Hey guys, as some of you already know CaseKing and OcUK have been working with Lian Li to have an exclusive CPU block that performs well, looks good but doesn't break the bank. While this is still in the motions here, the exclusivity is only in Europe which meant I was able to get my hands on a pre-release sample of the international version earlier this month for a review. I figured while I am getting ready to wrap up the review, I wanted to provide a quick overview in the meantime:
I have to say this is my first Lian Li product but I have seen unboxings of other products before. Even so, to say this is minimalist is an understatement. There is really no information anywhere aside from the mention of this being a CPU block which is already known, but I personally like clean packaging so I don't mind this.
Inside are more white boxes (getting memories of Russian nesting dolls here) with a piece of thick, soft foam below the CPU block itself for some protection. I would have preferred to see some more foam in here on the sides as the contents were rattling inside when I got it, but everything did arrive in perfect condition for me.
The first box has the installation instructions for both Intel and AMD sockets, a spare O-ring (always nice to see, and something I am going to be recommending every block maker to include), a tube of thermal paste, and the installation hardware.
The second box contains the backplates for the various sockets along with an isolating rubber gasket to prevent shorting. That hex key in there will be included along with the installation hardware in the retail versions, and is used to help disassemble the block. Speaking of which:
The block is on the larger side relatively and had a plastic cover on the top, but on the cold plate curiously enough. Then again the cold plate doesn't have a polished surface so a protective cover wouldn't really have done much. The block does look similar to the Bitspower Summit, but there is no involvement from Bitspower here. The top is plexi with no in/out port markings, and they aren't exactly interchangeable either (there is a definite thermal effect, and going with the port further towards the center as the inlet was better for me so far). There are two holes for LEDs which will fit 3-5mm (tight fit on the 5mm LEDs but can be done).
1/2" x 3/4" size compression fittings are a no-go here without angled adapters, but smaller fittings such as the 10/13mm hardline fittings also shown work just fine. The two ports are also threaded perfectly in this sample. I don't know the price point in the UK but from preliminary testing, this is looking like a decent block for the money. Full review coming up soon with internal pics and test results, and if you guys had any specific questions please let me know and I will try to get them answered. Shoutout to Rich also for his involvement with this product and answering my own questions
I have to say this is my first Lian Li product but I have seen unboxings of other products before. Even so, to say this is minimalist is an understatement. There is really no information anywhere aside from the mention of this being a CPU block which is already known, but I personally like clean packaging so I don't mind this.
Inside are more white boxes (getting memories of Russian nesting dolls here) with a piece of thick, soft foam below the CPU block itself for some protection. I would have preferred to see some more foam in here on the sides as the contents were rattling inside when I got it, but everything did arrive in perfect condition for me.
The first box has the installation instructions for both Intel and AMD sockets, a spare O-ring (always nice to see, and something I am going to be recommending every block maker to include), a tube of thermal paste, and the installation hardware.
The second box contains the backplates for the various sockets along with an isolating rubber gasket to prevent shorting. That hex key in there will be included along with the installation hardware in the retail versions, and is used to help disassemble the block. Speaking of which:
The block is on the larger side relatively and had a plastic cover on the top, but on the cold plate curiously enough. Then again the cold plate doesn't have a polished surface so a protective cover wouldn't really have done much. The block does look similar to the Bitspower Summit, but there is no involvement from Bitspower here. The top is plexi with no in/out port markings, and they aren't exactly interchangeable either (there is a definite thermal effect, and going with the port further towards the center as the inlet was better for me so far). There are two holes for LEDs which will fit 3-5mm (tight fit on the 5mm LEDs but can be done).
1/2" x 3/4" size compression fittings are a no-go here without angled adapters, but smaller fittings such as the 10/13mm hardline fittings also shown work just fine. The two ports are also threaded perfectly in this sample. I don't know the price point in the UK but from preliminary testing, this is looking like a decent block for the money. Full review coming up soon with internal pics and test results, and if you guys had any specific questions please let me know and I will try to get them answered. Shoutout to Rich also for his involvement with this product and answering my own questions
