Which Lian Li case for new build

[moforles]

Hi Everyone,

I've chosen all of the components for my new build, and now I need a case to house them. The parts are:

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz 2 x 4MB L2 Cache LGA 775
GIGABYTE GA-P35C-DS3R LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard
2 x CORSAIR TWIN2X2048-8500C5D
eVGA NVIDIA GeForce 8600GTS 256MB GDDR3
Samsung SpinPoint HD501LJ 500GB
ASUS DRW-1814BLT
CORSAIR CMPSU-520HX ATX12V v2.2 and EPS12V 2.91 520W Power Supply 100
Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit

This is not meant to be a serious gaming rig, but I need to do some serious number crunching (machine learning training and CS simulations).

I'm deciding among the following 3 Lian Li cases:

PC-G50B
PC-6070B Plus II
PC-B20B

The pros of the G50B for me are that I like the look (more than that of the other two cases), and it's shorter and lighter. I'll never need all of the extra drive bays in the larger cases. I'll have no more than 2 harddrives in this PC and no more than 2 external drives.

Unfortunately, the G50B lacks the removable motherboard tray, the anti-vibration features, and the sound dampening features found in the other two cases, so I'm worried that the system might start to run too loud. I'm also worried about cooling with this case.

The PC-6070B Plus II is second in terms of looks for me, but it's also taller, slightly heaver, and doesn't have front audio ports. It and the PC-B20B have the nice features mentioned above, but I suppose the PC-B20B is superior in these areas.

I'm not worried about the difference in price.

Any feedback and advice would be much appreciated -- thanks!

 

[JiveMiguel]

I personally like the G50B the most. I don't like cases with doors. I don't think the noise dampening will be much of an issue. I see the newer drive mounting method in the B20B which is very nice, but I don't think you'll notice much difference in the sound. And regarding the removable mobo tray: while it is a nice feature, unless you're going to be working on your computer a lot, it's not that big of a deal. I build my comps and leave them. Sliding mobo tray or not ultimately doesn't make a difference for me. Other people like to try out different CPU coolers every month and what not. I need my comps to run so I don't fiddle with them once they're built.

While NewEgg has a lot of Lian Lis, this site may have more choices and possibly better prices: http://www.silverpcs.com
I get all my Lian Li stuff from them.

 

[moforles]

So you don't think the G50 will be too cramped for this system? Will it be cool enough?

Also, since this will be my first build, I figure that I'll be going in and out of the case a lot (at first, to fix all of the things I did wrong and eventually to update components).

 

[LOUISSSSS]

none of the above. you need to get a case with at least 1x120mm fan in the front and 1 x 120mm fan in the rear. side fans are used solely to bring cool air to video card. top blowholes are generally useless. 80mm fans are generally frowned upon.. loud and dont move enough air

 

[moforles]

LOUISSSSS, yeah, I was skeptical about the 80 mm fans as well. What cases would you suggest instead? And, if anyone knows, how hard would it be to add a 120 mm fan in the rear to these cases?

 

[woodscomp]

Antec 900

Or

Armor

Both cases are quiet enough and have what it takes to move air in and out.

 

[moforles]

woodscomp, the cases you suggest seem to be a bit on the heavy side (although they're very impressive). Can you suggest anything lighter? Perhaps something in aluminum.

 

[woodscomp]

Aluminum is ok, but does nothing for your case unless you are moving it a lot. I used to use cases made by Skyhawk years ago in my builds, almost all of them were aluminum and of decent quality.

But here are some Thermaltake

Watch for the 120mm front and rear fan.

Cooler Master A little pricey but a nice looking case.

You should also do a little research in your original choices, they maybe able to accept 120mm fans but come equipped with 80mm. You can always opt for one of the Lian's and if they will accept a 120mm you can then order a few of those to go with it and replace the stock fans.

I personally use the Armor case and am moving to a Antec 900 because I need the room under my new desk.

 

[woodscomp]

Lian Li

This was your first choice, has 2 - 120mm fans. Might wwork for you although others have said it's cramped.

 

[LOUISSSSS]

Originally posted by: woodscomp
Antec 900

Or

Armor

Both cases are quiet enough and have what it takes to move air in and out.

too bad thermaltake case's suck and have horrible quality. they use bad quality sharp steel that is heavy and sharp and scratches easily.

the antec 900 is decent but is too blinged out. lian li users like elegant clean looking cases

i suggest taking a look at performance-pcs.com and the lian-li v1000Plus cases if u like full towers with lots of room to work in then check out the v2000Plus cases

 

[moforles]

The G50 has two 120s, but one is a side fan -- is that a decent alternative to the front-rear config?

 

[moforles]

I've looked at the v1000s in the past, and I really didn't like the fronts riveted with air holes.

 

[moforles]

What do you all make of the Ultra Aluminus ?

It has front and rear 120 mm ports, removable motherboard, and it's very light-weight (aluminum).

 

[woodscomp]

Originally posted by: moforles
What do you all make of the Ultra Aluminus ?

It has front and rear 120 mm ports, removable motherboard, and it's very light-weight (aluminum).

That's a classic Cheng-Ming case been around for quite awhile, decent design, good fit and finish.

I have found that most cases in this price range are decent, go for the design that you like the best and offers the features you are looking for. Most cases are purchased because of astetics anyways.

 

[woodscomp]

Originally posted by: LOUISSSSS

Originally posted by: woodscomp
Antec 900

Or

Armor

Both cases are quiet enough and have what it takes to move air in and out.

too bad thermaltake case's suck and have horrible quality. they use bad quality sharp steel that is heavy and sharp and scratches easily.

the antec 900 is decent but is too blinged out. lian li users like elegant clean looking cases

i suggest taking a look at performance-pcs.com and the lian-li v1000Plus cases if u like full towers with lots of room to work in then check out the v2000Plus cases

Way to thread crap... Yeah for you!

Believe it or not there are a ton of good cases out there, not only the brand that you prefer.

Guy asked a question, because my answer does not cater to your narrow minded view, you crap all over me. Good job!

 

[moforles]

I actually do like the Antec 900, although it's on the heavier side. I was also looking at the Thermaltake Tsunami and Shark as lighter alternatives to the Armor. Do you have any experience with either of those?

 

[swtethan]

my A05

 

[scrawnypaleguy]

If you like the size of the G50, you might want to look into the Lian Li A05. It's about the same size, but with a better cooling setup, support for full size ATX boards, and vibration dampening for your hard drives. link

 

[swtethan]

Originally posted by: scrawnypaleguy
If you like the size of the G50, you might want to look into the Lian Li A05. It's about the same size, but with a better cooling setup, support for full size ATX boards, and vibration dampening for your hard drives. link

yes, some guy loves his A05, even made a thread with pictures

http://forums.anandtech.com/me...ght_key=y&keyword1=a05


hmmmm....

 

[rise]

i agree. i have the g50 and i'm swapping it into an a05 (soon i hope). they're both really nice cases but the a05 has a better layout imo.

 

[moforles]

Do you guys find the g50 and a05 too cramped to work in (especially with no removable motherboard tray)?

 

[swtethan]

it was more roomy than my mystique 632s

 

[rise]

sloppy g50. its actually an easy case. i still get pissed everytime i go for a thumbscrew only to find it won't work in the case but thats a small complaint.

 

[LOUISSSSS]

Originally posted by: woodscomp

Originally posted by: LOUISSSSS

Originally posted by: woodscomp
Antec 900

Or

Armor

Both cases are quiet enough and have what it takes to move air in and out.

too bad thermaltake case's suck and have horrible quality. they use bad quality sharp steel that is heavy and sharp and scratches easily.

the antec 900 is decent but is too blinged out. lian li users like elegant clean looking cases

i suggest taking a look at performance-pcs.com and the lian-li v1000Plus cases if u like full towers with lots of room to work in then check out the v2000Plus cases

Way to thread crap... Yeah for you!

Believe it or not there are a ton of good cases out there, not only the brand that you prefer.

Guy asked a question, because my answer does not cater to your narrow minded view, you crap all over me. Good job!

1. he asked about Lian Li cases
2. TT case's are still crap compared to Lian Li quality. i dont think i can damage my case if i dropped it down a flight of wooden stairs, i put a little too much for on some crappy childish drive rail made like a 3 year old toy from my TT Damier case and it broke.
3. the Antec is nice to a few, but if the OP is looking at LL he wants a clean, elegant case. the Antec 900 is half decent, still not of LL quality, but too blinged out for most LL users.

more crap for you, you're not the OP

 

[Zepper]

svc.com still has the Coolermaster Mystique 631 aluminum case on clearance - $100. case for $50. But their shipping cost can be high - better the closer to the left coast you are.

.bh.