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The Lian Li arrives in a simple coloured box with the highlighted marking top right which says “2010 new” – refering to the fact this is a new tool-less design.
As I have been reviewing many steel cases lately I was stunned how light the PC-8FIB really is, you can easily lift it with one finger, it weighs less for instance than the Antec P193 side panel alone which we reviewed recently.
Classic, stylish and simple designs are at the forefront of Lian Li's products and the PC-8FIB doesn't fail to meet these goals. The engineering quality is absolutely stunning and it is easily seen once you get down on your knees to look at the edges, finish and fitting mechanisms.
The front view of the case is a master class example of how to create a chassis without the design ruining the sleek, formed lines. The anodised aluminum finish is stellar.
The front features 2 x 120mm 1,200 rpm intake fans which are filtered and hidden underneath a ridged exterior design. They have blue LED's, however on the red ‘spider edition' they have included red LED's to match the design.
The bundle contains everything you need to create a fully fledged system, from a USB 3.0 double header adapter which plugs directly into the motherboard to thumbless finger screws for connecting all the devices. Lian Li also include an SSD 2.5 inch drive mount and a 140mm fan filter if you decide to populate the top chassis position – we will look at this later.
Both side panels are identical and extremely high quality aluminum material, which is very light weight yet surprisingly strong to hold.
Underneath is a filtered intake area for the power supply, when we crack open the case later we will look at this from the interior view. This filter is removable and washable.
The rear of the chassis is home to another 120mm 1,200 rpm fan which sits above 2 rubber encased watercooling hose feeds. There is accommodation next to this for 7 PCI slots and underneath is the housing for the power supply.
Each side panel is opened by the simple removal of four thumbscrews, two on each panel.
The top is home to a wealth of connectivity. 2 USB 3.0 capable ports, high definition headphone and microphone jacks as well as reset and power buttons. There is also an eSATA port here which we always love to see.
My lord, I creamed my pants there, what a case !
That is just simply stunning, no other word for it.
FINALLY ! a LIAN LI review on KitGuru, this has made my week as I was looking at this case on overclockers last week, and for the price I need an indepth analysis. off to read this again before parting with my money.
Well words fail me. I saw the score and thought, has Zardon lost it. 9.5 out of 10? but by the end of it, 10 seems a fair score. The only thing I would say is the room for graphics cards. it wont handle a 5970 without moving the HD rack. thats the only real flaw I can find, and its not a big one as I would say 10 people have one 🙂
Excellent review, pictures are fabulous also, really helps to sell the case. the appearance is exactly what I want.
Sadly I wont be spending that amount of cash on a case, but its well worth it. I just need a better job first.
That is pretty much the perfect chassis. Nothing omitted that I would want.
Luxiourous high end design and beautifully implemented.
Great review Zardon, this is a dream case for me.
Great to drool over, but sadly way out of my price bracket when im buying a case, £120 is my self enforced limit. I have never owned an aluminum case mind you so maybe its worth it ?
wicked review that. put me in mind to blow more money when im paid. I hate this site sometimes.
Well aint this pretty. the price surely isnt tho.
God damn it, I want this case and have done for weeks when i saw it listed. This review has made the craving worse. its just so much cash 🙁 shall think over a pint 🙂
I love Lian Li products, this is beautiful. no other words for it 🙂
Just took delivery on one of these… Cost just over £140 delivered (to the UK) from Germany. For some reason caseking appear to be able to sell these at just €149, about £100 less than anywhere in the UK, just in case anyone was thinking of getting one.
Did I miss something or is there no power and disk drive activity lights?