Lian Li PC-V1000 Aluminum Case

Manufacturer: Lian Li
Supplied by: JCL Company Ltd / Silver PCs
Price: TBA

By Dean Barker (4/26/2004)

Introduction

The name Lian Li is synonymous with high performance, high feature, aluminum computer cases.  In this respect, the new PC-V1000 is no different than its siblings.  However, the Lian Li PC-V1000 is something decidedly different than what we are used to seeing in case design.  Several improvements have been well thought out and implemented in Lian Li's newest box.  For starters, the mainboard is inverted and the power supply rests on the floor of the case.  Several of the other new features we will soon show you are more than likely going to raise an eyebrow or two with that "why didn't anyone think of that before?" kind of look.  Before we go any further, I do want to thank JCL Company Ltd and Silver PCs for making this review possible.  With that said, on to the specs.

Specifications

• Dimensions: 490 (L) x 208 (W) x 490mm (D)

• Construction: Aluminum

• Observed weight:  8.2 kg (w/o PSU)

• Mainboard: up to a full size ATX

• Drive Bays: six hidden 3.5”, five exposed 5.25” with one of these FDD cover plate and tray

• Cooling: 120mm front case fan with filter, rear 120mm exhaust

• Front mounted ports: two USB 2.0, Firewire, mic in and audio out

• Power Supply: None

A Look Around

The PC-V1000 grabs your attention immediately with its front bezel.  The entire face is dotted with vent holes.  The only area left out of this is the drive bay area.  There, five 5.25" bays here are present to fill any drive needs you may have.  I say five because the lowest bay with the molded floppy drive bezel cover may be removed so you can fit a fifth standard optical drive or other like sized device if you are so inclined.    

  

Just below the drive bays is the power button centered midway on the bezel.  Directly below this are the hard drive activity and power indicator.

The bezel's face is curved at the top and bottom.  The clean line produced by this curve is amplified by the front bezel and the case's top being constructed out of a single sheet of aluminum.  I was surprised at how much removing a seam would do for the overall aesthetics.  See for yourself.

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