Introduction
The mention of Lian Li might not really ring a bell to you, but the company, founded in 1983, is one of the leading manufacturers of "COMPUTER ACCESSORIES" in TAIWAN, and has been a qualified worldwide supplier for years. So far they have manufactured many kinds of computer hardware parts, such as "BRACKET" (for cases & interfaces), "MOBILE RACK" (for HDD), "MOUNTING KIT" (for FDD & HDD), "EXTERNAL CASE" (for FDD), etc. So, it's little surprise that they are now expanding into the computer chassis business.

They recently announced their very first line of computer chassis, which was featured in the recent PC Show here in Singapore. You might think that it's your normal computer chassis, but their products has some very nice surprises. I have not seen this case anywhere in the US or Europe yet, but it's available here in Singapore from SuperPet. It is also available in 3 colours; Black, Silver and standard PC Beige. Let's take a look at the features and specs first.

FEATURES (As in Lian Li's Website)

• Super airflow - Two of 3X8X8cm cooling fans in the front and one of 3X8X8cm cooling fan in the rear for reducing heat of CPU over 1GHz.
• Tools less - All parts can be easily removed, assemble and update.
• Total 10 device bays, Four 4X5.25", 3X3.5" and 3X3.5" hidden.
• A removable filter to protect from dust and easy to clean.
• Three position switch to adjust speed of front fans.

Specification
Model No.:	PC-12 (Black)
Case Size:	ATX Mid-Tower
Main Board Size:	Baby AT, Full-ATX
Drive Bays:	4 x 5-1/4" External Bays 3 x 3-1/2" External Bays 3 x 3-1/2" Internal Bays
Expansion Slots:	7 Expansion Slots (1 Shared)
Power Supply:	None
Dimensions: (W X H X D)	210 x 440 x 485mm 8.25" x 17.75" x 19.25"
Weight (G.W.)	7.4kg
Weight (N.W.)	5.9kg
Chassis:	1.5mm thick aluminium

Virtual Hideout is fortunate enough to get hold of one of the chassis models, the PC-12. It's a very sleek black aluminium Mid ATX case. Why aluminium, and not your normal mild steel cases? Well, for one, aluminium has been used in heatsinks for a long time and their ability to dissipate heat quickly is a major factor in keeping your CPU running cooler and added to the whole system stability. Cooler Master was the first company to make such a case with their CoolerMaster ATC200 Mid ATX Case. Now it's Lian Li's turn to join the craze.

The PC-12 is a sleek black version of their aluminium case line. Since it's made of aluminium, this case is very light indeed. But don't let that fool you. The case structure is very sturdy, well built with 1.5mm thick aluminium sheets and has no sharp edges. 4 plastic feet are also installed at the bottom of the case. The case also has a total of 10 drive bays, that's probably more than you'll ever need and considering that the case is a Mid ATX factor, that's a lot! 4X5.25" and 3X3.5" external bays for your CD-ROM, DVD, CD Burner, floppy and ZIP drives, plus, a removable 3.5" internal bays cage for your hard drives. But the first problem I found here is that the case doesn't come with a power supply unit. Lian Li could do better here by providing at least a 300Watts PSU with the case. It might not be a problem to some of you, but it is to me. How the hell do you power up a 1GHz CPU without a PSU? (Read above features) Even the Cooler Master ATC200 comes with one!

Front View Click to enlarge

Rear View Click to enlarge

Front View Click to enlarge

Rear View Click to enlarge

The front bezel design is sleek in my opinion, with the "Power" and "Reset" buttons chromed, making it stands out in the black background. The buttons size is big enough for the average person. The lower part of the front bezel also has these vent holes to facilitate airflow into the case. Lian Li also takes the initiative to stick on their own case badge at the bottom of the vents. I would prefer them to leave it blank for a [H]ardOCP or Ars case badge though! Maybe even a Virtual Hideout case badge! :O) Another nice feature is that it comes with 20 thumbscrews, found at various locations of the case. A definite plus for easy and tool-free access to the case internals, installations and upgrading. OK then, let's get into this baby and see what else it has to offer.

Chrome Buttons. Cool! Click to enlarge

Lian Li Case Badge Click to enlarge

Thumbscrews! 20 of these altogether.
Click to enlarge

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