Steven B
09-05-2005, 04:45 AM
[page=Introduction]
Introduction
Thanks to Xoxide (http://www.xoxide.com) for packaging the case so it didn't damage during shipping.
Lian Li (http://www.lian-li.com/main.htm) is a company that seems to specialize in case development in every aspect, from original designs to craftsmanship at the highest level. Their cases have become center pieces always mentioned when someone suggests a case. Their cases are not flashy with LEDs, but they have an attractive element of their own. The PC-65B's black brush-finished aluminum shell holds a certain grasp over onlookers. It's one of those things that a little voice in your head tells you to touch.
Specifications
Specifications from Manufacturer Lian-Li (http://www.lian-li.com/Product/Chassis/M_C_PC-6X_S_PC-60.htm)
<table border="1" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" class="systable">
<tr><th colspan="2" style="font-size:larger;text-align:center">Specifications</th></tr>
<tr>
<th width="100">Type:</th>
<td>ATX Mid Tower</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Color:</th>
<td>Black</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Material:</th>
<td>Aluminum</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>External 5.25" Bays:</th>
<td>4</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>External 3.5" Bays:</th>
<td>3</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Internal 3.5" Bays:</th>
<td>5</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>PCI Slots:</th>
<td>7</td>
</tr> <tr>
<th>Front Ports:</th>
<td>2 USB</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Fans:</th>
<td>80mm x 4</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Dimensions:</th>
<td>210x450x490 mm ( W,H,D)</td>
</table>
Packaging
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/packedsmall.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/packed.jpg)
The case is packed securely in the box. The Styrofoam prevents the case from damage during shipping which is a problem with buying cases online.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/accessoriessmall.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/accessories.jpg)
What you see above are accessories, one a 5.25" cd-rom bezel, which is made of the same brushed aluminum as the case and the other is floppy drive bezel which is just plastic. The installation of both was very easy, the 5.25" bezel had screw holes that matched perfectly with the case. The floppy bezel popped right into the 3.5" drive bay.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/extrasmall (Custom).jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/extras.jpg)
Above are the extra screws/tools that are included with the case. They provide you with a tool to remove the hexagonal bits from the case or to put them in place.
[page=Case Layout]
Case Layout
The PC-65B is essentially a mid-atx tower with 3 floppy bays and 4 cd-rom bays and a side panel window. It also has a removable motherboard tray, a rack mount hard drive tray, and a removable PSU bracket.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/sidesmall.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/side.jpg)
Side panel
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/topsmall.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/top.jpg)
Top of case
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/backsmall.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/back.jpg)
Back of case
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/frontsmall.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/front.jpg)
Front of case
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/side2small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/side2.jpg)
Side Window
Cooling System
One great feature about this case is its stealth fan controller. It hooks up to two 26.4 cfm 23db fans. The great thing is you can toss in your own two 80mm fans and hook them up to the controller. Provided with the case are two more fans one up top to exhaust air and one in the upper back section to do the same thing.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/controllersmall.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/controller.jpg)
Fan Controller
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/frontfanssmall.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/frontfans.jpg)
Two front fans
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/frontfansinsmall.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/frontfansinside.jpg)
Two front fans from the inside
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/topfanoutsmall.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/topfanout.jpg)
Top fan
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/topfaninsidesmall.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/topfaninside.jpg)
Top fan from the inside
[page=Features]
Features
The PC-65B has an abundance of features, some very useful, some you would have never thought of. The durability and design of the case are top notch.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/mobotraysmall.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/mobotray.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/psubracketsmall.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/psubracket.jpg)
A removable motherboard tray is possibly one of the most useful things an enthusiast would want, always changing out parts, resetting cmos, modding your motherboard :).... But a removable PSU bracket combined with the removable motherboard tray allows you to move your basic system out of your case in a couple seconds.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/thumbscresmall.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/thumbscre.jpg)
The thumb screws used also make this case almost hassle free.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/rackmountsmall.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/rackmount.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/rackmount2small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/rackmount2.jpg)
Most cases now have removable hard drive rack mounts, and the PC-65B is included.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/femaleconnectorsmall.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/femaleconnector.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/maleconnectorsmall.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/maleconnector.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/connectfront1small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/connectfront1.jpg)
Unlike most cases the PC-65B, and many other Lian-Li cases, give the user the ability to easily remove the front panel on the case. They use intuitive plastic retention slots and it works in a male into female type bond.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/securesmall.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/secure.jpg)
Also not to be overlooked on this case, are its security features, the case features 2 holes on the back of the case you slip a lock through, lock your lock and its almost impossible anyone will be able to get into your case without physically damaging it.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/filtersmall.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/filter.jpg)
Almost everyone has a dust problem, and Lian-Li has provided a removable/cleanable filter, that surprisingly, does not seem to hinder air flow much.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/springbuttonssmall.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/springbuttons.jpg)
One way to spot great build quality is by taking a close look at things usually over looked, such as buttons. On/Off buttons in particular are usually held up by a piece of plastic. Unlike other cases Lian-Li uses metal springs on the buttons.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/wiressmall.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/wires.jpg)
One last thing, you have the ability to detach all wires coming from the front of the case such as pwr sw, rst sw, and all the LEDs. All you need to do is remove a little clip.
