Which Lian Li case for me? V1000+ questions ->

[AusScare]

Hey,

I'm upgrading from a Gigabyte Poseidon so I'll be looking for a bit more room and better cooling.

I also am very particular about cable management, so any inbuilt features (or gaps behind mobo boards, etc) are great.

I will have 3 hdd's and 2 optical drives, single gpu, maybe watercooling in a few months time. BTX is a feature that I like, so that is preferred.

So what in the way of Lian Li cases are there that meet my requirements?

Budget is AU$300

All input is appreciated!

edit: I found the PC-V1000B Plus case. It is a few years old but is it any good still? I can't get the plus II in Australia.

http://www.hboutlet.com.au/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=55_915_25165&products_id=138036

[Jedda]

You can get the plus in oz.
The v1000 PC Case Gear sell is the V1000+II It has the side extraction etc.
I just had another delivered from them.
It's a great case, except it's tight for WC.
There's room for a twin fan rad downstairs if you take the drive cases out but not otherwise. You have 5 useable drive slots in the front though. So it's only a prob if you run raid arrays.
Lian-Li cases at PCCG (http://www.pccasegear.com/category30_1.htm) Take a look through these and ask if any seem of interest. I've done a few Li-Li cases.
My current build is two V1000+ bolted together! I call it my V-twin.

[SoulsCollective]

Try Nintek (http://www.nintek.com.au/x/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=2004). Comes out to about the same, given PCCGs $35 bulky-item shipping fee, and if you're in WA near Perth they'll ship for free.

[AusScare]

So is the side extraction fan thing worth it and necessary?

Is it worth the extra $$$ over HB Outlet's $250 plus postage offer on the v1000b+?

I have read quite a bit about this case and all the pics I have seen oftheir insdies have been terrible. Is cable management reall that hard or is it definitely possible?

I have a TT Toughpower 600W and it is 16cm long, will it fit or would I need to remove one of the bottom drive bays, it is no issue if I have to.

This is the ony well managed pic of the v1000+ that I have seen, in fact it is the best managed system I have ever seen http://img115.imageshack.us/my.php?image=webv1100tr4.jpg

[LogAn'sRun]

look at these for inspiration of what can be achieved with a v1000. . .

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=2285457&postcount=4338

http://forums.bit-tech.net/showthread.php?t=117466

http://forums.bit-tech.net/showthread.php?t=62286 (this is a 106 pages long, but it's all done with a v1000 - the epitamy of what can be done.)

[AusScare]

Thanks heaps for the links, I am checking em all out now:yepp:

[Jedda]

Cable management is quite possible.
I really like the side fan for an air cooled build. It's adjustible sideways and does a great job of removing the hot gpu air. The rear fan extracts cpu area hot air.
It's beautifully built with lots of thought and responds to a well thought out build.
I recently replaced the perspex in a seperately bought windowed side plate, with mesh and mounted a twin fan rad with it's fans outside the mesh. It worked out well for cpu WC in a mid tower.



Edit
Just looked at LogAn'sRun's links. Great builds, but Janne Darkened's build worries me with the perspex sheet on the middle 'floor'. The mobo is very close at the bottom there. I like his look but not loosing the clearance. There'd be only mm left.

[LogAn'sRun]

jedda, just curious- what's the problem of losing a little clearance? has this something to do with the addition of pci-cards later? Or?

[Jedda]

The cpu is very close to the board edge on 690i boards and some others. Stock a Zalman 9700 cooler wont fit a 680i in the V1000. Nor will some other tower coolers. So losing most of that 10mm clearance has probs for some extra board cooler choices on top of the ones that don't work already.
I've had a TEC boosted AC tower Titan Amanda in mine fitting OK. Which is a big 120mm fan fitted Tower. So you've just got to take care to measure before buying the cooler.
Another thing I noticed in one of those builds was him saying he had to remove the center lower psu wall. All he really needed to get the psu to fit was loosen the screws. That wall clamps the center floor down a bit tight I find but everything fits if you loosen, install and then re-tighten. Of course they were working with the first cases so less was known then.

[AusScare]

Thanks for the replies guys!

@ Jedda, could you post a pic of your case's internals and maybe a few shots of where the cables are routed in odd places?

I really want to get this purchase right and would prefer not to mod it straight away, so I'd really appreciate the pics.

Also if anyone else has some good cabling pics I'd like to see them too!

