Tuesday, December 21st 2010
Lian Li Releases the ''HUGE'' PC-A04 Mini-Tower Chassis
Lian Li Industrial Co. Ltd. maker of high-end, all-aluminum computer chassis since 1983, has launched a new PC case, the PC-A04. Even though the PC-A04 is the size of a mini-tower chassis it is extremely versatile and allows users to mount up to seven 3.5" HDDs, Micro-ATX or Mini-ITX motherboards and even high-end graphics cards. The PC-A04 divides HDDs between two cages, one that holds three HDDs and one that holds four HDDs. All of the HDD mounts are tool-less and come with anti-vibration thumb screws. The design of the PC-A04 allows users to mount these two cages facing the right, left, or backwards direction with either one on top of the other. This innovative feature, allowing multiple configurations, permits space for VGA cards up to 370mm long.
Two, 120mm intake fans on the front panel and one 120mm exhaust fan on the top panel keep internal temperatures cool and stable. All three fans are protected by air filters to prevent dust from entering the chassis. Lian Li also included a space on the back panel for users to mount a fan speed controller. Another thermal feature of the PC-A04 is the air-filtered vents directly beneath the tool-less, anti-vibration PSU mount, located at the base of the chassis to increase airflow.
The PC-A04 has four, vented PCI slots; two, tool-less 5.25" ODD mounts on the front panel; and one 2.5" internal HDD mount, in addition to the seven, innovative 3.5" HDD mounts. On the top panel users have easy-access to the I/O control-switch, one USB 3.0 port, one USB 2.0 port, one e-SATA port, and HD Audio ports. The stylish and simple, all-aluminum, PC-A04 weighs in at 4.1KG and is available in silver or black. It's dimensions are 188mm x 386mm x 460mm (W,H,D).
Traditional Durability
The essence of Lian Li is the craftsmanship of the engineering. Intrinsic to the workmanship and quality of Lian Li's products is their customization capabilities, which include a whole host of optional extras that can be added to an already feature rich product.
For more details on features and extras available for the Lian Li PC-A04, please go to this page.
Product Hightlights
Two, 120mm intake fans on the front panel and one 120mm exhaust fan on the top panel keep internal temperatures cool and stable. All three fans are protected by air filters to prevent dust from entering the chassis. Lian Li also included a space on the back panel for users to mount a fan speed controller. Another thermal feature of the PC-A04 is the air-filtered vents directly beneath the tool-less, anti-vibration PSU mount, located at the base of the chassis to increase airflow.
The essence of Lian Li is the craftsmanship of the engineering. Intrinsic to the workmanship and quality of Lian Li's products is their customization capabilities, which include a whole host of optional extras that can be added to an already feature rich product.
For more details on features and extras available for the Lian Li PC-A04, please go to this page.
Product Hightlights
- Seven tool-less HDD mounting racks
- Accepts graphics cards up to 370mm long
- Supports Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards
- USB 3.0 ready
- Three 120mm fans
- Available in black or silver
- Availability: Arriving at local distributors end of December
- MSRP : US$110+local VAT (VAT not included)
17 Comments on Lian Li Releases the ''HUGE'' PC-A04 Mini-Tower Chassis
Other companies like ZALMAN and WiNDy use thicker aluminum which makes for better build quality and also helps to reduce noise.
....but then I got a closer look and....:wtf:
Even better, if they start offering drive cages for 2.5" drives that fit into those locations.
Haven't checked it yet, but it looks like the same cages are used in a handful of their other cases. Mix and match for your needs.
1. failed at photoshop
2. its actually different case
3. they release it with 2 version. with or no water cooling support
4. only god knows :laugh:
More than likely they pictures were taken of a prototype, and Lian-Li decided after the picture were already taken for the marketting that they were going to add the hole and rubber gromet to allow the USB3 cable to easily come out the back of the case, so one was photoshopped in. The person doing the photoshopping probably didn't notice the second inside shot that shows no hole.
Lian-Li actually makes minor tweaks to their designs all the time, even after they have been released to retail. For example:
The Metal boned K7. In the TPU Review the front grill is talked about, and how it bends slightly inward due to only being attached at the top and bottom. I bought the K7 right around when the review came out, and mine had the same issue. I just bought a second a month or so ago, and they now have it attached at the side also to prevent the bending. Another change they made was adding a metal spring to the front I/O cover that keeps it open or closed instead of the original design that just lets the cover flap open or close. It was a real pain in the ass when caring the case and the cover would flap open and you have to be super careful not to hit it and break it off, especially when caring it to LAN parties which is what the case is designed for. Finally, they redid the wireing on the inside to make it black instead of the gray color it was before, this make it far less noticeable inside the case, they did the same to the case feet color.
This is the upper corner of the case. The power supply mounts in the bottom of this case; not the top.
You clearly see that the PSU bracket doesn't align well