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nice review. the case does look pretty cool, but i can't see it being worth that much either. looks pretty standard on the inside
Well, I paid $273.99 for my Obsidian 800D.
$150 doesn't seem so high for a high quality mid tower case, to be honest.
$150 doesn't seem so high for a high quality mid tower case, to be honest.
I promised myself last PC upgrade cycle that my next case would be a Lian Li. I probably won't spend more than a c-note on it, though. This case looks like sex on velvet, though.
Lian Li, is known for simplicity, and elegancy. This is a very beautiful tower case. Sometimes though the problem with any case is available space. Lian Li, cases seem to be always run a bit tight. Maybe that is just me, and there is nothing really wrong with that, but it can be a bit of a problem at times.
My best advice to any advid PC enthusiest - shop around.
My best advice to any advid PC enthusiest - shop around.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/Components,1/Cases,5/
http://www.overclock.net/products/category/computer-cases
etc.
http://www.overclock.net/products/category/computer-cases
etc.
looks dead sexy, but I'm still pretty happy with my antec 1200. I might look into a Lan Li for next time if I can find a deal on one.
I've got to say, I sort of disagree with your assessment of it's price to performance...sort of. Actually I'm going to go back on that immediately (prior even to explaining my initial comment, wheeee!!!!) and say it probably was too expensive.
Let me explain: If you're going to buy a Lian Li case, you are (or should be) expecting to use it for the coming 10 years or thereabouts. Tech doesn't wait up, but Lian Li continues to support older designs with updated add-on components so as to keep them current. So if you're going to buy one, make sure it's one you like, and don't be afraid to spend, just make sure you can tolerate its appearance for the coming decade. (this is part of the reason for their "simple" designs, styles change) They are "worth it" if you invest in the right one. In this case however I'd agree with you, most people end up tiring of those blue lights on their case, as well this doesn't have the bevy of features I'd want in a case I planned on using for the coming 10 years.
If you were sure you were going to be PC gaming in 10 years, and knew for certain that there would be repeated use for an excellent computer case investing in a Lian Li case isn't the worst idea in the world. But if you suspect you're going to want to replace that case someday in the coming few years (as I would with the one you're showing here) then you may be better served by buying something else, usually something less expensive.
Let me explain: If you're going to buy a Lian Li case, you are (or should be) expecting to use it for the coming 10 years or thereabouts. Tech doesn't wait up, but Lian Li continues to support older designs with updated add-on components so as to keep them current. So if you're going to buy one, make sure it's one you like, and don't be afraid to spend, just make sure you can tolerate its appearance for the coming decade. (this is part of the reason for their "simple" designs, styles change) They are "worth it" if you invest in the right one. In this case however I'd agree with you, most people end up tiring of those blue lights on their case, as well this doesn't have the bevy of features I'd want in a case I planned on using for the coming 10 years.
If you were sure you were going to be PC gaming in 10 years, and knew for certain that there would be repeated use for an excellent computer case investing in a Lian Li case isn't the worst idea in the world. But if you suspect you're going to want to replace that case someday in the coming few years (as I would with the one you're showing here) then you may be better served by buying something else, usually something less expensive.
So $150 is too expensive? I disagree. We're talking about a quality case that will most likely outlive the components you put inside it. If you replace your case every few years, then that extra $50 hardly makes an impact.
Buying a computer case of good quality is a very good investment to make, and Lian Li is one of the better brands out there.
Buying a computer case of good quality is a very good investment to make, and Lian Li is one of the better brands out there.
Also, nice review and a very sexy looking case. The only thing which makes me wonder is cooling-performance, especially with the front-fans having a side-intake (which is incredibly neat if it works just as well!).
yet at this price it still offers unpainted insides of the case, and still not a very great place for cable management. While the aluminium makes it look great it it still doesn't offer a lot of features at a higher price than my far more feature complete phantom (full tower) case.
