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The other side panel has a single thumbscrew holding it firmly in place. This side panel uses the same ‘locking pin' style system, which requires a ‘tug' on all corners to remove it. Theoretically this panel won't be removed very often, so the adoption of an additional locking screw for additional security is a good idea.
Both lower and upper drive bays use molex connectors for power. There is actually no need to use SATA cables in this case, unless you connect your drives directly, rather than using the bays as shown. There is a PCB next to the upper most fan which can control the speed of a variety of fans. You can omit this completely if you want the motherboard to control the speeds.
The cable from the top panel run down this side of the case, out of sight from the system build on the other side of the case. There are plenty of routing holes, all of which are rubber mounted to improve appearance and to protect the cables against fraying. A huge section of the motherboard tray has been removed to accommodate the largest backplate heatsink coolers.
The front of the case has a removable, washable dust filter, which can be slid out from position easily. Each of the three 140mm fans at the front of the case can be removed without screws, lifted out of the sockets. Each of these fans has an removable molex connector, or they can be connected directly into suitable 3 pin fan headers on the motherboard.
One of the aspects of the X2000FN which I find so appealing is that you can remove almost all of the cages and partitions if you wish. I decided to build a high end server system into this case today so I adjusted the case to suit.
I absolutely love the expansion slot locking mechanism. Other companies have copied this in recent years, but they never make them as well. The X2000FN locking levers are made from metal and they feel incredibly strong. I have been building system into the X2000F now for 18 months and they still show no signs of weakening. This tool less method of locking heavy graphics cards is class leading. Lian Li have also incorporated a new graphics card holder mechanism into the new case, which you can see above.
Holy batpants batman. I almost creamed myself.
System price must be close to £5,000? crap, i feel poor now 🙁
They do make beautiful cases, but I can never afford the ones I like as they all seem to cost £300 or more.
The case seems lperfect for workstations but gamers can do better. Does LianLi have a shorter version with two front intake fans and less drive bays?
Would a side fine obstruct the airflow of this case?
Hi Luay. You mean the same case but basically just shorter in height? I dont understand your second question – whats a ‘side fine’?
Oops! That’s me typing from my iPad. Thanks for taking your time to help out!
I meant a shorter case with one less intake and less drive bays, and perhaps a side fan would make a proper gaming case. But I agree with you saying it can serve both gaming and workstation in one build. Three front intakes would probably cool even dual video cards but not optimally as a side fan would.
I can see the carefully planned airflow of this case, but would a side fan obstruct this type of air flow? I really like the build quality of this case but I also have the specific requirement I mentioned.
Thanks for the detailed review Zardon.
I was wondering… Is the drive bay on the top (Zone 1) removeable?
Hello Yume. The drive bay at the top/rear for 2.5 inch and 3.5 inch units?
the 2.5 inch bay at the top is removable as shown on this page http://www.lian-li.com/v2/en/product/product06.php?pr_index=627&cl_index=1&sc_index=25&ss_index=61&g=f but only the one at the front, not at the rear. The reason is that particular bay is the main position for hard drives so its in place with soldered bolts, rather than screws. the lower one in Zone 3 is also removable.