Lian-Li PC75 USB Server Case
Introduction
Lian Li needs no introduction as one of the biggest manufactures of computer casings. Their designs have inspired many and won the hearts of the hardcore overclocking community by far. A few weeks back we reviewed one of Lian-Li’s very sort after cases, the PC 60USB. For those of you who missed the review, follow this link. Lian-Li cases are easily distinguishable by their total aluminum chassis. Everything from the outer frame to its screws is made of aluminum. This makes almost all Lian-Li cases quite heavy on one’s budget, however I must say every cent you pay is very well rewarded. Today we bring to you a mighty giant from the Lian Li server casing range; the PC 75. From the moment you take it off the box one can simply not ignore the commanding presence this case has over everything else. Lets take a closer peep at what is in offer.
Before I go any further I need to clarify one fact. Lian-Li offers another server casing by the name of PC 70. now the only difference between these two models is that the PC75 has this beautiful window kit, while the other doesn’t. This is the only difference between these two models, but I would definitely recommend the PC75 since the window kit on a server casing simply looks awesome. The PC75 is a Full tower server casing spanning at 210X640X595mm. The case offers a total of 15 drive bays of which 6 are 5.25″, three are 3.35″ and three hidden 3.35″ drive bays.
As with all Lian-Li’s case designs, the hidden 3.35″ drive bays are located right in front of the front intake fans. This makes it an ideal place to secure your hard drives if no other hard drive cooler is present. Looking at the sheer size of this case one would expect it to be quite on the heavy side. However when I lifted it up, man was I surprised or what!!! Since the whole casing is made of Aluminum, this casing is extremely light. This is one server casing you’ll never have trouble moving about.
Almost every high-end casing manufacture has realized the importance of using aluminum in their casings and we see so many new designs coming out almost each and every month. The features offered by the PC75 are almost the same as the PC60USB casing with a few more tweaks. It has the same 4 USB ports at front of the casing and located behind a drop down door. Furthermore the PC75 includes two 80mm front intake fans and two 80mm rear exhaust fans. The cooling fans aren’t that noisy and do the intended job extremely well.
The only drawback I can think of the PC75 is that it does not come with a removable motherboard tray as in the PC60USB. The motherboard tray is something I really look for in a casing, however considering the fact that you can almost fit in a small kid in this casing, the fact that there’s no tray is no big issue at all since you can work freely without any obstructions.
If your motherboard can support it, the front 4 USB ports sure does make your life easier. I use around 6 USB devices, and having such easy access to these ports is a blessing. Instructions on installation of these ports are supplied with the casing. Most motherboards out there will not support more than 2 additional USB ports. If this is the case, make sure you choose the connect the wires of the USB ports closest to you.
As I mentioned before the PC75 is only different from the PC70 by its acrylic side panel window kit. We recently received a Silver Pro Gamer courtesy of Coolerguys. (Expect this review shortly) In almost every casing with a window kit one of the most distinguishable parts is the black rubber lining surrounding the window panel. However the window kit of the PC75 is riveted onto the side panel, thus eliminating the need to use a rubber beading. This not only gives a much cooler look, it also makes the window panel look much bigger as well. Of course the window kit of the PC75 is fairly large in comparison to what I have come across so far; it almost spans to the height of the casing. I’ll give a 100% rating on the window kit design to Lian-Li without any hesitation. Furthermore since the case is so huge, so is the Window Kit, which makes it look truly amazing. Lian-Li has made this window kit so big that unlike other window kits you actually can see absolutely every inch of the inside of your casing. So even for you PC70 owners, fish out a few bucks and get this window kit. It’s worth every penny.
The PC75 also comes with space for a redundant power supply unit. Well this is pretty standard in the server environment, however for normal PC users a conventional 400W Power supply will do justice. However if you can afford one, might as well go for it, it looks cool as well as it’s better in overall performance.
As with all Lian-Li’s casings the front case panel can be removed, and the intake fans have the 3 speed fan controller as well.
Conclusion
There’s so much room in the casing every component seems to run 3 -4C cooler than normal. The efficient air flow throughout the casing and the aluminum body adds up to make the PC75 a really good cooling system overall. Of course all this comes at a pretty hefty price. Lian-Li cases are not for the faint hearted. If you’re looking for a rock solid cooling case or if you want to be the center of attraction at the next LAN party, well look no further, this is definitely the case for you. At around $275(AUS$ ~525) with no power supply is quite a lot to pay for a server casing. Of course there are cheaper solutions by other manufactures which are made of metal. These are heavier and don’t perform as well as Lian-Li cases do, however you’ll save on the green.
If this does not bother you, then by all means have a go at the PC75. Add in a Cold Cathode light in there and that’ll make this unit complete. As always I truly enjoyed working with this casing. Before I conclude let me thank Victor at Anywhere Competer Accessories and James at Lian-Li for their support. Check out Anywhere.com.au, they have some really cool stuff there.
