Lian Li PC-A04 MATX Case Review - A04 M-ATX Micro ATX

[WeAreTwoDoorsDown]

This would make a beast home server...

[muffemod]

Lan Li quality is slacking.

[Dreamst8r]

i woulda bought this case if it didnt have that cheap 80mm whole on the back. should have just made it slightly wider and slap a 120mm with stamped honeycomb on the back and not some flimsy mesh screwed on

[IggyB3]

hi just a quick question, which would you recommend , this case, or the NZXT Vulcan? thanks

[RyanK733]

I was really interested in this case, but finding this review has really sold it to me. Great stuff, very informative. Thanks loads mate! :)

ps. Might be doing a 2500K build in it soon(ish), and will post it as a response :)

[zeewolsk]

Is there enough room for a 120mm radiator to be mounted internally where the top 120mm fan is?

[EliteSoldier112]

@zeewolsk Yes, can fit a 120mm radiator just fine, and with modifications you can fit TWO 240mm radiators easily like me =)

[ErezAvital]

this vs the Fractal Design Define mini (2500K GTX580..) ??

all parts are here, just need to pick a case....

[EliteSoldier112]

@ErezAvital Depends on what your looking for. The Fractal is a great case yes, and probably cheaper but if your looking for QUALITY, you can't get much better than the Lian Li's. As for airflow wise, you should be fine with either case but I'd go for the Lian Li due to the front fans, will bring cool air for your graphics cards.

[ErezAvital]

@EliteSoldier112 just finished the build with the Lian Li. cable management is a bitch. but I love it :)

[EliteSoldier112]

@ErezAvital Great to hear =) Sucks though about the cable management, but I don't mind showing off my single-sleeved cables lol

[EliteSoldier112]

But you could totally watercooling it, remove the 5.25" bays (and HDD bays)which ppl barely use, it's called external dvd drive. Put in 2 120mm blow holes (off-center a little from the center). Could place your HDD/SSD anywhere else with a stand or w.e. There you have it, 2x 240mm radiators in a mATX rig, crazyyyy

[zeewolsk]

@EliteSoldier112 Are the HDD bays easily removable? (is it just screwed on or is there more to it? Because I can't remove the bays on the 650D). Also, do u think there is enough room to fit another single 120mm where the top fan is?

[EliteSoldier112]

@zeewolsk Yes, the entire HDD cage can be removed easily, it's all screwed down. Lian Li's were made with quality in mind and VERY easy to modify, the whole case can be deriveted in less than 30 minutes.

[AverageGottn]

Does anyone know if i can use my old Scythe Zipang for 1155 socket? It says intel socket 775 but it was released before the 1155 intel socket.

[TimeToLiveCustoms]

@AverageGottn if it says socket 1156 on it you can. If its 775 only then no you cant!

[54carlje]

How much space is there between the end of an optical (blu-ray) drive and the motherboard?

[TimeToLiveCustoms]

@54carlje no idea now dude sorry. Case has gone

[EliteSoldier112]

@54carlje Not sure I'll have to get you measurements after getting the case back from the powdercoaters, but I'd estimate a good 2-3 inches before you hit the motherboard.

[GaleoMagnus]

Superb Review & Fantastic Case!

[BryanMumble]

can you fit a Corsair H80 in that case?

[pheeson]

i bought this today because of your review, it should arrive on Tuesday.

i have yet to be disappointed from buying a product recommended by you

[mcmickmc]

@ImTotallyNotANinja

I've actually ordered the v600f, but I'm still looking for reviews in anticipation. Check out the thread on overclock forum for a Chinese review I found which translates pretty well. 

[Ruiso7]

does this case have the same dimentions as the LIAN LI PC-V600F?

[EliteSoldier112]

@Ruiso7 Yes all the PC-V600X are the same case with the same dimensions, only difference being the color. Just watch out for the old version of the Lian Li V600, it's completely different from the V600X series.

[Androgenies]

Your reviews always cover all of the details! It's lengthy but it's really comprehensive. That's just the way I like it. Thank you! :)

[Findme383]

I wanted only to make sure. From my calculations Zalman Cooler fits barely in this case. Maybe Cooler Master Hyper N520 would be better option?

[Findme383]

I chose Lian Li PC-A04 for my computer case and I'm planning to build mATX PC from following components:

CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K + Zalman CNPS 10X Performa Cooler

RAM: GoodRam 4GB (2x3GB) 1333MHz CL9

MOBO: AsRock H67M-GE/HT mATX

GPU: Sapphire ATI Radeon HD6950

HDD: Samsung SpinPoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB

SDD: Ocz Vertex 2 OC2SSD2-2VTXE90G 90GB SATA II

PSU: Corsair HX620

CASE: Lian Li PC-A04

And I'm wondering if mentioned graphic card and cooler will fit in this case. What do you think?

[TimeToLiveCustoms]

@Findme383 if you had watched the video you wouldnt need to have posted that matey.............

