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For testing today we are using an Intel Core i7 920 core processor with the Coolit Vantage installed. A full review of the Vantage running on an overclocked Core i7 970 will be published this coming week.
Review System
Chassis: Lian Li PC-8FIB Case
Processor: Intel Core i7 920
Motherboard: MSI X58A-GD65
Cooler: Coolit Vantage
Memory: Crucial DDR3 1600mhz Ballistix Tracer (6GB)
Storage: OCZ Agility 2
Power Supply: Corsair AX 850W
Windows 7 Ultimate Edition 64bit
Thermal Diodes
Raytek Laser Temp Gun 3i LSRC/MT4 Mini Temp
Digital Sound Level Noise Decibel Meter Style 2
Firstly let us have a look at the chassis design and airflow, as it comes ‘out of the box’.
Two fans on the front acting as intakes and one on the rear which is used as an exhaust. The case is not supplied with a 140mm fan installed at the top although Lian Li do supply a dust filter for this position if you want to add one later. We will test first without one. We are glad to see Lian Li including a dual fan intake system at the front however as this is important for overall air flow.
We have placed thermal diodes in 5 case positions – 1; top optical drive bay position. 2; hard drive position. 3; top area between CPU and fan exhaust positions. 4; above PSU, graphics card (s) area. 5; motherboard central ‘dead zone’ area. Ambient room temperatures were maintained at 23c throughout.
These temperatures are fantastic, with the case holding steady at ambient or slightly above in the few dead air zones.
We then increased the CPU core voltage and raised the speed to 4.2ghz.
Diode 3 temperatures rose slightly to 28c after 30 minutes due to a lack of exhaust flow in this area.
We will add the 140mm Enermax Apollish Vegas fan in an exhaust position, set it to a midway point and maintain the same overclock.
Diode 3 dropped 3c thanks to the addition of the exhaust fan, and CPU temperatures lowered by 1c as the ambient temperatures were reduced slightly. As expected the addition of the 140mm fan is worthwhile.
My lord, I creamed my pants there, what a case !
That is just simply stunning, no other word for it.
FINALLY ! a LIAN LI review on KitGuru, this has made my week as I was looking at this case on overclockers last week, and for the price I need an indepth analysis. off to read this again before parting with my money.
Well words fail me. I saw the score and thought, has Zardon lost it. 9.5 out of 10? but by the end of it, 10 seems a fair score. The only thing I would say is the room for graphics cards. it wont handle a 5970 without moving the HD rack. thats the only real flaw I can find, and its not a big one as I would say 10 people have one 🙂
Excellent review, pictures are fabulous also, really helps to sell the case. the appearance is exactly what I want.
Sadly I wont be spending that amount of cash on a case, but its well worth it. I just need a better job first.
That is pretty much the perfect chassis. Nothing omitted that I would want.
Luxiourous high end design and beautifully implemented.
Great review Zardon, this is a dream case for me.
Great to drool over, but sadly way out of my price bracket when im buying a case, £120 is my self enforced limit. I have never owned an aluminum case mind you so maybe its worth it ?
wicked review that. put me in mind to blow more money when im paid. I hate this site sometimes.
Well aint this pretty. the price surely isnt tho.
God damn it, I want this case and have done for weeks when i saw it listed. This review has made the craving worse. its just so much cash 🙁 shall think over a pint 🙂
I love Lian Li products, this is beautiful. no other words for it 🙂
Just took delivery on one of these… Cost just over £140 delivered (to the UK) from Germany. For some reason caseking appear to be able to sell these at just €149, about £100 less than anywhere in the UK, just in case anyone was thinking of getting one.
Did I miss something or is there no power and disk drive activity lights?