PC-A05B, PC-7B PLUS II, Antec Solo questions

[aamsel]

PC-A05B, PC-7B PLUS II, Antec Solo questions
I want to use a lighter-weight aluminum case for a new build.
The PC-A05B thread is very impressive, but I am concerned
about the reverse air-flow.
My PC backs up to an often very hot set of sliding glass doors,
which would not be the best intake for it.
Even with a blowhole or two, I don't know that it is wise for me to use the PC-A05B.

The PC-7B Plus II looks interesting, but doesn't have much of a following here.
Are the materials in the PC-7B Plus II the same quality as with the PC-A05B?
Same thickness of metals, etc.
Yes, I realize that the PC-7B Plus II does not have the removable motherboard tray.

Another question concerns an Antec Solo I have.
In the past, I have used the optional (2) two 92mm fans
as intake in the front inside cover.
I am in the process of modding the front inside cover to
accept a single 120mm fan.
Has anyone ever done this?
I am likely going to dremel out the Antec factory "mesh"
that blocks a lot of the airflow.

I am going to end up with a verticle slot that will accept the
120mm (instead of the 2 x 92mm fans) but there will be
some wide open space around the 120mm.
What would good materials be to use to fill the gap,
other than just heavy cardboard?

Thanks.

 

[aamsel]

bump for anyone that knows more about Lian Li models
than me!

Or, if you have ever modded an Antec Solo.

 

[WoodButcher]

If you haven't cut the solo yet I would say don't. A pair of 92s' are capable of moving more air than a single 120. If you've begun cutting so be it, to close the remaining opening you might use an aluminum plate found at the hobby shop or aluminum flashing from any hardware store, attach with rivets or screws, foil duct tape also works well. Make a paper / card stock pattern allowing at least a 1/2" overlap of metal and trace the patch from that.

 

[dguy6789]

I have the PC A05. It's not really a "cold" running case. It's meant to be as small as possible while still allowing full size parts in it. It is easily the best case overall I've ever had by far, but thermal performance is not the focus of the case. If your goal is to get the lowest temps you can possibly get, I'd pick something else. If your goal is to get the nicest looking, highest quality case you can get, this is an extremely solid choice.

 

[aamsel]

Originally posted by: WoodButcher
If you haven't cut the solo yet I would say don't. A pair of 92s' are capable of moving more air than a single 120. If you've begun cutting so be it, to close the remaining opening you might use an aluminum plate found at the hobby shop or aluminum flashing from any hardware store, attach with rivets or screws, foil duct tape also works well. Make a paper / card stock pattern allowing at least a 1/2" overlap of metal and trace the patch from that.

I have not cut the solo yet, just looking at it and measuring.
I have not committed to modifying the front fan panel,
especially if it is a dumb thing to do.

What would a blowhole in the top of the SOLO, drawing air in do?

Could I then not have the 2x92mm in the front, just leave that panel
"unpopulated" with fans, as when it was delivered?

Originally posted by: dguy6789
I have the PC A05. It's not really a "cold" running case. It's meant to be as small as possible while still allowing full size parts in it. It is easily the best case overall I've ever had by far, but thermal performance is not the focus of the case. If your goal is to get the lowest temps you can possibly get, I'd pick something else. If your goal is to get the nicest looking, highest quality case you can get, this is an extremely solid choice.

Thanks.
I have a quite cool running E8600, so this might be perfect.
I don't need the ultimate in cooling, but the back of any case
I have will be up near what is usually a very hot window.

Questions about your PC-A05:

1.) Did you cut a blowhole, or did you have it done?
2.) What is the difference between the PC-AO5 and the current A05N?
3.) How much sympathetic vibration and sound is set up by the aluminum? I would be coming off a very quiet Solo. I Once had an original PC-60 so I know Lian Li somewhat.
4.) Did you get the black colored aluminum?
5.) So, you are saying it is a real value in the Lian Li line, cases costing a lot more offer little more, correct?

 

[thilanliyan]

I have the A05 as well and have it watercooled. Check the link in my sig. The case is pretty decent but I also don't really like the reverse airflow.

 

[aamsel]

Originally posted by: thilan29
I have the A05 as well and have it watercooled. Check the link in my sig. The case is pretty decent but I also don't really like the reverse airflow.

So, if you could make the decision again, and get a different Lian Li (or any other case) instead of the A05, what would you get. (it doesn't matter if it is more money, just not a whole ton bigger than the A05!)

 

[TC91]

nice rig thilian, love the way you setup your tubing 😀

 

[dguy6789]

I didn't do any modifications to my case. Like I said before, those looking for maximum thermal performance should look elsewhere.(That is pretty much the only complaint I could imagine anyone having with this case. The fact that it isn't extremely cold running) When I was searching for a case, I wanted the smallest case that could work with full size parts, I wanted it to be aluminum, and have dual 120mm fans. I ended up with this case and couldn't be happier. I had a big clunky Thermaltake Xaser case before this.

Things do run a little warm in this case, but nothing really to be of concern unless you're trying to break records or something.

The difference between the N and the B as far as I know is just the top ports on the case.

The default fans that came with the case are the only thing I hear in my case. They aren't really loud though. I have a Freezer 7 Pro that I can not hear. This case silenced my two hard drives by a huge amount compared to my last case. I could hear them crunching away in my last case, can not hear at all in this one. The 4870 is silent unless I'm playing a game.

The case doesn't vibrate for me. Mine is on a wooden stand if that matters. I did get the black aluminum one(It looks fantastic). The biggest thing that stands out about the case is the sheer level of quality and care it seems to be made with. It is so much higher build quality than every other case I've ever owned.(This is my first Lian Li though) Everything about it is excellent. I would buy this case over and over again if I needed a new case for a build. The only reason to get a different Lian Li that I could think of is if you want more interior space or if you want better thermal performance. From a usefulness, cosmetic, and simplistic standpoint, this case is amazing.

One thing I bought when I bought this case was this fan filter: http://www.svc.com/12mga-blk-11.html I put it over the intake fan on the back. It helps catch dust and since it's metal, it doesn't need replacing. Just wipe it off once in a while with a piece of cloth. Works pretty well, definitely worth it imo.

 

[WoodButcher]

If noise is a concern don't cut blowholes, if the case you choose has one use no fan or even cover it. I've found in similar sized cases that keeping a simple straight through air flow to perform best. Side vents when ducted like a cpu duct to a stock cooler work well but when not ducted simply short circut the airflow and leave hotspots in the case.
As to the thermals keep in mind that if this case will be in direct sunlight you will be best off with a "mill finish" (silver) case rather than black. A black case will create it's own heat without any help.
As to the fans in the solo 2x92 fans compared to a single 120 have more area but the motors may present more noise, a pair of zalman 92 mm undervolted to 9 or 7v would be my choice.

No matter what you decide plan to experiment with it, use tape and block vents or different fans, maybe a reflective tint on the windows would help.

 

[aamsel]

Thanks for the great information.