If you havent played with an aluminum case in person yet, its really quite something different. Not only are they amazingly great looking, they have awesome heat conductivity and are many times lighter then regular cases.
Lian-Li is one of those notable computer chassis manufacturers now known for their alluring aluminum computer cases. They make an entire lineup of aluminum PC cases for just about any type of use.
The properties of an aluminum case are already attractive to hardcore enthusiasts, but some people just cant get enough. So how does one improve on cases that would make any computer geek drool? Just ask AMK Services theyve been successfully selling customized Lian-Li cases to a mass of hardcore computer junkies who just cant get enough (have you checked out their 1708CFM PC76-1708 case?!?).
Well today we took a look at one of their less extreme, but more affordable cases: the 16 mid-size PC-67USB case from Lian-Li.
Specifications:
Dimensions: 493x210x450mm
ATX form factor
Max Mobo Size: 12x9.6
Drive bays: (Total 12 drive bays)
four 5.25" external drive bays
three 3.5" external drive bays
five 3.5" internal drive bays
Material: Aluminum (silver color)
Thickness:1.5mm
P4 ready
Removable motherboard tray
Front 4 port USB hub
First Impressions:
The silver colored case is made with 1.5mm thick hard anodized aluminum, and looks as though it should weigh quite a bit. In fact, you can pick this baby up and you could swear that its one of the lightest cases youve ever worked with. When you start working with this case, thats when you notice its not all just looks and lightweight allure its one of the best damned cases you can possibly work with.
True Tooless Paradise:
Ive seen many cases which claim to be tooless and fall so far short of the mark that you wouldnt be able to begin working on the things without at least 3-4 different tools. Lian-Li is such a far cry from those shams that I was blown away. All the case screws used are easy to access thumb screws and Im not just talking about the case screws holding the side panels or the motherboard tray in place, Im talking about every single screw you would ever really need to take out, from the screws that keep the power supply in place, to the front panel screws holding the external 3.5 drive cage, and even the screws securing the internal 3.5 drive cage. And anything not secured by screws, like the drive bay covers, are easily removed or installed without injury or overt force.
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