Computex 2010 Coverage

Lian Li

Although test benches and HTPCs certainly appeal to many people, I'm sure many of you want to see the more hardcore cases, so let's start with one of the most hardcore new offerings from Lian Li, the X2000F. Upon examining the X2000F and its specifications, you quickly realize why Lian Li is lauded as the top case manufacturer when it comes to quality. The X2000F is a full tower gaming case that, thanks to its sleek looks, can be used as a hardcore HTPC case as well. It also features a completely tool-less design. Measuring 240mm (W) x 695mm (H) x 442mm (D), the X2000F can fit graphics cards up to 340mm in length, and supports four 5.25" drives, one external 3.5" drive using a 5.25" to 3.5" converter, and seven internal 3.5" drives with SAS Hot Swap. It has eight PCI slots and comes with three 140mm fans in the front and two 140mm fans in the back. The top I/O panel features a whopping four USB3.0 ports, along with an eSATA port and HD audio ports. It also features sound-insulated side panels, a fan speed controller, an air filter at the base of the case, easy clean air filter design, and support for liquid cooling.

As I mentioned before, the X2000F features a completely tool-less design - even featuring thumb screws for motherboard installation. The first photo below shows the patented tool-less PCI card holder. The second photo shows the patented tool-less power supply holder.

Lian Li was also showing off a few new mid tower cases featuring the tool-less design. First up was the 8FI, which comes in black (8FIB), silver (8FIA), and a special red Spider Edition (8FIR). The latter features a spider transparent side panel. The 8FI supports three 5.25" drives, one external 3.5" drive using a converter, and six internal 3.5" drives, and includes eight PCI slots. All three versions feature two 120mm fans in the front, with the black version containing blue LED fans and the red version containing red LED fans. All three versions also include one 120mm fan in the back, with the red version being a red LED fan. The 8FI can fit video cards up to 285mm in length and features a top I/O panel that includes two USB3.0 ports, one eSATA port, and HD audio.

The next two tool-less entries are from the Blue Ring series. The B25F and B25S are essentially the same case, but the latter is the "silent" version. Both versions support three 5.25" drives, one external 3.5" drive using a converter, six internal 3.5" drives, and 8 PCI slots. The B25F features two 120mm fans in the front, one 120mm fan in the rear, and two 140mm fans up top. The B25S contains the same front and rear fans, but has only one 140mm fan up top, as well as top cover noise reduction foam. The front panel and side panels feature noise reduction foam as well. The other major difference is that the B25S contains two USB3.0 ports, while the B25F has two USB2.0 ports. The B25F also comes in a windowed version (B25FWB).

Lastly, we have the P50 ARMORSUIT. The P50 cases support nine 5.25" drives and three 3.5" drives using 5.25" bays, as well as eight PCI slots. There are three versions, each with slightly different fan configurations. The regular P50 contains one 120mm front fan, two 140mm top fans, and one 120mm rear fan. The P50WB contains a windowed side panel, and features blue LED fans in the same layout. The P50R contains a special AMD-branded dragon window side panel, red trim on the front panel, and red LED fans in the same layout.