Lian-Li Case Conundrum

Orison

Orison

Orison

Associate
Joined
13 Dec 2006
Posts
142
Hi guys,
Decided to splash out during my new build and go for a Lian-Li case. Trouble is I'm spoilt for choice now! I'm ideally looking for a case that will last me a long time, hence trusting Lian-Li's build quality; and I'd like it to be roomy so it can fit whatever hardware the future throws at us, regardless of the trend toward bigger components. And of course I'd like it to be quiet and cool, since I intend to air-OC my new Core 2 but don't want a 'l33t' machine that sounds like a turbine!

I've kind of narrowed it down to two cases which I think are gorgeous - the V1100 PLUS and the V767. From what I can make of it, both are big, sturdily built cases with silencing measures (e.g. vibration damping on the HDD mounts) and plenty of airflow from 120mm fans.

So can anyone influence my decision either way? If you have one of these cases, what was it that made you choose it?

Any input, even just subjective opinions of the two cases' relative aesthetics, will be much appreciated.

Thanks guys!
 
I am not one for cases with doors on, whcih ruled out the V1100 for me completely.

I ended up going for a V1000 and a V2000, and have regretted getting the V1000 ever since, but only because the V2000 is awesome. It's massive, but not too big. After building a sytem in the V2000, I put in a duplicate set of kit into the V1000, and it took me twice as long, cuz you have to think about where stuff goes and getting a odular PSU in wasn't straight forward at all.

Both cases up and running are very quiet on the stock fans, and both have the Plus2 version side fan on them as well.

I assume the V2100 is the equivalent to the V2000 as the 1100 is to the 1000 (too early in the morning for me to double check), so all I would say is if you can afford the extra £30 then get the bigger case. You won't regret it, and assuming the V1100 is the same size as the 1000, that isn't very big at all.

I have a pic of them side by side (if only I could figure out how to upload a pic), could always email you if you are interested.
 
Hey normski. Would love to see that pic. Easy to upload a pic. Just go to http://www.imageshack.us/ - click browse, go the image on your hard drive, then click the 'host it' button. It will upload the image and then you will get a direct image link (the one at the bottom), and you can link to that image here. You can just copy and paste that link straight in here, or to embed the image in your message itself, you just click the little yellow icon at the top of the message box here when you are typing, and it will create this "
". Easy. Any questions, just ask.

:)
 
Last edited:
I'd agree with Normski's suggestion of leaning towards the v2100, rather than the Pc-767. The Pc-767 is now an older case, and is becoming obsolete. Having said that, IMO the V2100 has now been superseded by the PC-201. so thats deffinately worth a look.
 
Thanks for the input guys, and for drawing my attention to the fact that the V2000 is the same price as a V1100. ATM my current build doesn't really need a server-size chassis but from the look of it, the V2000 combines ample space with good airflow to best effect. But how quiet is it?

Since the V2100 is to the V2000 as the V1100 is to the V1000, it makes for a truly awesome case. However, it does come with a truly hefty £205 price tag.

Ideally I'm not looking to exceed £150 and I would like a quiet, roomy case with Lian-Li's kind of build quality.

Among the Midi towers, you've got the V1000 or the PC101 or PC-767 as choices each at £135. From what I can see, the PC-101 suffers from the fact that the front intake can't actually bring any air into the system. For the same price, the PC-767 is somewhat larger spatially and aesthetically I think it's fantastic. In what ways is it becoming obsolete? Which leaves the V1000, for which you might as well shell out the extra £20 for a V2000 or the V1100.

The V1100 is the same size price as the V2000 and the same size as the V1000. So that extra £25 either provides extra silencing or extra space, as I see it. Still, paying £150 IS a lot for a Midi case when you could get the PC-7, which is nearly as large, for £100 cheaper; all that for some noise reduction?

I don't know. Hmmm. The V2000 is a nice, big case, but I do like the aesthetic of the other Lian-Li's more and perhaps size-wise it's overkill. Wish I could see them all side-by-side before I decided!
 
For you, Bananadude



And as for the sound, I think the V2000 is very very quiet just on the stock fans. I just love it. And I seem to recall that it only cost £152 from OCUK, the cheapest place that I could find with the stock (the only place I could find with stock!)

I also have a PC6087? or something like that, the one with blue led strips either side on the front, the same as the P60 as was, and slightly bigger than the PC-7. The V1000 is about 3cm taller and makes the older style case look a bit knaff, and very small. Just get something the size of the V2000,2100 or whatever and stare lovingly at it all day.
 
Last edited:
:D Thanks!

Looks nice! You took the wheels off it looks like?

I think I'd prefer the black version, but it does look a beautiful piece of kit. I only have one DVD drive though, so have to think of stuff to fill all those slots!! Certainly more than enough space for HD's in the space below.

:)
 
Had a black Lian-Li previously, got so many finger prints all over it and it took a lot of cleaning!

The wheels are still on both cases and they are class, they are a little further back on the 2000, which I think helps the look. Also came with some slot on rubber tyres that I don't use. On the wooden floor as well as rolling well it glides side to side without the worry I would have of damaging them if it was rubber feet. Ofcourse if you take the wheels off you loose the ventialtion through the bottom of the case.

One thing I am suprised at is that after two weeks of use, and having cleaned the 6087 out at the same time, that the v2000 is gathering less dust, and my office floor is a dust magnet.

My fears before I brought the case were dust and noise, and both are completely negligible in reality...
 
I would have thought silver would mark up easier than black, but perhaps not. Maybe just as bad as each other. So have you got a system running in the V1000 also?

