looking at two cases, SILVERSTONE VS LIAN

[snarkys]

I am looking at the SILVERSTONE TJ09 and the LIAN LI PC-60APLUSII cases .

anyone have any experience with either ? I am leaning towards the silverstone.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112115

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16811163072

[flanzig1]

Either one would be a good choice tho I wouldn't spend that kind of money for an aluminum mid-tower case. Could probably get a good full tower steel case for the price of the Lian-Li.

[jer888]

unless your looking for something shiny, theres no real benefit to aluminum cases

[Stuey]

Aluminum vs. steel does make a difference in weight. But only if the choice is between a midtower aluminum case that's to be moved around quite a few times, and a mid-full tower steel case that's not going to see much travel time.

I wouldn't spend that kind of miney either, at least not the $260 on the Silverstone. I have a Silverstone HTPC case and I honestly can't see what (aside from a built in display) they could add to it for it to be double the cost of their regular cases.

Aluminum is also better if you're seeking to heavily mod your case since it's easier to machine.

[snarkys]

ended up with the lian.

I will let ya know what i think when it gets here.

[FLG]

You will like it. Lian-Li make some really nice cases, very well machined edges and craftsmanship. Aluminum also helps dissipate heat better then steel.

[Zee33]

Try Here For Cases http://www.xoxide.com/modifiedcases.html they have nice cases and are inexpensive . mine is this one http://www.xoxide.com/x-static-2-silver.html the silver one . lots of room in these cases .

[Cricket]

Try Here For Cases http://www.xoxide.com/modifiedcases.html they have nice cases and are inexpensive . mine is this one http://www.xoxide.com/x-static-2-silver.html the silver one . lots of room in these cases .I think snarkys already bought the Lian Li case.

:) Cricket

[FalvinP]

I will be very interested in your experience with the Lian Li. I've had my eye on this model because of the motherboard tray that slides out with the cards still attached.

I'd also like to see how roomy the case is and if the slide out motherboard tray mitigates the smaller size.

I think the newer Lian Li A16A would be perfect if it had the same style slideable motherboard tray. Good luck with your new case.

[nightsky]

I also looking for an alternative to Antec SonataII, its a gd case, just that black is a big dust attraction, this is a good post for suggestions. Thanks

[snarkys]

OK i got it yesterday and i am very pleased . it looks attractive and feels extremely solid, not flimsy like all the $100 models i have seen. I personally feel it looks cool without looking like a toy that belongs in a teenagers room. I can put it in my office without looking like an idiot : )

it comes apart really easy and the board tray is a nice feature . I am glad i spent the extra $50.

I will post some pics once it is full and comment on the noise level.

My only complaint is the USB ports are so close to the ground , id prefer them on top like the silverstone

[snarkys]

I should note that prior to this one I wanted The Antec p180 . after seeing the p180 in a store i was very dissatisfied with how flimsy it felt and i decided i had absolutely no reason to have a door on the front of my case. Very happy i spent the extra $50 : )

[nightsky]

I've conidered the Lian Li PC-60APLUSII W Silver Aluminum ATX Mid Tower, but the front grid w/little holes and usb port cover appeared unfinished to me and the bays are not removable or side loaded and bay arrangement is the major feature for spending +$. I love the astetics of brushed silver mid tower cases. Also considered P180 but I need to start my own thread now; Congrats on your new case and enjoy;)

[snarkys]

I think only the floppy and the cd drive bays are not removable. the hard drive bay , board tray and power supply are all removable with thumb screws.

I put the PC together today, this is my first build but i have to say i was extremely impressed with how well built this was . it also disassembles almost completely so everything thing is incredibly easy to install.

on a 1-10 i give it a 9 on ease of putting together , only lost one because the CD bay doesn't come out .

after seeing it assembled I have it a 10 on style and looks . to me it looks really sleek, the the motherboard zalman heat sink light gives it just enough flare without making it look like a toy.

I give it a 8.5 on quality of build and features. I wish the USB was up top like the zalman and i wish it used all 110mm fans. It is built like a rock and feels as sturdy as it looks.

After seeing this one ands the p180 in person i am extremely happy i spent the extra $50 on this one . The p180 feels and looks really cheap in person , almost like plastic spray painted silver than a real aluminium case .

[FalvinP]

Glad to see you're enjoying the Lian Li. Have you had a chance to take any pics yet? I'm curious to see what your external drives look like after installation. I assume you have beige faceplates or have used the available silver covers. Of course we all know what happens when we assume. :) I generally prefer cases without doors so I can observe lights while the dvd drive is working etc. That's why I'm curious as to how it looks. I would tend towards beige covers myself.

Another question I have concerns hooking up the cables from the motherboard to the drives. I sometimes have trouble getting my big hands in behind the drives to hook up the power and data cables without bumping into other components. Was there sufficient room to work?