I spent 140 for my Cooler Master HAF X( full tower) and it's totally worth it, 150 isn't that expensive.
Sorry for the double post, but I closed save the back vent, I don't think this case is ventilated very well.
Sorry for the double post, but I noticed it's completely closed save the back vent, I don't think this case is ventilated very well.
* sorry for the third post for correction. ;p
* sorry for the third post for correction. ;p
Interesting to see how price points come into play for some of you. While it's definitely true you get what you pay for, I tend to put my budget more toward components like the power supply, and that usually comes directly out of the money allotted for the case for obvious reasons.
@Jordan; I agree with you partially, but I think a really good case can contribute, it cuts down on headaches, has aesthetic appeal and can offer "pleasant" feature sets. It is ultimately peripheral to the functioning of the computer, albeit neccesary, but still the feature sets help make your computer appealing and pleasant to deal with, or they seem to manage to give you herpes.
@Jordan Devore
I am the same. I spent my money on the inside of my PC and worked within a budget and bought my tower on sale to fit that budget. I don't go out of my way for fancy expensive bread, I want the fancy meat and cheese!
I am the same. I spent my money on the inside of my PC and worked within a budget and bought my tower on sale to fit that budget. I don't go out of my way for fancy expensive bread, I want the fancy meat and cheese!
@Horseflesh: Very good points
@Jordan Devore: Personally speaking, they're both components to which I do not want to sacrifice quality too much. The case mainly because of the reasons Horseflesh mentioned, and the power supply for obvious stability and efficiency reasons. So usually with a completely new build, the power supply + case budget alone is about $250-$300.
That said, a good PSU and case can (and should) last you through multiple builds, so that's also part of the reason I just don't want to make too many concessions regarding these parts.
@Jordan Devore: Personally speaking, they're both components to which I do not want to sacrifice quality too much. The case mainly because of the reasons Horseflesh mentioned, and the power supply for obvious stability and efficiency reasons. So usually with a completely new build, the power supply + case budget alone is about $250-$300.
That said, a good PSU and case can (and should) last you through multiple builds, so that's also part of the reason I just don't want to make too many concessions regarding these parts.
For 150$ this is kind of pricey for what it looks like... I spent around that for my Corsair one which is easier to work on (more cable room!) and looks much better... (500R)
Though this one oddly reminds me of the old antec p80 case I had years ago. Probably just the front side vents.
Though this one oddly reminds me of the old antec p80 case I had years ago. Probably just the front side vents.
@Jeslijar: I have the 500R as well and it certainly is a good and roomy case to work with, apart from the extremely cheapy rubber hard drive mounts.
@Forsakeneyes: Honestly, after having issues recently with a couple of SSDs where I had to move around cables a ton and deal with them sliding around I do agree that the HDD mounts could be better.
Still might be the best case i've used yet. Though i'll admit the last 20$ tool-less case with a PSU in it was the best value for a case.
Still might be the best case i've used yet. Though i'll admit the last 20$ tool-less case with a PSU in it was the best value for a case.
That's the same kind of toolless hdd system I found in a cheap Rosewill case I was putting together a little while ago, it's quite nice. Also I think I saw a similar Lian Li aluminum case (I think without the LED) for 80-100 on sale before. I do appreciate the simplicity of their case design, and the reason it's so light is because of the aluminum.
Were they more frequently a bit cheaper I might've gotten one, but I'm pretty happy with my CM 690 II, as it's the most minimal design Cooler Master seems to make.
Were they more frequently a bit cheaper I might've gotten one, but I'm pretty happy with my CM 690 II, as it's the most minimal design Cooler Master seems to make.
I've got the full tower HAF by cooler master and it is hands down the best computer case i have ever owned. Think it was ~ 120$ when i purchased it 2 years ago.
I have a Lian-li case. A full tower which I purchased for over $300 a few years ago. It kinda knocks me back when I remember that I built a new PC at the time and it was one of the most expensive components! But I do love it and as it's a full tower, I pretty much never have to buy another case again!!
