4 New Lian-Li HTPC Cases

[krotchy]

One thing I like about all 4 of these cases is they are designed to fit in perfectly with a stereo rack ~17 inches wide. Also all three of them are fantastically styled IMO, especially when compared to the older V800/880 HTPC cases that Lian-Li made which I never cared for too much.

First up is the full size ATX Case, which has been out about a month now, and can be had for 150 dollars. I really like this case, and its my current HTPC case leader for moving my current rig into for my TV when I upgrade to quad core (After Penryn is out, so at least a year away). Here is a Review of the PC-C30A, which seems to be favorable. Notice the brace bar for support on top so you could place a monitor on top of the case if you would like.

http://www.lian-li.com/Product/Chassis/Desktop/D_PC-C30.htm

Then comes the full height uATX case, which is also quite nice, but I feel the weakest of the 3 entires, due to being large and still uATX.

http://www.lian-li.com/Product/Chassis/Desktop/D_PC-C31.htm

Last and most intriguing is the SFF uATX case, which is low profile and looks pretty impressive and could easily house a nice E6300 system on a uATX board with impressive results.

http://www.lian-li.com/Product/Chassis/Desktop/D_PC-C35.htm

I cant find any prices on the uATX cases at the moment, but I suspect they would be somewhere below the C30's price of 150-160 dollars.

Discuss

P.S. Please don't post that you think Lian-Li's are overpriced, we get it this case isnt for you.


*Update*

The PC-C30 aparently has an optional version feturing an IMON VFD and remote control. At 210 dollars with comparable features to the Zalman HD-165 (300 Dollars), this case just got alot more interesting. Here is the newegg link:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811112127

They replaced the left side DVD Drive with a VFD, and it looks like this is actually a different bezel as the VFD slot is a little taller and not as wide as a CD drive.

 

[acegazda]

I love the look of the c35 in particular. Very sleek. It does take "flex" style psus... anywhere to get those cheap? The other cases seem to be atx psu compliant. That's actually pretty reasonable for Lian li cases... I'll have to add a HTPC segment to my case thread. Thanks for those links krotchy!

 

[albundee]

wow, clever... i would seriously consider these. think about it:

everytime u open up ur traditional case, u lay it on it's side to work on.

if this can fit a 8800GTX, with a window top, id buy it

 

[krotchy]

Originally posted by: acegazda
I love the look of the c35 in particular. Very sleek. It does take "flex" style psus... anywhere to get those cheap? The other cases seem to be atx psu compliant. That's actually pretty reasonable for Lian li cases... I'll have to add a HTPC segment to my case thread. Thanks for those links krotchy!

It looks like it *may* include a 300W Flex PSU. Normally I am weary about ever using bundled power supplies that come with a case, but I don't expect Lian-Li to skimp on this. If only a retailer had it up for sale so more info could be gained about what is included and who makes the power supply if it comes with one (C'mon Seasonic!).

 

[geo90266]

Nice cases!

For HTPC applications, however, the PC-C35 may not work because of the apparent lack of brackets for expansion cards. There doesn't even appear to be a riser-type configuration for TV tuner cards, PCI-E video, or external sound cards.

 

[MichaelD]

The PC-C30A is a nice case, but they made one glaring mistake. They are still using 80mm fans. A single 120mm fan on low moves more air than any two 80mm fans and does so in total silence.

I have a Silverstone HTPC case (forget the model #, but it's a few years old) and it's a nice case, except for the fact it's got a lousy 80mm exhaust fan, which I can hear from 20 feet away.

The C30A is big enough, width-wise (or height-wise in this case) for a 120mm exhaust fan. They should've went with one.

The C31 HAS 120mm fans; TWO of them! AND it takes a standard PS. But then they cripple it by only spec'ing it for a uATX motherboard? It would be nice if the front ports were behind a door as well; they are dust magnets on ANY case when exposed like this. At least it takes two HDs, though.

The C35A is nice looking b/c it's so thin, but it's a nightmare waiting to happen. Two 40cm dentist-drill fans? No thanks. One hard drive in a HTPC? No thanks. Teeny tiny hard to find and expensive PS? No thanks.

Don't mean to sound negative; THANKS to the OP for posting this. I read all the threads about new cases and enjoy checking out new products. LL almost hit one out of the park with two of the three cases...but the center fielder got his glove up high enough and snatched the ball out of the air. Keep trying, LL.

ps
I would buy a 31B...performance these days (i.e. C2D) is good enough that you can "settle" for a uATX MB and not suffer for it.

 

[Gdepp519]

I could see myself buying that C35 case and using it as a media pc.. and placing it on my tv rack.. that looks really friggin sick
what would make it even better is if the top and side were see through.. that would be ever better... hrrm.. can you say
early christmas present for me

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: MichaelD
one glaring mistake. They are still using 80mm fans. A single 120mm fan on low moves more air than any two 80mm fans and does so in total silence.

You think that's bad? My Cooler Master ATC620 uses a single 60mm fan for exhaust.

Still, 80mm (and 92mm) aren't all that bad. There's a tradeoff sometimes because in certain locations a 120mm fan cannot fit easily. With HTPC you don't have to spec out the latest greatest gaming rig with SLI/Crossfire video and the hottest CPU on the market, and more reasonable components will produce less heat.

I still think almost all HTPC cases are too deep (front to back). The PC-C35 series is close due to the small PSU. With most HTPC cases width is fine and so is height, to fit nicely into stereo racks. However, the depth is too much. For instance with my Cooler Master, with cables plugged into the back of the case and with a support in my stereo rack behind the case, it sticks out a bit on the shelf.

My ideal HTPC case does not exist AFAIK. Here's my wish list:

- Matches other equipment (okay, most HTPC cases do this fine).
- Can use "standard" ATX PSUs (some HTPC cases do).
- Use mATX board with full-height expansion cards (some HTPC cases do).
- Have reasonable ventilation and some "quiet" aspects (some HTPC cases do).
- Be less than 14" deep from front to back (any???).
- Under $100. I usually don't even spend that much on a case (though I still get good quality and value) but am willing to if the case is right.

Some acceptable tradeoffs for me would be:
- SFX power supplies, since those are a standardized form factor and there are some decent ones available.
- Using a notebook slot-load optical drive. Those seem to be somewhat available, are easy to use and adaptors (to EIDE) are easily available and cheap ($15?). This would save a lot of space, and is thin enough to extend over the PSU or motherboard without too many restrictions.
- Limit number of hard drives. Seriously, with 750GB drives available you don't need 4+ drive bays, plus fewer drives mean a lesser PSU needed and less noise/heat produced. I'd rather stream media through the network.

 

[krotchy]

updated with PC-C30I

 

[MichaelD]

The C30I in black would be really nice! Oh, how I wish it had a single 120mm fan in the back. The case is really nice looking and I would buy it for HTPC use.

BTW...how do those remotes work? I've never had an All In Wonder or TV tuner card...I assume it comes with software that tells Windows what to do with the IR commands it receives?

 

[dedwards]

Zap,

The Antec NSK2400 is darn close to meeting all your criteria. It's approx. 16" deep.

Link

DE