[page=Conclusion]
Conclusion
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/stickersmall.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/sticker.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/desktopsmall.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/desktop.jpg)
<table width="100%" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" id="result">
<tr><th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/dollar.gif</th>
<td>
The Lian-Li PC-65B is going for about $125 USD, I found this price to be very fair, the engineering and build quality that went into this case well justify its price. </td>
</tr><tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbup.gif</th>
<td>
Very nice finish/design
Intuitive design
Removable motherboard/PSU abilities
Built in fan controller
Quiet and fairly cool
Very clear window
Light
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbdown.gif</th>
<td>
Scratches easy if you're not careful
Dust on black cases really stands out
A little tight inside the case
</td></tr>
<tr><th>8.6</th><td>The Lian-Li PC-65B demonstrates what Lian-Li has to offer to Custom builders. I was not at all disappointed with any feature of this case. One thing that did stand out was that there was little to no plastic used, unless it was meant for decoration. But there were a couple problems, one USB header is solid, but the other requires you to manually find out what to connect the pins to. I also had some trouble installing cd-rom drives into the case. Except for those issues this has been one of the best cases i have reviewed.</td></tr>
<tr><th></th><td>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/editorschoice.gif</td></tr>
</table>
Introduction
Thanks to Xoxide (http://www.xoxide.com) for packaging the case so it didn't damage during shipping.
Lian Li (http://www.lian-li.com/main.htm) is a company that seems to specialize in case development in every aspect, from original designs to craftsmanship at the highest level. Their cases have become center pieces always mentioned when someone suggests a case. Their cases are not flashy with LEDs, but they have an attractive element of their own. The PC-65B's black brush-finished aluminum shell holds a certain grasp over onlookers. It's one of those things that a little voice in your head tells you to touch.
Specifications
Specifications from Manufacturer Lian-Li (http://www.lian-li.com/Product/Chassis/M_C_PC-6X_S_PC-60.htm)
<table border="1" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" class="systable">
<tr><th colspan="2" style="font-size:larger;text-align:center">Specifications</th></tr>
<tr>
<th width="100">Type:</th>
<td>ATX Mid Tower</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Color:</th>
<td>Black</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Material:</th>
<td>Aluminum</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>External 5.25" Bays:</th>
<td>4</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>External 3.5" Bays:</th>
<td>3</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Internal 3.5" Bays:</th>
<td>5</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>PCI Slots:</th>
<td>7</td>
</tr> <tr>
<th>Front Ports:</th>
<td>2 USB</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Fans:</th>
<td>80mm x 4</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Dimensions:</th>
<td>210x450x490 mm ( W,H,D)</td>
</table>
Packaging
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/packedsmall.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/packed.jpg)
The case is packed securely in the box. The Styrofoam prevents the case from damage during shipping which is a problem with buying cases online.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/accessoriessmall.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/accessories.jpg)
What you see above are accessories, one a 5.25" cd-rom bezel, which is made of the same brushed aluminum as the case and the other is floppy drive bezel which is just plastic. The installation of both was very easy, the 5.25" bezel had screw holes that matched perfectly with the case. The floppy bezel popped right into the 3.5" drive bay.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/extrasmall (Custom).jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/extras.jpg)
Above are the extra screws/tools that are included with the case. They provide you with a tool to remove the hexagonal bits from the case or to put them in place.
[page=Case Layout]
Case Layout
The PC-65B is essentially a mid-atx tower with 3 floppy bays and 4 cd-rom bays and a side panel window. It also has a removable motherboard tray, a rack mount hard drive tray, and a removable PSU bracket.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/sidesmall.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/side.jpg)
Side panel
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/topsmall.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/top.jpg)
Top of case
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/backsmall.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/back.jpg)
Back of case
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/frontsmall.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/front.jpg)
Front of case
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/side2small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/side2.jpg)
Side Window
Cooling System
One great feature about this case is its stealth fan controller. It hooks up to two 26.4 cfm 23db fans. The great thing is you can toss in your own two 80mm fans and hook them up to the controller. Provided with the case are two more fans one up top to exhaust air and one in the upper back section to do the same thing.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/controllersmall.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/controller.jpg)
Fan Controller
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/frontfanssmall.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/frontfans.jpg)
Two front fans
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/frontfansinsmall.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/frontfansinside.jpg)
Two front fans from the inside
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/topfanoutsmall.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/topfanout.jpg)
Top fan
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/topfaninsidesmall.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/topfaninside.jpg)
Top fan from the inside
[page=Features]
Features
The PC-65B has an abundance of features, some very useful, some you would have never thought of. The durability and design of the case are top notch.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/mobotraysmall.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/mobotray.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/psubracketsmall.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/psubracket.jpg)
A removable motherboard tray is possibly one of the most useful things an enthusiast would want, always changing out parts, resetting cmos, modding your motherboard :).... But a removable PSU bracket combined with the removable motherboard tray allows you to move your basic system out of your case in a couple seconds.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/thumbscresmall.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/thumbscre.jpg)
The thumb screws used also make this case almost hassle free.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/rackmountsmall.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/rackmount.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/rackmount2small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/rackmount2.jpg)
Most cases now have removable hard drive rack mounts, and the PC-65B is included.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/femaleconnectorsmall.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/femaleconnector.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/maleconnectorsmall.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/maleconnector.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/connectfront1small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/connectfront1.jpg)
Unlike most cases the PC-65B, and many other Lian-Li cases, give the user the ability to easily remove the front panel on the case. They use intuitive plastic retention slots and it works in a male into female type bond.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/securesmall.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/secure.jpg)
Also not to be overlooked on this case, are its security features, the case features 2 holes on the back of the case you slip a lock through, lock your lock and its almost impossible anyone will be able to get into your case without physically damaging it.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/filtersmall.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/filter.jpg)
Almost everyone has a dust problem, and Lian-Li has provided a removable/cleanable filter, that surprisingly, does not seem to hinder air flow much.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/springbuttonssmall.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/springbuttons.jpg)
One way to spot great build quality is by taking a close look at things usually over looked, such as buttons. On/Off buttons in particular are usually held up by a piece of plastic. Unlike other cases Lian-Li uses metal springs on the buttons.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/wiressmall.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/wires.jpg)
One last thing, you have the ability to detach all wires coming from the front of the case such as pwr sw, rst sw, and all the LEDs. All you need to do is remove a little clip.
[page=Conclusion]
Conclusion
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/stickersmall.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/sticker.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/desktopsmall.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/images/desktop.jpg)
<table width="100%" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" id="result">
<tr><th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/dollar.gif</th>
<td>
The Lian-Li PC-65B is going for about $125 USD, I found this price to be very fair, the engineering and build quality that went into this case well justify its price. </td>
</tr><tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbup.gif</th>
<td>
Very nice finish/design
Intuitive design
Removable motherboard/PSU abilities
Built in fan controller
Quiet and fairly cool
Very clear window
Light
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbdown.gif</th>
<td>
Scratches easy if you're not careful
Dust on black cases really stands out
A little tight inside the case
</td></tr>
<tr><th>8.6</th><td>The Lian-Li PC-65B demonstrates what Lian-Li has to offer to Custom builders. I was not at all disappointed with any feature of this case. One thing that did stand out was that there was little to no plastic used, unless it was meant for decoration. But there were a couple problems, one USB header is solid, but the other requires you to manually find out what to connect the pins to. I also had some trouble installing cd-rom drives into the case. Except for those issues this has been one of the best cases i have reviewed.</td></tr>
<tr><th></th><td>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/editorschoice.gif</td></tr>
</table>