Lian Li Case - Torn/Decisions

[sleepyhead]

I looked around at other makers of cases and none really ticked the boxes like Lian Li. So I am going to suck up the cash and splash on a new/bigger case.

I've had my old one for around 7 years now and it's time for a change I feel (plus I can donor the old current case for that linux build I been wanting to do for ages).

So value for money (relatively speaking between the different Lian Li models)...

My choices are:
Lian Li PC-A10B - No Psu - Black - Free Delivery - XCASE No1 For pc computer cases, atx cases & rackmount cases

Lian Li B25 (Blue Ring) Black-No Psu - Free Delivery - XCASE No1 For pc computer cases, atx cases & rackmount cases

Lian Li V10000Z - No psu . - XCASE No1 For pc computer cases, atx cases & rackmount cases

I'd really like the V10000Z but it's rather pricey at £155. I'd like to hear people's views (who may or may not own) on these cases and pro's/con's. I've read encouraging reviews of the first PC-A10B and B25B but nothing on the V10000Z.

Will I be modding it? Not at the start..perhaps a few years down the line to make a few minor adjustments.

[staffsMike]

Firstly I thought I'd mention that x-case prices are ex VAT and Del so it will be significantly more exensive all round.

I think of those cases the one that shouts at me is the B25B.

The A10B just looks like a massive overkill for most people. No many people need two power supplies afterall

What are your requirements? I only ask because although the B25B does seem the best compromise from your choices I can think of cases that probably do it better and for less money.

[sleepyhead]

Ex vat?? Cheeky...I didn't see it say ex vat on the pricing.

Anyhow, requirements were on another thread but I can't find that one to link to.

Lightweight (so aluminium is a first choice)
Removeable motherboard tray
PSU at bottom of case (not necessary but a nice feature)
Large enough to house at least 5 HDDs (I got 3 so far and instead of consolidating, I keep adding more)
Black (to go with current and future monitors)
Good airflow
Quiet
Simple look (for awhile I wanted the Coolermaster Cosmos but glad I didn't as I grew to not liking it)
Filters for the intake fans (oh how I love them on my current little Lian Li case)
Be able to house long GFX cards (ie 8800 GTX/Ultra size)

With the pricing being ex VAT and delivery...the V10000Z looks quite expensive now. The PC-A10B is in front now. No i don't need 2 PSUs but it's nice the PSU is housed at the bottom.

[staffsMike]

That is a long list, I can see why Lian Li have found the top of your choices lol

I would probably take the B25 still but the the A10 does have it's charms

Silverstones TJ09 should be available around the same price -£170ish, but I'm not sure if that has a removable motherboard tray.

[colincliff]

delivery is free i think

[sleepyhead]

That is a long list, I can see why Lian Li have found the top of your choices lol

I would probably take the B25 still but the the A10 does have it's charms

Silverstones TJ09 should be available around the same price -£170ish, but I'm not sure if that has a removable motherboard tray.

It has a removeable motherboard tray according to Scan...

Computer hardware and software at amazing prices, available online from Scan Computers UK

I find it funny...11kg in weight; one of my 17x7 alloy wheels weighs about 7kgs. lol.

Scan list that TJ09 at £188 (rouded up). The A10B is £147 (rounded up) at xcase. The B25...doesn't quite match uto the A10B in my eyes. The V10000Z is a winner except for the high price and unavailability. Just seen the V10000Z is actually V1000Z just mis named on the xcase site as they later refer to it as the V1000Z.

*sigh*

I probably will go with the A10B unless another alternative pops up or a super cheap V1000Z is for sale.

[enderion]

what about the pc-A17B @ £99.86 inc vat from xcase?

its what i'm looking at getting. lots of features for the price. also looks to be highly moddable.

as for extra fans/hard disk space in the future: you could get a 'Lian Li EX-33B HDD Bay Black' from kustompcs.

[sleepyhead]

With the purchase of a (hopefully working) 8800 ultra, this has accelerated my need for a new case.

Almost set on getting the PC-A10B, the PCA-17B isn't quite to my liking (visually).

Just is alot to outlay for a case...but then I can't see any alternatives bar the more expensive TJ-09....unless someone shouts one out pretty soon (like tonight).

Cheers.

[Ommid]

I have the A17B and I love it!! Its somewhat like a server case as you can have caddys for drives at the front and can have up to 9 hard drives if you wish.

[Ommid]

Problem with Lian Li is getting the accessories in the UK!! No one has what you want!

[purohitebay]

i got a lian li - i'll be it an old one in the attic now. but the build quality of these is phenomenal. the one that seems really nice is the B25B.

[sleepyhead]

Thanks to moogle, I am now sold on the Antec 1200 due to it's thermal performance, quiet operation, cable management and internal space.

I just need to buy it now.

It's not aluminium, it doesn't have removeable motherboard tray, it doesn't use thumbscrews everywhere but it's significantly cheaper than the Lian Li...so price/thermal performance I am persuaded by function over form.

I just don't like the look of it, its too "in yo' face"...but can't win them all (unless you mod/make your own, which I am not willing to do).