Lian Li PC-V880 HTPC Case

Manufacturer: Lian Li
Supplied by: JCL Company Ltd / Silver PCs
Street Price: $140

by Dean Barker (11/29/2005)

Introduction

With all the attention home theater PC cases have been getting lately, it's easy to forget that the first cases embraced by HTPC builders were those made by Lian Li. Lian Li has been making compact desktop cases for a good while. Several designs from the past two or three years continue to be available online because of their huge success, namely the PC-9xxx line. Lian Li's current production lineup for desktops is limited to two cases; the PC-V800 and the PC-V880. Both share many features including a majority of their aesthetics but still differ enough to warrant being separate models. The next generation 'V' series designs continue and make their mark on Lian Li's desktop scene as you will soon see. Thanks to the  JCL Company Ltd and Silver PCs, a regional supplier of Lian Li products, we have the Lian Li PC-V880 HTPC case on the bench for a closer look.

Specifications

• Observed Dimensions: 492 x 172 x 381mm

• Construction: Aluminum

• Observed weight: 4.2 kg (w/o PSU)

• Mainboard: Up to a full size ATX

• PCI Slots: Seven

• Drive Bays: two hidden 3.5”, two exposed 5.25”, one hidden 5.25"

• Cooling: two top mounted 80mm fan mounts (one 80 x 15mm fan included), two rear 60mm exhaust (one fan included)

• Front access ports: Two USB 2.0, Firewire, mic in and audio out

• Power Supply: None

• Window: No

• Available in silver or black anodize

The Rig

This very lightweight chassis (4.2 kg) differs from many other HTPC cases in that it has two exposed 5.25" drive bays complete with stealth covers to complement one hidden 5.25” bay. Most HTPCs only have one optical drive bay which puts a crimp in those direct disc to disc copying desires. Between the two visible bays on the front bezel is a black strip of grilling along its centerline. Some fresh air and fresh looks to give the PC-V880 a bit more flash than you will find elsewhere.

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