Installation:

Installation is a straightforward, if traditional, process in the PC-C32. This case can't really be classified as tool-less, since screws are still used for everything, even if some of them are thumbscrews. Also, there is no motherboard tray in this case, so things may be a bit more tough, but cases these size usually do not have one.

The PSU bracket makes installation easier, however with some PSUs there may be problems. You're meant to screw the bracket onto the PSU and then slide the whole thing in from the back, and use thumbscrews to hold the bracket to the case. However, on my old 480 W Antec PSU, the bottom fan grill prevented the PSU from sliding into the case; there wasn't enough clearance. However, newer PSUs probably have the fan grill recessed into the PSU enclosure so that it's flat, so you shouldn't have this problem. However, it's just something to be aware of.

PSU attached to bracket.

Oops! Doesn't fit!

I ended up having to install the PSU from the inside of the case, which wasn't too much trouble. With most cases, this is the only method anyway, and this is why you want to install the PSU before the mobo or anything else. After that, it's on to the motherboard. As mentioned, it's fairly easy to insert a motherboard into the case, but you may want to remove the internal fans (on the crossbar) to give yourself a little more room. Access to the motherboard's connectors is fairly easy since the drive cages are far away and don't impede anything.

Install PSU.

PSU installed.

Motherboard installed.

HDD installation is the same as with the PC-A70. You use special screws to attach grommets/rubber rings to the HDD. The HDD is then slid into the drive cage and pushed down into position. This makes the HDD completely isolated from the cage by the grommets. This provides a level of noise/vibration isolation, but however this method isn't completely secure. The HDD could still be shaken loose by vibrations, and even Lian-Li recommends that you use a screw to hold the HDD to the cage if you're planning on moving the case.

One other minor downside to this method is the special HDD screws. Though Lian-Li includes many of them, you definitely don't want to lose them as they may be hard to replace.

HDD screws/grommets.

Drive inserted into cage.

Drive pushed into place.

One cage holds up to three 3.5" drives, and the other holds one. (Along with the two 5.25" devices) In the picture below, you can see the middle screw hole that can be used to properly secure an HDD to the cage. Regular screws can be used here. Installing 5.25" drives is straightforward - they just screw directly to the cage. Some might scoff at the lack of a tool-less installation method here, but using screws is a time-tested and secure method. The bottom 5.25" bay has a 3.5"-5.25" adapter, so you can optionally install a media card reader or a floppy drive, if you're still living in prehistoric times. Nonetheless, it was nice of Lian-Li to include this option as it keeps the front of the case looking nice.

Screw can be used to secure HDD.

Optical drive installed.

Almost all put together.

After that, you put the drive cages back into the case and screw them down. As mentioned before, the thumbscrews on the drive cages makes this easy to do, and you'll never lose them since they are attached to the drive cages. Attaching the cables to the drives might be a little tricky since there is not a lot of room around them, but it's doable.

Another view.

All done.

One thing that's nice about the PC-C32 is that despite its size, it's fairly easy to keep the wiring inside of it neat and organized. This is because the drives are separated from the motherboard by quite a bit of room. Keeping the motherboard area free of obstructions/wiring is important, since it allows for better airflow and cooling of your CPU and videocard. However, you'll note that I had to remove one of the internal fans during installation in order to maneuver around inside the case. This is really a necessity, since the fans are between the motherboard and the drives, and prevent you from laying out cables properly. They can go back into position after installation is done.

Conclusion:

As always, I had high expectations for this Lian-Li case. Since this is a desktop/HTPC case, my expectations were somewhat different. If you are looking for a case like this, you aren't looking for tons of storage and water-cooling; you're looking for a sturdy, quality case that's easy to work inside of, is capable of properly holding your precious HTPC parts and looks good enough to fit in with the rest of your equipment. On these points, the PC-C32 certainly delivers.

The ability to use full-size ATX motherboards and regular ATX PSUs is probably the most important feature. Often, HTPC cases support only microATX motherboards and PSUs. The PC-C32's support of regular-sized parts makes it an ideal choice for a wide variety of parts. However, this comes at the cost of a larger foot-print; the PC-C32 will take up a good chunk of area.

Cooling could be an issue. The lack of direct intake fans could be a major factor in this. However, the two included internal 120mm fans should help generate some airflow; unfortunately there are no filters on the intake vents, so dust could also become a problem. There is a spot for an 80mm exhaust on the back, though. Other complaints were minor - space inside could be a minor issue during installation. Other than that, everything is great with this case.

Pros:

• Quality construction - anodized aluminum exterior

• Thumbscrew access

• Able to use standard ATX motherboard and PSU

• Fairly easy to work with

• Removable drive cages make drive installation easy

• 5.25-3.5" drive adapter included

• Rack mount handles makes moving easy

• Looks sleek, and will fit into any home theater setup

Cons:

• No direct intake fans

• No filters for intake

• Somewhat cramped during installation

Many thanks to Lian-Li for making this review possible.

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