Lian-Li PC-65. Yes or No?

[Pez D Spencer]

I recently got a Logisys UV acrylic case from Newegg. The first one was cracked and so is the second one. I was leery about an acrylic case in the first place and wish I had never gotten one. Anyway, the acrylic case is going back and I'm getting a refund.

So now I have to decide on a case for my new A8N32-SLI, Opteron 170 system. I am pretty picky when it comes to cases and so far only the Lian-Li PC-65 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811112024) has met all of my criteria.

The requirements for my new case are that it must have a clear side window, can absolutely NOT have a CD drive door (I hate them), and must accomodate at least 2 or 3 80mm fans because I bought 4 80mm LED fans that I was going to use with the Logisys acrylic case but as I said, I am getting rid of that plastic piece of junk. I would just buy new fans but I have already spent over 3 grand on this new system including the Dell 24" LCD and I went over my budget a long time ago. After paying for the fans and Newegg's outrageous shipping for them they were about 12 bucks each. If I don't use them I will feel like I wasted almost 50 bucks for nothing. Im already out almost 50 on that junky acrylic case by the time you add up the cost of shipping it back twice and losing the restocking fee as it is. Front panel audio isn't a real biggie with me because I don't use a mic or headphones that much anyway. Plus the new case must be completely aluminum inside just for the simple fact that I like the way it looks in comparison to plain steel.

After seeing the Lian-Li PC-65 I immediately fell in love with it. It got great reviews and aside from that its just a beautiful case all together. I have never seen one in person but all the pictures I have seen are stunning and the Lian-Li's seem to be of very high quality. The case is a little pricey at 120 bucks but I hope its worth it. The only thing I don't like about the Lian-Li is that it doesn't have a fan hole in the side window but it has 4 80mm fans (2 front, one rear, and one top) so I hope that will be sufficient.

I also considered the Cooler Master Centurion (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811119079) but it only has one 120mm fan and one 80mm fan, plus its not aluminum.

So anyone else have one of these cases? Are they worth it? Like I said, it got really good reviews from all the sites I have seen but I just want a final bit of input before I drop the cash on this thing.

 

[Crystallas]

The LL PC6 series are great cases, for its day. Lacking the 120mm fan holes makes it a once-over.

Another nice case that fits your needs would be the Antec p160W. Side window, 1.2mm Aluminum, 2 120mm mounts. Better than the PC65 in all categories. Its a little bigger though. And has some weary eye candy for a front cover that gets mixed reviews. The only physical downside to this case is that you might want a dampering kit if your going to put it on a hard surface. 1.2mm Aluminum isnt the best for a quiet solution, although by no means are the acoustics overwhelming, still better than a PC6 IMHO.

Centurions are great aswell. Very good cases, very nice looking upfront.

I'm with you, I dont like bay doors. Im not big into windows or side fan cooling, but I definately dont like doors.

 

[unprecedented]

No

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

I have two Lian Li mid-towers. A PC-60 and PC-65, both in silver. I love them both.

If you are going with the 80mm fans you already have, yes go for it. The build quality and external finish will not disappoint.

I built a rig for my sister and used a cheap SkyHawk case. Looking back on it, a Kingwin KT-424 should have been bought. This case is cheaper than the PC-65 but built better with some features the PC-65 lacks. The one negative some find with the 424 is that the side window is externally mounted.

KT-424 review http://www.anandtech.com/casecooling/showdoc.aspx?i=1846

I've looked this case over at Fry's awhile back and like it. I might get one and switch out my sister's rig.

Case threads are strange because it's like telling someone what type of shoes to buy. Then the fanboy factor has to be considered, plus others need to justify a past purchase.

Good luck on what you decide.


...Galvanized

 

[Pez D Spencer]

Im pretty sure I looked for the Kingwin but couldnt find it anywhere. I think its been discontinued.

I decided to go with the Lian-Li PC-65. I ordered it a few minutes ago.

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

Originally posted by: Pez D Spencer
Im pretty sure I looked for the Kingwin but couldnt find it anywhere. I think its been discontinued.

I decided to go with the Lian-Li PC-65. I ordered it a few minutes ago.

Tip: Remove the stamped fan grills and install wire grills. Air flow will improve plus it reduces any wind noise. There are stamped grills front and rear. Leave the blow hole as-is.


...Galvanized

 

[Jojo1971]

pc-65 with 120mm side panel fan=:thumbsup: