Lian Li PC-V65 Plus Aluminum Case (Modified)

The front bezel of the PC-V65 is more of the traditional Lian Li style and not the G5 look of the newer PC-V1000 line.  Anodized black aluminum can never do you wrong in a beauty pageant.  Four 5.25" and two 3.5" exposed bays give you a reasonable amount of room to grow.  The lower of the two exposed 3.5" bays sports a Lian Li Thermal Panel.  I'm not going to get all into what the Lian Li Thermal Panel can do, as it is a review almost in itself but the short version is display and control of three fans, blue back lighting, audio alarm and a time display.  Need I say more?  One last thing about the front outer bezel is the small flap just below the 120mm venting holes conceals two USB 2.0 Ports, a Firewire port in addition to a speaker and mic jack.

     

The bezel itself pops off with relative ease, exposing the drive bay covers and intake fan grill.  The bay covers are tool free as is the fan grill.  Pulling the grill up and off allows access to a moderately tight mesh filter.  Access to the filter can be had inside of 30 seconds.  Keeping your fan filters clean is as easy as eating pancakes.

   

The rack holding the two 3.5" exposed bays is held in place with three Phillips head screws.  Taking these loose we're able to slide the small drive tray out for simplified access.

The left side panel has the same oversized window we have seen in other Lian Li cases with the exception that gone are the chrome screw heads fastening it in place.  All these have been replaced with black aluminum screws that blend in beautifully with the panel.

Around back we see what seems standard but actually is not.  Aside from the expected use of thumbscrews we find some nice improvements with the exhaust fans for the PSU and the case.

The rear exhaust as you can see if fitted with a 90mm fan.  Behind the finger guard you can make out drillings for an 80mm fan is you choose to replace the 90mm number that's included.  Think twice though; the included 90mm fan is a Panaflo medium speed fan rated at 48 CFM @ 2450 RPM, 30.0 dBA.  A very nice extra.  Another nice extra is the aluminum ducting that attaches to the power supply plate.  This ducting channels warm exhaust air off to the side instead of directly to the rear of the case.

     

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