[Jedda]

I'm taking pics for a thread now. So should have something up soon.
The cabling gets much neater and easier with two cut outs behind the mobo. I'll post a link here as soon as I can for you.
Those cuts don't knock the value down as everyone wants them. Look neat from behind with a bit of trim on the cut edges and the excess cable taped and tied to the back board too.

[AusScare]

Ok cool thanks I can't wait for the pics!

[NoobCake]

AusScare bro... i thought you gonna get the stacker 830 :(

now you go for something different? :(

"sigh" STACKER 830 EVO FTW !!!

[Jedda]

This isn't mine but it does show the two main mobo cuts normally used with a V1000.
I don't cut square like this. I drill two holes then join them with two slices to make a slot with rounded ends.
However this pic gives you an answer untill my pics are ready.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/sulk/cuts036-2.jpg

My method gives the same look as the big slot in the floor.
You can just see the round hole for the 8-pin lead to the right on the floor too, in this pic.

[Lu(ky]

Here is what I did on my Lian Li V2000 case for cable management. Also the V1000 is short not very long. And the V1200 is as long as my V2000 case just not tall. My V2000 case is huge planning on adding a 2nd Quad raditor in the bottom and mount my psu up top in the front bays. You can do STEALTH wiring but you have to cut the MOBO tray, also they are not removeable:(
I am buying the new Ultra X3 1000w version for my new Lian Li build very easy to rap cables under mobo with Ultra psu.

http://i.pbase.com/g5/06/629506/2/67441599.KCOx00sf.jpg
http://k43.pbase.com/g3/06/629506/2/66476325.za0BKrx9.jpg
http://k53.pbase.com/g5/06/629506/2/67441594.3NLW5Yu6.jpg

[AusScare]

Thanks Jedda and Lu(ky for the pics.

So it looks like I might have to get a dremel as well, because I don't own a drill :doh:

Also I heard that crysis will be released next month or something, so there is a slight chance this project may be delayed, but I doubt it.

Keep the pics coming!

[lowfat]

If you have a hole saw or a dremel and can cut yourself a few hoes in the motherboard tray a PC-V1000 can be a very good case for cable management.
a pic of my old setup.http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b110/tulcakelume/internals-1.jpg

[Jedda]

Nice and neat, indeed, but where did you cut?
You can see here what I was referring to earlier, LogAn'sRun. See how the OCZ RAM cooler is touching the floor with this motherboard?
That 3 1/2 drive cage is really useful for other Lian-Li builds too. It can fit into the 5 1/4 area and a few guys hang it upside down in the V2000 so a PA20.3 will fit underneath while keeping the drives.
I'm turning my head inside out atm, working out what goes where in my build.
If I moved the psu up onto the floor, it could take three PA120.3 rads inside!
It'll probably just be the two for the time being though, top and bottom in the second half.
A grill is needed for the top one and Thermochill grills aren't that attractive imho. So more thinking to do there.
Which side to put it has all kinds of pros and cons for access and tubing routing that's obsessing me too.
lol This is supposed to be fun.

[AusScare]

@ lowfat, thats very good cable management you have there!

I also have that Noctua cooler, is it unable to sit in a way to direct air into the case's exhaust?

Other than that, I suppose I could route the pci-e cable up with the 24 pin power cable, instead of having to cut the case straight away...

[lowfat]

@ lowfat, thats very good cable management you have there!

I also have that Noctua cooler, is it unable to sit in a way to direct air into the case's exhaust?

Other than that, I suppose I could route the pci-e cable up with the 24 pin power cable, instead of having to cut the case straight away...

No it is not possible to have the HSF facing the other direction. However it did very well, with the rear fan pulling air in, and the Noctua fan pulling air up towards the VGA. IT would do even better if you had the Plus V1000 which has the VGA exhaust fan up there.

[AusScare]

hmm how much did your cpu temps decrease by when you went back to the normal position in the Stacker?

A 2900XT might also join this case, so the top gpu vent would be a must I should think.

[SoulsCollective]

I also have that Noctua cooler, is it unable to sit in a way to direct air into the case's exhaust?
No, it'll then conflict with the NC-U6. There're several compatibility lists maintained Here (http://www.nindeals.com.au/forumdisplay.php?f=96).

[AusScare]

No, it'll then conflict with the NC-U6. There're several compatibility lists maintained Here (http://www.nindeals.com.au/forumdisplay.php?f=96).

