Case for upcoming build.

[ZanatosFox]

So I'm looking at case selections for a build I'll be doing shortly. I've pretty much narrowed down to two Lian-Li models:

LIAN LI PC-60FWB

and

LIAN LI PC-P50

I like the look of both about equally, so I was wondering if anyone had any experience with either one. How would they compare as far as: cooling, cable management, ease of installation, etc.

Alternatively, the Antec 902 can be had at Micro Center for about $110 right now, which is a pretty damn good price, so I suppose that could be an option as well. Though I tend to prefer the aluminum construction on the Lian-Li cases, I could probably enjoy with the 902 if it's well built and performs decently.

Thanks

 

[CurseTheSky]

I can't comment on any of those cases, but consider this one as well: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811163121

 

[ZanatosFox]

Originally posted by: CurseTheSky
I can't comment on any of those cases, but consider this one as well: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811163121

That looks really nice actually. Nice design and aluminum to boot! Have you ever used one? How is the cable management / airflow?

 

[Daverino]

I'm not posting this in a snarky way, but I'm not sure you're getting $110 of value with the LIAN LI PC-60FWB over something simpler like an Antec 300. The Antec is steel and doesn't have a window, but it's going to have much better cooling and is about the same size. I guess aesthetically, excluding the window, they seem pretty similar to me.

OTOH, that Silverstone that Curse posted looks pretty nice!

 

[Von Ribbentrop]

Best bang for the buck - Mid Tower

Lancool K-7

Steel frame, aluminum skin. Spend the extra money on your power supply

I matched this with an Corsair 620HX (Core I7 build)

Pro:
Lian Li
Very well built
3 x 120mm (quiet)
Fan Filters
Good air flow
fit and finish
Motherboard tray (works with large hs)
Every panel easily disasembled
Cable management behind MB tray
PRICE!!!!!

Cons:
Side panels should be about 2mm thicker
Would be perfect with about 1/4 inch more behind mb tray for cables.

I payed $79.00, $89.00 is a steal

 

[AznAnarchy99]

Ive been looking at that silverstone for my future build and everywhere i go people seem to like it. Im tired of my refrigerator, P180. Its amazingly heavy and cramped.

 

[faxon]

another good alternative is the Coolermaster ATCS840 http://www.newegg.com/Product/...H&Description=atcs+840

competitive pricing in an all aluminium case with comparable build quality to a silverstone or lian li offering. it has been turning a lot of heads and it has my eye (and money) come next friday when i get my bonus for all the overtime i did last week. basically think the feature set of the HAF (cable management wise), only with a different airflow model, a sleeker design, removable motherboard tray, and the space required to mount a 320mm radiator inside the case, something a lot of good cases today lack. while lian li may be known to have over all good quality, i have heard some complains as of late, and the cases that i dont hear these complaints about cost a TON more (P80 armorsuit comes to mind @ $400). the silverstone case linked is also an excellent contender, but the ATCS 840 is no slouch either.

 

[ZanatosFox]

Thanks for all the advice and suggestions so far.

As far as not getting my value out of a case upgrade, I figure I have the money to spend, and the case is what you will see all the time, so I want to get something that I like for sure. Now I won't sacrifice good performance for looks, but paying in the $200 range for the case won't bother me too much.

Anyway, I pretty much narrowed it to these two:

LIAN LI ARMORSUIT PC-P50

vs.

SILVERSTONE FT01-BW

I like the look of both, and they seem to be pretty much on par with each other price-wise. I'd prefer if the Lian-Li had a window, but I can live w/o it. Any major differences in cooling performance, cable management) or quality between the two, or any other comments about either one?

I really like the way the upcoming FT02 looks, but I'll be building before that's out. I guess I could use my old case for a few months until I could get one, but that would mean moving my old parts to a different case I have laying around... hmmm...

 

[zagood]

Some differences I see right off the bat...since they're both the same size, it comes down to the little things.

