Review: Lian Li PC78

I've had this case for quite a while now and I've had a chance to see all the good things and bad things that come from owning a chassis this size.

The size itself can be both a hindrance (it's a nightmare to transport and being alu, needs to be wrapped up to prevent scratching) and a godsend (there's all the room in the world for a huge amount of potential setups).

As far as case maintenance goes, it's thumbscrewed all round bar the motherboard and drive mounting screws so it's a mostly tool free operation for the most common things you'll do inside the case.

Cable routing as discussed is a pleasure due to all the room you have, you can create a very tidy cable layout in the PC78 if you prepare.

The fans aren't the quietest in the world but for the target audience and environment that can be forgiven. I caved in and had a custom fan controller made (Coolmods.com if you want any kind of fan controller made, Gavin knows his stuff and will do one offs like mine if you ask nicely) that uses a spare drive blanking plate.

Controlling all 6 fans in the case, the controller can give me near silence and full cooling power when I need it and it's a worthy addition to any case utilising so many fans.

The only gripes I have with the case are its cost, availability and it's uncanny knack of picking up all fingerprints and making them visible. I like my cases clean so it's a lot of maintenance, especially if you are in and out of it all the time like I am, my grubby mits get everywhere.

Cost wise it isn't the cheapest chassis you'll ever buy. Pricewatch in the States lists it at $485 and even more for the version with the SCA2 SCSI backplane for hotswapping drives. Availability in the UK is practically non existant with one mail order retailer seemingly carrying it but they have no online presence. Ask your favourite Lian Li stockist about getting you one.

It wont fit everyones needs due to size and cost but if it does, you'll love it. It's a great chassis, good cooling and all the expansion in the world. Plus you get to brag about having the biggest case on the block.

Remember me saying I was writing this article on a Shuttle box? My Lian Li just ate it.

Pro's

Expansion and configuration possibilities
Good drive and case cooling
Good PSU placement and compatible with Enermax supplies
Solid construction, a 'quality' feel
90% tool free operation

Con's

Not very portable (it's no LAN box, I've tried)
Cost (ouch)
Limited availability (at least in the UK)

Thanks

Lian Li for the sample