I've decided to buy a new Lian-Li case. Yes I surprised even myself. As a coolermaster person I never thought I would do this. But now the decision has been made and I need some help from people with experience. I know I want the silver (anodized?) case. But what size and which model? I would like to add watercooling later so a fullsize would be great for that but its also so huge. So I'm leaning toward the pc-65. But is it too cramped? What about the way LianL-Li mounts the hard drives in the removable bracket - Sideways. Does that thing prevent putting a radiator with the intake fans? But can people give me some suggestions? The PC-75 might be a good choice - especially for watercooling - but I don't understand how the psu rack works. There is no hole for psus with 92mm fan on the bottom. - Also, is the case really that massive? It just looks daunting in pictures and might be a pain to carry around. What about the window? I see its mounted on rivets - can it be removed for etching, etc? I've noticed Lian-Li has started putting a blow hole on the top of their cases. Is this for all of them? I live in the US - so I'm also looking for a store to buy it from. I need someone place reliable because I want it at my door in perfect condition (well thats a given).
the silvers ones are actually clear anodized, letting the polished alu show thru. dunno about where to buy em though...
I have a lian li pc68. Its got a really cool bezel compared to the normal boring pc60. Anyhow Your gonna really have to work to shove watercooling into a mid sized lian li. Taht sideways mounted hd rack can always be removed. There are 3 spots (well 2 if you use a floppy drive ) for hardrives under the optical drive rack. So you can fit a rad in there pretty easy of you remove that sideways rack. You wont be able to fit one in there otherwise. Another option would be finding a smaller psu. Shuttle sells a 200w psu that is very small. If you could relocate the psu, and then put the rad where the psu would normally go thats another good option. But anyhow. You CAN fit wc into a midsize lian li. But its just a stretch is all and your gonna have to mod which is the whole point right. But I would recommend the pc-68 its got a secksi bezel and it looks better in person than in pictures.
Can you cut two 120mm fan holes in the top of a PC-65 and install a dual 120mm radiator? Or is it too small to fit? I think the 75 would be fine for that. Speaking of which I think the newer 75s have the psu bracket with cut slits so the bottom fan can get air - am i right?
PCMods.com is a great site for LL's, that or Newegg.com, there both based here in the states. You could use a pc60 or any of the 60 variations, but depending on your config you might have to remove hte hdd and floppy racks (both come out REALLY easily). You might want to relocate your hd to the 5 1/2' bays, or use a 5 1/2' bay mounted res. Up top there is plenty of room between the psu and the cds for a smaller res that can hang from the top. You can use the front fans to your advantage if you get a dual 80mm rad, but you will neeed to remove the hdd rack or move it back. If your going really simple (ir: just the processor block, rad, res, and pump), you could fit it in. Otherwise you might want to look at the pc70's. You could always fit more into the pc60, but it will be a tight fit. edit: now that im looking at my pc60, there is a surprizing ammount of room, you just might have to be a little creative...
I mean..im not sure how much price is a factor to you. The 70's are way overpriced at over 200...The 60 series are smaller and can be had for about 100. That may also be a factor. But I think it would be cooler to have the WC in the 60x series, because its harder to do and would be much more fun getting everything to fit.
I picked up a PC-71 yesterday at http://www.monarchcomputer.com $173 and has free shipping. They don't have a huge selection of Lian's, but enough to look through. http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=M&Category_Code=C1-LL