That would be ok for me as I don't own the chipset cooler, but it's pretty bad how it can't stand normally. I'm guessing the bottom would hit the bottom of the case...

[SoulsCollective]

I dunno, actually...lowfat, could you take some measurements?

[Jedda]

I also have that Noctua cooler, is it unable to sit in a way to direct air into the case's exhaust?



It's likely to conflict with the RAM cooler isn't it? I know the Monsoon does a bit and it's very similar dimensions.
With the monsoon trimming a tad off the fan case bottom fixes it.

[LogAn'sRun]

OT: Jedda, ya I see what you mean with the clearance issue. It looked like his thumb screw was touching the shelf.
ROT: @jedda (again) do you have a pa120.2 laying around? I'm wondering if it would fit in the bottom. I've done the measurements and it feels tight, but it's always easier with a real world measurement than a piece of tape or paper. I have the pa160, but now I'm beginning to think that for my cooling needs, I need to either a)get another 120/160 in this case somewhere, or b) ditch the single for a 120.2. My dremel/jigsaw is purring, and I was thinking of cutting the case this weekend, but I'll wait from you before I do something. . . .

[lowfat]

hmm how much did your cpu temps decrease by when you went back to the normal position in the Stacker?

A 2900XT might also join this case, so the top gpu vent would be a must I should think.

I never used the Noctua in my Stacker. However I really do not thing they would of decreased. The way it was with the PC-V1000 was very good, as it always had fresh cool air over the CPU instead of pulling warm air through the rest of the case.

[lowfat]

No, it'll then conflict with the NC-U6. There're several compatibility lists maintained Here (http://www.nindeals.com.au/forumdisplay.php?f=96).


It's likely to conflict with the RAM cooler isn't it? I know the Monsoon does a bit and it's very similar dimensions.
With the monsoon trimming a tad off the fan case bottom fixes it.


Actually it would clear both the ram cooler and the NH-U6 but it would hit the divider below the mainboard. I had it on 2 different motherboards (P5B-D, and P5N-E SLI) neither would fit with the cooler the other direction.

[AusScare]

I never used the Noctua in my Stacker. However I really do not thing they would of decreased. The way it was with the PC-V1000 was very good, as it always had fresh cool air over the CPU instead of pulling warm air through the rest of the case.

oh ok so you had the rear as an intake. Did you also have the front as an intake?

Maybe the stacker 830 is a better option because it seems to have a lot more room in it for expansion, but everyone has an 830, I want something different :(

What would you go for lowfat, you have had both the 830 and v1000, what is the better case for general use (not too performancey)?

[Jedda]

OT: Jedda,
ROT: @jedda (again) do you have a pa120.2 laying around? I'm wondering if it would fit in the bottom. I've done the measurements and it feels tight, but it's always easier with a real world measurement than a piece of tape or paper. I have the pa160, but now I'm beginning to think that for my cooling needs, I need to either a)get another 120/160 in this case somewhere, or b) ditch the single for a 120.2. My dremel/jigsaw is purring, and I was thinking of cutting the case this weekend, but I'll wait from you before I do something. . . .

It's very tight. You'll have to fit the end through the space where the front fan is too be sure. That plate has a 120mm wide hole in it so trim 3 mm each side and the end would fit through. Which psu and how it's leads go would count too. You'd want a normal leangth psu, not 175 or longer like a Galaxy.
I mounted a 220 swift rad in a side panel window in mesh OK. So you could always fall back on that method.
I'm putting a PA120.3 in the top and bottom, if I get the right looking grill for the top. Mine is silver and their grills are black or chrome.

[lowfat]

oh ok so you had the rear as an intake. Did you also have the front as an intake?

Maybe the stacker 830 is a better option because it seems to have a lot more room in it for expansion, but everyone has an 830, I want something different :(

What would you go for lowfat, you have had both the 830 and v1000, what is the better case for general use (not too performancey)?

Yes, but that means nothing as it is in a completely separate compartment

Well if you don't need a lot of size, definitely the V1000. Build quality is so much higher.

