Mid-Tower Mega Roundup
by Joshua Buss on September 8, 2005 12:05 AM EST- Posted in
- Cases/Cooling/PSUs
Lian Li PC-V1000
And finally, at the highest price point out of our selection, is the case that comes with our recently reviewed F1B desk. Since we have already reviewed this case in great detail before, we will only be using the case as a base of comparison and highlighting a couple of points regarding its price premium over the other cases in this roundup. The PC-V1000 was available for as little as $180, but typically closer to $200.
Another reason why we'll show a bit of this case again now is because in our first review, we looked at a silver case, and this one is finished in black, which gives it a rather drastically different look.
However, the most important reason why we're looking at this case again is because this time, the case came with even more cooling accessories, which will change the case's abilities to cope with high temperatures.
For a quick recap of what makes this case so unique, a quick glance at this picture does the trick. The PC-V1000 inverts the typical computer, placing the power supply in its own area along with the hard drives, while the motherboard and external drives are all accessed via the other side of the case.
We noted before how the power supply compartment has issues with large power supplies, but after a careful inspection of this black model, we found a way to compensate for the problem.
The problem is that there is a dividing plate separating the PSU from the second set of hard drives, and it is this plate that prevents longer supplies from fitting properly.
With this black model, this plate is removable, allowing the supply to slide all the way, but at the cost of making some of the hard drive bays difficult to impossible to use.
With even two of the bays hard to reach now, there are still four usable bays, which will be more than enough for most users.
And finally, at the highest price point out of our selection, is the case that comes with our recently reviewed F1B desk. Since we have already reviewed this case in great detail before, we will only be using the case as a base of comparison and highlighting a couple of points regarding its price premium over the other cases in this roundup. The PC-V1000 was available for as little as $180, but typically closer to $200.
Another reason why we'll show a bit of this case again now is because in our first review, we looked at a silver case, and this one is finished in black, which gives it a rather drastically different look.
However, the most important reason why we're looking at this case again is because this time, the case came with even more cooling accessories, which will change the case's abilities to cope with high temperatures.
For a quick recap of what makes this case so unique, a quick glance at this picture does the trick. The PC-V1000 inverts the typical computer, placing the power supply in its own area along with the hard drives, while the motherboard and external drives are all accessed via the other side of the case.
We noted before how the power supply compartment has issues with large power supplies, but after a careful inspection of this black model, we found a way to compensate for the problem.
The problem is that there is a dividing plate separating the PSU from the second set of hard drives, and it is this plate that prevents longer supplies from fitting properly.
With this black model, this plate is removable, allowing the supply to slide all the way, but at the cost of making some of the hard drive bays difficult to impossible to use.
With even two of the bays hard to reach now, there are still four usable bays, which will be more than enough for most users.
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Phantronius - Friday, September 9, 2005 - link
My P180 is the last case I'll ever buy. I love you Antec!!!leviathan19 - Friday, September 9, 2005 - link
the 1200 is deeper yes but is still mid tower class it fixes the psu problems and more space is always better for work with itZepper - Friday, September 9, 2005 - link
Re. cases that come with PSUs. Either rate the PSU too or deduct the portion of the price that the PSU represents from the case price so you are comparing apples to apples price wise.. And I don't care for the looks of a lot of the cases on the market either. But beauty is in the eye of the beholder. My case is a Silverstone Berserker which many think is fugly...
.bh.
kmmatney - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
I don't see why people make such a big deal out of aluminum cases. In my experience, they are flimsier and louder than steal cases, and more prone to rattle. I don't see why anyone would pay so much money for one...at80eighty - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
DRTFA yet, so forgive me if its been coveredYou guys have any leads on cases with more fans?
with the new VGA's and CPU's i think a cooler case than a cooler-looking case is a better investment..
any pointers people?
johnsonx - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
RTFA, and no forgiveness for you!The Antec P180 is a quiet cooling dream I think. I looked at one on display over at Fry's and just about wet myself. Then I looked at the price tag and decided to stick with my old, free, boring, beige case. But if the price is no objection, I can't imagine purchasing anything else.
at80eighty - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
thanx mate! the p180 looks pretty sweet! the price is OK (just about) for me :)plus it doesnt have that HEY LOOK AT ME IM AN ATTENTION WHORE!!! look.
/hope this case shows up in my part of the world :-(
Cygni - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
I saw one case that i would even consider putting next to my desk.If you are supporting the case mfts making these hideous beasts by buying them, i personally hate you.
leviathan19 - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
why they used this one the 1200 is a better version and fix the psu problem...there is missing the pc75b and the TT shark those are nice cases too
OvErHeAtInG - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
The 1200 is much deeper, for extended-atx boards I think. Definitely not something I would get except for a big duallie rig.