1. FT01 has a 180mm fan in front. LL has 120mm. I can't comment on the dBA to CFM ratio on the 180mm fans but Silverstone fans are normally pretty good quality.
2. LL has cutouts in motherboard tray and a mid-panel to separate PSU chamber from main chamber. FT01 has nothing like that.
3. Interior of LL is shiny silver. FT01 is black. Some might have a preference.
4. FT01 is almost 5lbs. heavier. That either means thicker aluminum was used in the FT01, or the docking bays/tool-less mounts create a lot of weight. Or both.
5. Personally I like the top of the FT01 better - I'll take the curve to flat over the bevels any day.
6. FT01 has some sort of 3.25" docking bays. LL has some sort of adapter box.
7. FT01 has a window.

 

[daw123]

I'm a Lian li case owner (PC-A70A) and I have to say that the build quality is very good. Saying that though, between the two cases you linked I would go with the Silverstone. This is because:
It looks nicer.
Has presumably better front intake fan.
Side window.
Black inside and outside.
I think it will have better internal airflow (due to not having the PSU compartment)

 

[ZanatosFox]

Actually, I don't think the Lian Li has a PSU compartment. One of the Newegg photos kind of looks like it does but if you look at the view from an angle you can see that it doesnt.

One thing nobody has mentioned yet is cable management. I'm really curious how these two compare in that regard.

 

[Tullphan]

Originally posted by: ZanatosFox
Actually, I don't think the Lian Li has a PSU compartment. One of the Newegg photos kind of looks like it does but if you look at the view from an angle you can see that it doesnt.

One thing nobody has mentioned yet is cable management. I'm really curious how these two compare in that regard.

It's too bad you can't wait for the LanCool PC-K62 to come out.
To me, it appears to be the steel/plastic (albeit quality plastic) version of the PC-50.
The cable management (to me) seems to favor the Lian Li. It has the cut-outs for the cabling where the Silverstone doesn't.
I believe both cases to be quality cases. If you like the Lian Li & you want a window, you could contact MNPCTECH.com.

 

[ZanatosFox]

So cable management edge goes to the Lian-Li, anyone else agree there? Cooling wise, fairly equal?

 

[Tullphan]

The edge might go to the PC-P50 for cooling w/those 2x140mm fans on top.

*UPDATE*
Newegg is now carrying the LanCool PC-K62!!

 

[ZanatosFox]

Nice!! I thought it wasn't supposed to go on sale for awhile! I'm going to do a bit of reading on its cooling effectiveness, but I think I may end up going with the LanCool. Although I do think I prefer the look of the Silverstone FT01, I've not read or heard very good things about its cable management or its VGA cooling (CPU cooling I've heard is quite good). Thanks.

 

[MraK]

Hello ZanatosFox

I'm proud to say I am an owner of a Lian-Li P50. Its a pretty good case, in person actually its a beautiful case and its pretty wide for a mid-tower case and I also got it modded *had a window crafted into the side panel* so anyone could see the goodies inside I'll probably post some pics of the tower when I have time.

Basically its a case for the average gamer and actually I chose this over the same Silverstone that you were thinking of getting.

Good luck with your choice! and happy gaming!

 

[ZanatosFox]

Hey MrAK, thanks for the info! I actually ended up going with the Antec 902. Microcenter had it on a good sale so I picked one up. I was also looking at the Silverstone FT01 at Microcenter, and after seeing it in person there were a few things I didn't like about it. Still haven't seen a P50 in person yet.

Anyway, while the 902 is nice, there just seems to be something a bit off with it. I don't know, I've got all my stuff in it and the cable management turned out pretty decent but it just doesn't feel right. I'm coming from a Lian Li PC-V1000 on my last build, and I guess maybe it just comes down to this: I don't think I can ever settle for a plastic/ steel case anymore. I may still pick up a P50 and sell the 902 if I end up liking it.