Lian Li PC-S80

[Qi]

Hi Guys,

I intend to build a new computer when Vista comes out and I am doing some component research at the moment. I absolutely hate overly noisy computers, so what I really want to have, to somewhat minimize sound annoyance, is a low noise computer case. After reading some reviews I stumbled across the Lian Li PC-S80, a beautiful case built with acoustics in mind. Now, what I am wondering, is there anyone on this forum that actually has this case? I can easily find some (semi-)professional reviews on the net, but it's hard to find user reviews; seems the case is not that well known.

What I want to know:

-How's the airflow?
-How quiet is the case?
-Is it possible to replace the built-in fans?
-Will an 8800GTX fit in this case?

The reason I'm asking these questions, even after reading all the reviews, is that the reviews are not conclusive. Some say that the case airflow is fine, some say it's not very good. And still no answers to the fan and 8800GTX questions.

Official Site:

Lian Li PC-S80

Reviews:

AMD Review
Dan's Data
Box Gods
Virtual Hideout
Puget Systems

 

[Operandi]

SPCR favorably reviewed the similar PC-101B, and since it's SPCR you know that it has to very, very quiet; I would assume the S80 would perform about the same.

I think some of the fan brackets used might use non standard screws so if you want to swap the fans you may have to make a stop at your local hardware store but it shouldn't be too difficult.

As far as the 8800GTX; there seems to be plenty of room so I would think so but I couldn't say for sure. I bet if you contact Dan he would be able to take a measurement for you.

Also take a look at the PC-V1100, it has a similar internal layout along with pre-installed sound dampening material and would personally be my pick for a new case.

 

[pkme2]

I prefer the roominess of the LIAN LI PC-60USB B2
and the LIAN LI PC-7B +2.

Adding a 250mm fan from Performance PCs could make a wonder of a difference.

 

[Operandi]

Originally posted by: pkme2
I prefer the roominess of the LIAN LI PC-60USB B2
and the LIAN LI PC-7B +2.

Adding a 250mm fan from Performance PCs could make a wonder of a difference.

Both of those cases are smaller then the 101, S80 and V1100. The PC60 is horrible choice due to it's use of 80mm fans and restrictive grills. The PC-7 is much better but is still less favorable then 101, S80, and V1100.

And nobody looking to build a near silent machine would ever use one of those ridiculous 250mm fans.

 

[Boyne7]

the idea behind a 250mm fan is that it spins at such a low enough rpm that it achieves a great amount of airflow for a greatly reduced sound output. also, just about any lian-li is going to be an exceptional case, they're just well built. If lian-li built it to be quiet, then it's going to be quiet.

 

[Woofmeister]

The PC-S80 has an 80mm exhaust fan. I generally stay away from cases with 80mm fans because the fans have to spin faster to move the same amount of air. All other things being equal, faster spin=greater noise. Lian Li makes a number of case with 120mm fans stock. I'd narrow my search to those if you consider noise to be a factor.

I join with one of the other posters in recommending the LIAN LI PC-7B plus II because of its less restrictive airflow and two 120mm fans. For additional noise reduction, consider buying a fan controller to slow the speed of the fans.

 

[Praxis1452]

Looks good to me =)

 

[Boyo]

I agree on the Lian Li PC7 Plus II. I actually own one and I find it to be the best case that I have ever owned. 2x120mm fans plus 1x80mm top blowhole, which you could mod to a 120mm blowhole. Go to Performance PC's and check it out. You can also add a side window with a side intake. That my two cents.

 

[Qi]

Thanks for the replies guys. After reading the reviews again, I think I will go for this case anyway. There is only one thing I dislike about the design and that is that the back 120mm fan is supposed to be used as an intake fan, but I will use it as an outtake fan instead, I think that's not a problem.

For added noise reduction I will replace the case fans with Noctua ones. From what I understand, these are the best at the moment, if silence is what you want. I will add some sound isolation pads to the interior as well if temperatures are right. Besides the 8800GTX, all components will be fairly quiet as well: Thermalright Ultra-120 with Noctua NF-S12-800, Corsair HX620W PSU and Western Digital Raptor WD1500ADFD.

Full specs:

Lian-Li PC-S80 Silver (3x Noctua NF-S12-800, 1x Noctua NF-R8)
Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 (Thermalright Ultra-120 with Noctua NF-S12-800)
2x1024 Crucial Ballistix PC2-5300 (3-3-3-12 @ 666MHz)
MSI GeForce 8800 GTX
Creative X-Fi XtremeMusic
Hauppauge WinTV PVR-500 MCE
Western Digital Raptor WD1500ADFD
Lite-On SHM-165H6S

Not sure about the mainboard yet. It's either an i680 or 975X board. Perhaps even an RD600, but it's not out yet.