Best value of the lot? Lian Li Case Comparisons

[doctordoctor]

Second build, first time overclock with planned Opty 165/Zalman 9500/DFI NF4 Ultra.

While I see that there are slight differences in the following cases . . .

Lian-Li PC-V1000B Plus II ($209)
Lian Li V Cool PC-V1000B Plus ($210)
-----> Same dimensions except the Plus II has a side air duct and a slightly different fan configuration.


Lian-Li PC-7B Plus II ($90)
Lian-Li PC-60B Plus II ($130)
-----> Each same dimensions but slightly smaller than the above cases, with fewer drive bays (particularly in the case of the 7B), but still with ample room (by appearances) and again slight fan configuration differences. The 60B appears to have 2-120mm and 2- 80mm fans while the 7B has 3-120mm fans.

. . . I don't really see the "major" differences that account for the price differences. Am I losing a lot by planning on going with the PC-7B? It got a great review HEREHERE, and it's a whole lot cheaper than the others.

Basically I'm not going to have enormous expansion needs. But it's a first time overclock and I want it easy, cool, and sturdy without buying anything I don't really need.

Newegg comparison HERE.

=indebted

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

I have no strong feeling on the first two cases. Many here have&like them.

The 7B is not as well constructed as the 60B.
The 7B has 2x120 fans. The 60B has a smaller exhaust fan because it offers a slide out
motherboard tray. BUT the 60B comes with ducting that will get in the way of an after market HS.

If your going to want easy access to your mainboard a slide out tray is a major plus.

My next case sells right now at $148. Google reviews of the Akasa Eclise 62. Search this
forum for threads on this case. One thread has a couple of new owner reviews posted in it.


...Galvanized

 

[MadScientist]

I've had the 7A Plus for a few months now and I'm satisfied with it. Here's a mini review of the case I posted here shortly after purchasing it. My other choice at that time was the Antec SLK3000B. The fact that it does not have a removable motherboard tray turned out not to be an issue, since there's plenty of room inside the case to work. I've since added a Sunbeam Rheobus silver fan controller that matches the case color perfectly. I also added an 80 mm fan to the top blowhole, but removed it after finding no difference in case or cpu temps with it blowing in or out.

"I purchased the silver version without the side window from Coolerguys. I was concerned that scratches on the black case will show up more than the silver. The case was well packed and arrived without a dent or scratch. The case is plain but elegant, get the window version if lights are your thing. One of the reasons I picked it over the Antec is that it does not have a front door.

This is Lian Li's cheapest case and one of its negative is that it has no removable MB tray, for that you have to move up to their PC-60 model. The workmanship of the case is typical Lian Li high quality, although I did find one QC mistake. The tabs on the HD cage that support the HDs were misaligned. When the drives sit on them the drive screw holes do not line up with the holes on the cage.

The case comes with 2-120mm front and rear ball bearing fans with 3 pin MB power connectors and 4 pin adapters. According to Everest, they're both running at 1460 RPM. They're fairly quiet with only slightly restricted air flow. The front fan has an easily removable washable filter. There is a top blow hole for an optional 80mm fan but no side duct. There's also an optional 120mm blower available for $25. from Monarchcomputers. For now the 2-120mm fans seem adequate for my system, an Epox EP-9NPA Ultra, Geforce 6600GT, and an Athlon64 3200 with a Thermalright XP-90.

The front bezel is aluminum and removes easily. Its attached to the case with 4 plastic pins. I'm not crazy about plastic pins but they seem quite sturdy.

This case has no drive rails so transferring my stuff from my old case took a little longer than expected. If you are looking for a tool less case this is not it. It takes a little longer for installation, and although it may be a step back, once your drives are in they're not going to move.

There is room for three 3.5? (hidden), two 3.5? (exposed), and four 5.25? (exposed) drives.
The floppy drive cage is held in place with three Phillips head screws. Thumbscrews would have been better here. The cage can hold two exposed drives. The metal bay covers pop in and out of place with ease.

The lower HDD rack is screwed to the bottom of the case and removable. It can take up to three drives.

There is a removable PSU plate held on by thumbscrews that allows you to install your PSU from the back.

There are two USB 2.0, one Firewire, speaker, and mic jack ports on the bottom of the case front covered by a small aluminum door. It was a real stretch though connecting the speaker and mic cable to my MB. The pins are about half way up on the back of the board.

I'd rate the case about a 9 out of 10: great quality, light weight, 2-120mm fans, no front door, simple but elegant; but no removable MB tray."

 

[aboothman]

I have a PC-65, although I just swapped it out for a P180. The 80mm fans (I had 5 in the case) were a bit too loud. But a case with 120s would probably be really nice with the right fans.

The case quality is excellent on Lian Li, and they are fairly easy to work with. I do not mind a non-toolless case. In fact, I prefer to use screws as it reduces vibrations.

This case should treat you well, just make sure you get some good fans for it, and hide your cables well to promote good airflow.

 

[TrevorRC]

Have a PC-60B, beautiful case [albeit sharp on the inside.... cut myself numerous times when fiddling with my radiator 😛], but scratches VERY easily.

If you were to go with a PC-60, grab a silver one, unless you never [and I do mean NEVER] plan on moving the case around.

Can't give any input on the others, as I don't own them. Though, if I were to do it all again, I'd PROBABLY buy a Silver PC-70.

--Trevor

 

[aboothman]

Ya I have used both a black and silver pc-65, and they are fairly scratch prone, but as TrevorRC said the black actually shows
the scratches.

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

I'm a nut-case for exterior scrathes. So prior to building both LL mid-towers in silver, the
exteriors were washed with hot soapy water, rinsed, dried in the sun, cooled, then givin
three coats of hard automotive wax. With reasonable care niether has a scratch ...Yet.
I was amazed how much manufacturering dust was in the anodized surface because the
wash water turned gray.

After doing interior mods with unavoidable marring the finish can be enhance by a scrubbing
with fine grit Scotch-Bright. This will blend minor dings/scratches into the surrounding area.
Works for me.

...Galvanized

 

[Pyrokinetic]

I have a PC-60A Plus (original silver one with blower fan instead of the newer side-out) and it was fine, except that I recently upgraded to a Cooler Master Stacker 810 (full tower). While the Lian-Li had a removable motherboard tray, I never removed it and installing was never a hassle. The Lian-Li has terrific build and finish quality (Cooler Masters are well-built with a knack for terrific airflow, but the finish quality (from my experience) is below that of Lian-Li or Silverstone for that matter).

Airflow-wise, I would rate the Lian-Li PC-60s as having OK airflow, but not great. Good for a stock setup, but for overclocking, you could find better. As for other Lian-Li cases, I haven't had any experience with them.

I also changed cases because I like to install my drives in 5.25" bays to make room for aftermarket cooling/silencers that will not fit in regular 3.5" bays. Lian-Li does not make a case (that I know of) that allows for such an option without extensive modding.

 

[pkme2]

I have 3, and I like the PC-60 more. It really comes down to your personal preferences. You got the right line, your gut choice will be the final outcome. Good picking.....