I know you said before it was fiddly to get it in there compared to the V2000. My concern with the V1000 was that I may only get 3 HD's in there, as I read that if you use a modular PSU (I am getting the Corsair 620w one) then that means you can't use the second HD bay. That would not be good.

Is the V2000 quieter than the V1000 then? Thinking about it, I would imagine it would be, as the greater space would not reverb the sound so much. Atleast I think thats how it would work. It should certainly be cooler anyway with all the extra space.

:)
 
Have both up and running, but the v1000 is for my kids for xmas, but I will be giving it a run in this weekend to make sure it's OK. It only has XP and the drivers on it at the moment, but they honestly seem as quiet as each other.

As for the extra space, that isn't necessarily a good thing for cooling (I can't say if it makes a difference with these 2), as the fans potentially could be less effective in getting the flow going in the bigger case perhaps. I could be talking out of my bottom, but in theory it sounds like a fair argument.

As for drives/PSU space, I have the Corsair 620 in both, and that is where having a modular PSU slows you down. I didn't remove the drive bay/PSU seperation bay partition, and yes you could still get six drives in there easily. The PSU is a relatively tight fit, but not too tight, you just have to plan what you are going to use and plug it into the PSU before you put it to its finl position.

I am not knocking the v1000, I have just spoiled myself with the V2000 that's all.

If you want a couple of pics of the fit inside the PSU bay etc. I can do them over the weekend. Infact I will take the side off both so you can compare, as long as you don't complain about my cables being untidy, I have't had time to stop in the last few weeks, let alone worry about tidy cables.

I have a Scythe Ninja in there as well which fits dead easy with room to spare.

As for the silver marking more than the black....my old 6087 still looks mint and has been knocked plenty of times, I don't think minor damage like scuffs etc. is easy to do to these cases, they are quality.
 
Last edited:
Mmm... I almost wanted you to diss the V1000 so I'd HAVE to get the V2000 :) . Still in two minds about which to go for.

Some more pics would be super thanks! :D That may make my decision that bit easier!

:)
 
Bananadude, if tha's all you need mate...the V1000 is absolute pants, get a v2000 :D

Have a busy day but will get round to sticking some picks on later. :D
 
Look forward to seeing those pics! :D

Another question for you - would a 45cm SATA cable be long enough for either of these cases, or would I need the 60cm or even 100cm one? I have a couple of 45cm cables, so just wondering if I need to get longer ones for either the V1000/V2000? Would I get away with a 45cm IDE cable for my DVD drive also?

:)
 
Pictures very shortly.

I am using the standard length SATA cables at the moment which are 45cm, and they do fit, but only just on some of the further away drive slots. I would use your 45cm ones and if you want a bit of extra slack then get the 60cm ones.

The 45cm ones won't allow you to use the bottom two or three drive bays in the front cage on the v2000 though, unless the sockets un your mobo are unusually low towards the memory banks.
 
Last edited:




Bananadude, I took a load more shots of each case if you want em, just let me know what you are looking for.

An before you ask, yesy the V1000 did come with the side fan, I assume you can see it is there on the pic with the sides on. And the V1000 has an aluminium duct to channel hot air from the PSU at the back.
 
Last edited:
Mmmm.... the V1000 looks tiny standing next to the V2000! Looks quite cramped in there as well in comparison. And the V2000 doesn't look so big with all the kit inside it. The V2000 has the aluminium duct also doesn't it?

Would be good if you had a shot of each (individually) square on and open from the side so I can see internal layout closer up.

:D
 
The V2000 doesn't have the duct on the back (it did on the original model I believe) but I guess the distance between the PSU extraction grill and the 12cm rear fan as so great that it wasn't needed (there are mountings for 2 x 8cm fans between the two).

Didn't take a square on front view of them individually but did get a shot of each from the side. If you want the fronts doing again I can do them when I get a minute. Will post the sides in a minute.

I think the one thing I recall putting you off on the front of the v2000 was the amount of drive bays wasn't it. Just get two DVD drives, a nice fan control and temp panel, and if yo still don't like the blanks get on of the two or three bay extra fan/hard drive bays as well and stick a pretty blue fan behind it. Sorted.

Quite seriously though, for the extra £25 or so, you will kick yourself not getting the 2000 over the 1000. I still am.
 
Last edited:
normski_ said:
I think the one thing I recall putting you off on the front of the v2000 was the amount of drive bays wasn't it. Just get two DVD drives, a nice fan control and temp panel, and if yo still don't like the blanks get on of the two or three bay extra fan/hard drive bays as well and stick a pretty blue fan behind it. Sorted.
Click to expand...
It pretty much was the only concern I think! Silly really! What are these 2-3 bay extra fan/hd bays you mention? Do you mean like THIS ONE - that's just one bay though and I thought these got hidden behind the blanks anyway? I definitely would want something for the blanks - without spending a fortune. I'd go for the black version of this case though, so whatever I get would have to go with that. Thanks fof the pics - I'm definitely leaning towards the V2000, just need to figure out what to do at the front!

:)
 
Bananadude said:
It pretty much was the only concern I think! Silly really! What are these 2-3 bay extra fan/hd bays you mention? Do you mean like THIS ONE - that's just one bay though and I thought these got hidden behind the blanks anyway? I definitely would want something for the blanks - without spending a fortune. I'd go for the black version of this case though, so whatever I get would have to go with that. Thanks fof the pics - I'm definitely leaning towards the V2000, just need to figure out what to do at the front!

:)
Click to expand...

its manufactured by lian li. takes up the space of 2 5.25" drive bays, and gives you another 3 3.5" internal bays. there is a fan built into the front to keep the hdd's cool

click here for pics
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom