Lian-Li PC-S80
Lian-Li cases have always been something special and the PC-S80 is no exception. Beautiful and elegant design, which has been stripped of any superfluous lines and design elements present on many modern day cases. The rear of the case is quite unique in that it sports an aluminum construction which acts almost like a muffler. The construction extends from the rear of the case and is padded with sound insulating foam, it also moves the exhausted air away from the case and can even be used as a cable tray for any cabling extruding from the rear of the case. The inside of the case is shielded by a second set of panels. These allow for the hot air from the front of the case - produced by the hard drives for example - to be vented from the case without influencing the rest of the system. There is an additional case fan positioned above the powersupply which vents the hot air out of the case through the "muffler". Another unique aspect is the fact that the hard drive bays are in fact heat sinks, meaning that hard drives are being cooled passively in the first place. This setup allows the PC-S80 to cool even the most voracious beast of a computer with very little noise production. The case itself is almost like a piece of modern minimalist art, which becomes even more evident when you look at each part of the case individually: filed down pop rivets, rounded edges and high-grade materials. The overall minimalist design, quality of the materials used and inventive layout may yet turn the PC-S80 into the average case modders wet dream. Though it should be noted that excellence has its price and with an average retail price of $430/£240 this case isn't cheap.
Pros: Excellent finish, high grade materials, inventive cooling solution and special cooling blocks for hard drives.
Cons: Excellence has a price.
Conclusion: Fantastic case that could double up as a piece of art.
