Lian-li's vs.... black case showdown

[garyttu]

Black cases

Lian-li PC-65B (no PSU) $125
Chieftec/Chenming X-pider (420w PSU) $85
Superflower 201-bk (no PSU) $109
Superflower 561-bk (no PSU) (can't find a price)
Chieftec/Chenming X-dreamer (no PSU) $52 (not aluminum, but has the temp monitor)

There any real reason to jump up to the Lian-li for a case (extra 50-100 bucks)? I guess windows are kinda unneccesary.
Any other recommendations in this class?

G

 

[beatle]

Depending on your preference for doors (I hate them) I'd rule out the x-pider. Seems to be a well made case though. Never heard of the superflowers. The X-dreamer looks like a cool case, but I think it's made by Aspire, not Chenming. Take a look at this review on it. Looks neat to me.

 

[EeyoreX]

I have the Directron branded Superflower 201 Black case. I love it. I also wanted a window because the inside of this case is anodized black as well, so it looks really sweet with the window. Lots of drive space, good to work in and it looks nice. Though, I also have a Lian-Li PC68 that I like, so....

\Dan

 

[boyRacer]

I like this aluminum case---> Soldam Deep Purple ... it's anodized inside as well... too bad it'll cost me an arm and a leg to bring it here. :Q

 

[Blooz1]

boyRacer, that case is gorgeous! It looks huge!

I like the drive rack arrangement.......

I've got a PC-65b, and I love it. There is a huge difference in quality between the Lian-Li and the Superflower cases, you get what you pay for....

 

[EeyoreX]

Originally posted by: Blooz1
There is a huge difference in quality between the Lian-Li and the Superflower cases, you get what you pay for....

I have both brands, and I find the quality to be at least equal between the two cases. In fact, as I often work inside both cases, upgrading etc, I find that the Superflower case to be a bit better than my Lian-Li. Mostly from a standpoint how nice it is to work inside the Superflower. The case is not much bigger than my Lian-Li, but it "feels" like I have more room insode to move around. I also find it feels more sturdy (side panels mostly) than my Lian-Li. Both are excellent cases, but I like my Superflower more. As for "getting what you pay for" that is most often true, but a $15 difference between cases is not that big a difference to make the case that one is better than the other, especially as I feel that in this case, the less expensive case is the better one (though I do admit I have not worked with a Lian-Li PC-65, though I find that Lian-Li cases in the same "family" - PC-6x series - are about the same with minor, mostly cosmetic, differences).

Having said all that, I really think once you look at cases with similar features it becomes a question of which looks best and which you like most.

\Dan

 

[fhetw]

according to some friends, the xpider ps isnt that great so you might as well get a regualar antec/cheiftec case with a window for less where did you find one for 85?
the superflowers http://www.oxfordpc.com/components/index.php?action=show_product2&id=1036 are ok but id rather go with the LL
the xdreamer is attractive but is steel, but it is cheap...
i dont see why more ppl dont buy the LL pc7s which are almost identical and cost ~$90
http://www.crazypc.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=120199&Product_Code=81329 (you can find it cheaper i just dont feel like looking)

 

[SharkyTM]

i have a Lian-Li PC-71... big azz aluminum beast...

i've seen basically every case on the market, working in a college-area computer shop.

truth be told... there is no equal to the lian's quality. The sunflowers get very close... but still no cooKie. Too much pre-modding goes into the sunflowers, and there are sharp edges around the windows+ often the windows are not good quality plastic/acrylic/lexan... they scratch easily, and many dont come with wrap to protect them in shipping. Also, they're all the same... i like to personalize my case... modding is so mainstream now, its like buying a "custom" hot rod off a dealer floor... everyone can have one just like yours.

If you want to have a nice custom? case with no effort, get the sunflower... otherwise, get the lian-li

SharkyTM

 

[Outrager]

Originally posted by: fhetw
according to some friends, the xpider ps isnt that great so you might as well get a regualar antec/cheiftec case with a window for less where did you find one for 85?
the superflowers http://www.oxfordpc.com/components/index.php?action=show_product2&id=1036 are ok but id rather go with the LL
the xdreamer is attractive but is steel, but it is cheap...
i dont see why more ppl dont buy the LL pc7s which are almost identical and cost ~$90
http://www.crazypc.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=120199&Product_Code=81329 (you can find it cheaper i just dont feel like looking)

I find the removable motherboard tray a GREAT feature in a small case like my PC60. The PC7 just doesn't have that option so I can be a bitch to work just inside without the option of taking the mobo tray out. Cases like the Antec 1030 are big enough to not need a mobo tray, though.

 

[tommie]

i have a kingwin aluminum , 4- 5 in bays ,3- 3.5 in bays;removable mobo tray 5 bearing case fans(led) hidden 4 drive (vertical mount) hard drive cage at bottem in front of 2 fans ,2 glass sides. all toolless screws(even the pci i/o) i think i payed about $160 but i would definetly buy again, but dont think ill have to. very well made

tommie j