I dubbed it "the monolith!"
I dubbed it "the monolith!"
No idea why I just read that whole article and all comments... I don't even own a pc or plan on building one anytime soon.
That is a really pretty case. Stylish without being gaudy or trying too hard.
I agree with horseflesh and the "it can be worth it" crowd. A good case is an investment.
My current case is an old Antec full tower. It's not the prettiest or best ventilated case, but it's a TANK and it's easy to work in. It's 10 years old and I'm on my 4th build in it. I think it was $200. Totally worth it.
I agree with horseflesh and the "it can be worth it" crowd. A good case is an investment.
My current case is an old Antec full tower. It's not the prettiest or best ventilated case, but it's a TANK and it's easy to work in. It's 10 years old and I'm on my 4th build in it. I think it was $200. Totally worth it.
@VolksONER
Thanks for reading :P It's because you feel the subconscious need to build your own PC :D
Thanks for reading :P It's because you feel the subconscious need to build your own PC :D
@Jinx 01:
Wow that case sure takes me back. I remember really wanting of those but couldn't due to financial restraints. Ahh, the early 2000's where gaming took it's first massive leap into bringing you the visuals we see today. Seriously, late 90's, early 00's was such an interesting time to be a gamer IMO.
Wow that case sure takes me back. I remember really wanting of those but couldn't due to financial restraints. Ahh, the early 2000's where gaming took it's first massive leap into bringing you the visuals we see today. Seriously, late 90's, early 00's was such an interesting time to be a gamer IMO.
$150 is a borderline cheap case. I don't see the big problem here. Maybe if you're used to buying whatever cheap SECC/ABS cases are sold wherever... Sure.
$150 is a borderline cheap case. I don't see the big problem here. Maybe if you're used to buying whatever cheap SECC/ABS cases are sold wherever... Sure. The biggest thing I don't get it is why everyone wants a full atx case... mATX is big enough for SLI/Xfire if you buy the right case.
@crABtoad:
I loooooove having a full tower. It's just physically easier to work in than a little case and gives you more room to add drives, cards, etc. later on. It also gives you room to shift things around, leave ventilation space between hard drives etc.
For example, my HD6870 was a bit long. It fit, but to give it some breathing room I swapped the lower hard drive cage out with another fan. Then I moved those two hard drives into an enclosure in the two unused 5.25" bays. I wouldn't have so many options in a smaller case.
I loooooove having a full tower. It's just physically easier to work in than a little case and gives you more room to add drives, cards, etc. later on. It also gives you room to shift things around, leave ventilation space between hard drives etc.
For example, my HD6870 was a bit long. It fit, but to give it some breathing room I swapped the lower hard drive cage out with another fan. Then I moved those two hard drives into an enclosure in the two unused 5.25" bays. I wouldn't have so many options in a smaller case.
Very recently made a new computer, and I have to say, really regret cheaping out and getting a mid-tower case, too damn small to work in, and the wires are a mess no matter how organized I tried to keep it. Regardless, looks like a really nice case, but $150 for a mid-tower? Hell no. Also, that much and no side fans? What... If you want to pay high-price for a simplistic mid-tower, go all the way and get a Corsair Obsidian.
One imporant thing with cases for me is that they last multiple upgrades, sure I may have spend a bit to much on getting a phantom but I know the phantom is going to stick with me for quite some time, far longer than any of the other components so in that sense its worth it, however this case still has a lot of things lacking at the 150$ price point and is still a mid tower case although this is not a bad thing for some people.
aluminium is also a bit less durable than steel although still very durable.
aluminium is also a bit less durable than steel although still very durable.
I've had a Lian-Li tower for.....close to 10 years now and I love it.
Lian-Li is no frills, all aluminium, simple and efficient chic.
Lian-Li is no frills, all aluminium, simple and efficient chic.
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