[Jedda]

A bit late but, as promised, a look at my v1000 mobo cuts.
The two slots are the important ones. They are for all the leads to the board.
The round hole at the top is to internal USB and fan header connections.
The great big hole is to allow cooling changes without removing the motherboard. Both CPU and north bridge can have their AC or in my case WC blocks swapped. I wouldn't necessarily advise you to do that one unless you have a good idea what motherboards would be in the case's future.
All the cuts are hidden by the mobo. You can see the mounting pins in place.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/sulk/Board_side_internal_1238.png

For the curious, a pic behind the board. This will contain the bulk of my WC. PA120.3 rads in the top and bottom. Two separate loops, but there's heaps of room for pumps and reservoirs.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/sulk/Rear_Board_side_internal_1236.png

It's been a bit of a challenge with things to be thought out but none of the quad cases on the market would give me the space this does. So it should be worth the effort. I'll start a build thread soon.

[AusScare]

Wow thanks very much for the pics, they look pretty good and I'm sure they'll work very well when it's all together! I'll bookmark this for when I get around to cutting my future case, thanks again.

[lowfat]

Those are very nice cuts mate! I never have that much patience. The backside of my PC-V1000 was horrible, I just had a dremel and the cuts were all over the place.

I am confused about the second picture? It is inversed but the date is still on the right side. Care to explain it?

[LogAn'sRun]

you shouldn't be. He's bolted two cases together.

:)

[Jedda]

Yep,
V1000 + V1000 = my V-Twin. lol
There's still a slight chance they might go together the other way round. So it would be like a very deep V1000, instead of the mobo in the middle quad style layout.
It'll be fairly heavy with the parts inside. So I want to keep the wheels. Problem is, as they are, they touch and will need modifying. It might get a set of castor wheels instead if I can find good looking ones. The L-L wheels look a bit much with eight wheels under there, and the axles are a bit short to mid mount one set.
The big trick to neat cuts is to get your hands on a small hole-saw or spade drill. Drill one, two or 4 holes and join them with a dremel or jig saw. Then $2 of trim to stop chafing on the edges.
I'm using Sketch Up to play around with it's layout, which is a help and a lot of fun.
Cheers

[lazy]

hey guys, im looking into getting rather the v1000 or v2000 series and was wondering how large of a radiator can fix inside one of these ?

[Jedda]

V2000 easily takes any size. A PA120.3 fits in the bottom.
V1000 takes a single rad inside but bigger depends on what you want to do with your drives.

[lazy]

so if i was to remove the hd bays on the bottom, will i be able to put a pa120.3? or only the 120.2 version?

[rdmty]

I have the v1200 (which is as long as the v2000, but only as tall as the v1000).

I'm going to fit a mcr320 at the top (internally) however a PA120.3 is much, much thicker, and will block too much of the mobo, with mounting the mcr320 on top, I'm blocking I believe one PCI slot, and 1 PCI-e slot.

[lazy]

so just to be on the safe side for room.. the v2000 would be the better take then?

[Jedda]

so just to be on the safe side for room.. the v2000 would be the better take then?

Yes, It fits the big TC with no trouble and can still take a SATA array of 3 1/2 drives all in the bottom chamber

[NoobCake]

regarding this case, do you guys think you could put the motherboard tray on the other side, i don't like the motherboard upside down like this, i like them the usual normal cases with the rear fan up, not on the bottom

[AusScare]

regarding this case, do you guys think you could put the motherboard tray on the other side, i don't like the motherboard upside down like this, i like them the usual normal cases with the rear fan up, not on the bottom

Well there is no disadvantage of having the cpu at the bottom, and the gfx card will get adequate cooling by the top exhaust fan.

How come you sold your Stacker 830 btw? whim me or pm me here if you want.

[NoobCake]

nah i havent sold it yet, just thinking, lol so yea

[AusScare]

nah i havent sold it yet, just thinking, lol so yea

oh ok cool. Well I reckon I want to get one for the extra space over the lian li, so if you want to sell, send me an email or whim cos I like it how you cut those holes so less work for me to do :)

[NoobCake]

lol no problem, but ur in brisbane... im melb.... i don't like sending stuff like this so much hassle unless you come to melb to pick it up then go home :P

[AusScare]

Ye that's a bit of an annoyance, and I don't plan on going to melbourne any time soon.

Some guy in Sydney was selling his stacker with 4 nexus fans and all this modded stuff for $250 instant. I only bid reserve then someone bid instant and I was like damn.

http://forums.overclockers.com.au/showpost.php?p=7613017&postcount=1

But anyway, he got $15 postage to Brisbane through his company. Pretty lucky for him, but I reckon it'd be more like $30 for anyone else.