490H its as deep as the V2000/201/2100 but only as tall as the V1000/1100/101. All the extra front-to-back space in the lower section is all found in the PSU chamber, leaving plenty of room for any modular PSU .. The downside is that there is no variant with a door.

Ultimately I wanted a door so I went with the PC-A10. (after giving serious thought to the P-180)

reference:
PC-201
PC-V1200