PC-7 plus vs PC-7 plus II

[Gepidae]

From what Im researching it seems like the plus II has an option for a side fan instead of a rear fan but it seems like the default is the rear fan and if you opt for the side, it must be purchased seperately. So if I choose not to have a side fan it doesnt really matter which one I buy right? Just double checking with you guys

 

[Pyrokinetic]

The difference between the two is that the "Plus" version is being replaced by the "Plus II" version. The "Plus" version had a blower fan that exhausted air out the back. The "Plus II" version replaced the blower fan with a regular fan that blows air out the side. Both have a regular 120mm fan in the back, the blower fan and the side fan are designed to remove warm air from the video card and the PCI slots.

Back of PC-7 Plus: http://www.overclockercafe.com/Reviews/cases/Lian_Li_PC-7_Plus/1006.htm (Note the blower vent to the right of the PCI slots -- near the bottom)

Blower Fan for PC-7 Plus: http://www.overclockercafe.com/Reviews/cases/Lian_Li_PC-7_Plus/1007a.htm

The PC-7 Plus II listed on Newegg does not show the side fan (has the side vent though and the mounting holes for the fan frame) so not sure if you would have to buy the fan seperately or not. However, the "Plus" and "Plus II" are different with the "Plus" being an older design which is being phased out--probably because the blower fan is more expensive than a regular fan.

 

[RallyMaster]

I believe the Plus II has double 120mm fans and the Plus only has a 120mm exhaust and a 80mm intake.

 

[MadScientist]

Originally posted by: RallyMaster
I believe the Plus II has double 120mm fans and the Plus only has a 120mm exhaust and a 80mm intake.

Well, yes and no. The first PC-7 Plus models had 80mm rear / 120 mm front fans. Later versions of the Plus have 2 - 120 mm fans, a 80 mm top blow hole (no fan included), and as Pyro stated, back mounting and exhaust holes for the optional LL BS-01 120 mm squirrel cage fan. I have the PC-7A Plus (silver version). It has 2 -120 mm fans. I also purchased the BS-01 fan. It helps keep my video card cool. It's available at Performance PCS for $14.95 + shipping.
From the pics at Newegg it looks like the PC-7B Plus II model has a side vent Newegg pic1, and as Pyro stated, with the Plus II LL has done away with the back mount and exhaust holes for the BS-01 fan. Newegg pic2

The description of the Plus II case at Performance PCS states that it has "new front USB 2.0 , firewire and audio ports". Does that mean they have been redesigned? One common complaint with the Plus model was the short length of the front audio cable.

 

[Gepidae]

Hm If I am correct to assume that the Plus II is an upgrade from the Plus why would they go about and remove the side blower fan? The plus II from the Newegg pic just seems like a regular grill that allows for ventilation.

To pyro: "The "Plus II" version replaced the blower fan with a regular fan that blows air out the side." Maybe Im blind but I dont see how a blower fan can be installed where that side grill is.

 

[pkme2]

The PC-7B has two 120mm case fans. I would add 2 more. One at the side vent as intake and a new exhaust on top of case. This setup is my idea of a cool machine. Great ventilation for any AMD or Intel system.

 

[Gepidae]

Wouldnt adding a side fan involve modding the case itself? I dont see how it would attach

 

[pkme2]

Originally posted by: Gepidae
Wouldnt adding a side fan involve modding the case itself? I dont see how it would attach

Drilling 4 screw holes to add a 120mm YL shouldn't be difficult on the side vent.
You need to cut a 4.5" hole for top vent installation.

 

[Pyrokinetic]

To Gepidae: The side fan on the Plus II version will mount the same way as on the PC-60B Plus II model (the PC-60 is basically a PC-7 with a removable motherboard tray):

Pic: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ShowImage...ATX+Mid+Tower+Computer+Case+%2D+Retail

The bracket and fan can be purchased seperately: http://www.coolerguys.com/840556028666.html

 

[MadScientist]

Pyrokinetic is correct. This question was also asked at Xtreme Systems Forum. The fan is optional on the PC-7B Plus II. It can also be purchased from Performance PCS. From the back pic of the Plus II at Newegg is looks like there are back mounting holes for this fan.

 

[Gepidae]

Ah thanks for clearing that up Pyro. Now in terms of fan configuration, I read from a review this guy turned the rear fan inwards (to blow air in instead of out) to create a positive air pressure to keep dust out (although I have no clue how that suppose to work with the front and rear fan blowing in). The air being blown out was from the top and the side of the case. Any thoughts on that?

 

[MadScientist]

Originally posted by: Gepidae
Ah thanks for clearing that up Pyro. Now in terms of fan configuration, I read from a review this guy turned the rear fan inwards (to blow air in instead of out) to create a positive air pressure to keep dust out (although I have no clue how that suppose to work with the front and rear fan blowing in). The air being blown out was from the top and the side of the case. Any thoughts on that?

Could you provide a link to that review?

 

[Pyrokinetic]

If it works... the PC-60 Plus IIs are configured to feed air to the cpu from the back, so the idea is not unheard of. With the PC-7, the front 120mm fan should be offset by the PSU, the rear (if configured as intake) offset by the side fan; which still leaves the 80mm blowhole exhausting even more air.

The best idea would be to experiment to see what setup gives the lowest temps.

 

[Gepidae]

Here it is http://www.systemcooling.com/lian_li_pc-7b-07.html

To be exact: "For my particular combination of hardware, I chose to turn the rear 120mm fan around so that it was blowing air into the case along with the front fan. This creates a positive pressure inside the case, which helps keep dirt out. I also placed a foam air filter over the rear 120mm case fan opening. (Eight dogs, five cats and a wood burning stove contribute to a rather dusty environment where I live Air exits the case thru the power supply, video card cooler, and passive top blow hole."

 

[MadScientist]

Thanks for the link. Doesn't seem like this setup would provide enough exhaust, especially if you're overclocking, but I may give it a try. I notice he uses the top blow hole for only passive cooling. I tried an 80 mm fan in mine, but didn't see any case or cpu temp differences with or without it in either intake or exhaust mode.

 

[Gepidae]

Hm if your gonna experiment with it, take the same setup and put a fan on top instead of passive cooling and let me know how it goes