Its all openly answered in the vid :)

[Androgenies]

@Findme383 I would not advice pairing the Intel Core i5-2500K with a H67 motherboard. I mean, what's the point? Why would you buy an unlocked processor with a Chipset that will not allow CPU overclocking? It'll be a waste of money. But you have the option of downgrading the CPU to a Core i5 2500 (non-K version) or you could go with the Core i5 2500K and upgrade to a P67 or Z68 motherboard. I would recommend ASUS P8P67-M Pro or ASUS Maximus IV Gene-Z. :)

[EliteSoldier112]

@Androgenies Gene-Z all the way!!! haha, I've got one and its AMAZING.

[Androgenies]

@Findme383 I'd also recommend Noctua NH-U9B SE2 or Noctua NH-C14 CPU coolers for this case. :)

[EliteSoldier112]

@Findme383 Will work fine, don't worry about cooling. Can fit a 6970 easily, I'm watercooling with two 240mm radiators in this small ass case.

[XyllianPC]

Ty TTL for being so awesome, BUT you need to review the new Fractal Design Arc and Arc mini!

[TimeToLiveCustoms]

@XyllianPC its not out yet dude :)

[ImIwilliamImI]

Why do you always say Lan Li instead of Lian Li??

[EliteSoldier112]

@ImIwilliamImI Just different way of saying it, everyone has their preference. I say Lian Li xD

[Xyllianos]

Its small, its light, its sexy, it houses my HD6950, it is proper quality and supplies proper cooling. mATX gaming madness at a decent pricepoint here i come!

[ssportugal]

The case is 188mm wide, if it was 200 or 205mm wide there would be room for cable management and a 120mm fan, but still a awesome case, going to buy it for a 1155 H61 build, with a i5 2400 and a GTX 560 Ti =)

[Findme383]

@ssportugal

Could you tell me what components did you us in your build?

[ssportugal]

@Findme383 Sure =), going to send you PM

[EliteSoldier112]

@ssportugal Great decision you made their bud =) I honestly prefer the width of this case, you don't want it looking to wide considering the height of the case, It would look to much like a box IMO.

[HKS134]

Fuck the RIFT i wanna watch the video!!

[simonfromthenyc]

Would this case fit the Prolimatech CPU Cooler?

[TimeToLiveCustoms]

@simonfromthenyc what one......

[simonfromthenyc]

@TimeToLiveCustoms

the Lian Li MATX PC-A04....

[simonfromthenyc]

@TimeToLiveCustoms

the Lian Li MATX PC-A04.... (cpu cooler Megahalems Rev.B from prolimatech)

[TimeToLiveCustoms]

@simonfromthenyc Obviously this case LOL. No that cooler wont fit.

[simonfromthenyc]

@TimeToLiveCustoms Thanks! Would you happen to have any recommendations to something similar to the Prolimatech's heatsink that would fit the case?

[MrRazze21]

Please Tom cant you do a review on the Lian Li PC-V354B, it would be so good for all of us that want to build a good m-atx computer :)

[124Z312]

greate review tom. buying this case for my new build, thats for sure!!

[BenHanna7]

Another great review Tom. :)

[THEDANEO86]

nice mobo think its tha same as mine

[IFreZzAx]

Hey Tom Where can i find this case ATM i found it on Overclockers Uk But my bank says there not a trusted Seller Weird ! And that the only site where it is available atm that i can find! Please Help Than you :)

[TimeToLiveCustoms]

@IFreZzAx google specialtech dude they stock it

[IFreZzAx]

@TimeToLiveCustoms Thanks For the Fast reply :) When i go on specialtech it still says Pre Order "Due in Stock: Awaiting ETA" :(

[TimeToLiveCustoms]

@IFreZzAx SpecialTech should have stock next week. Just asked them on MSN for you dude. They are just waiting for them to be shipped from Germany now.

[IFreZzAx]

@TimeToLiveCustoms Haha Thank you very much will keep checking :)

Thanks for all your the Help Really Appreciate it :)

[IFreZzAx]

@TimeToLiveCustoms Thanks for the Super Fast Reply :) But on Specialtech They also say Product Not Available Yet Preorder yours today.

Due in Stock: Awaiting ETA

[vierme666]

Is that an Coolermaster 212+ ? And if it is would you make a review of it ?

[srdrkerim]

this case is going to be part of my ps3 mod =)

[EliteSoldier112]

@srdrkerim Post a vid man!

[adamjamesroe]

@TimeToLiveCustoms Do you think you will be doing a review on the Fractal Design Arc Midi Tower, small case like this one but ATX, seen it on quitet PC, looks brilliant.

[tnartey]

hay tom do you still make those custom cases you used to do along time ago, if you do i would love to see some of your new ones

[TimeToLiveCustoms]

@tnartey Not done any for over a year but there is a few in the pipeline dude :)

[Domowoi2]

I can see the appeal of Lian Li cases but in my opignion they look a bit too plain. Thats a little too boring. And they kinda look all the same.

[GoldenbanjoDJ]

"the camera is 'buggering about'", "ANALysing"

Tom, do you have something on your mind lol? ;)

[googleboughtmee]

pretty ugly inside and out

[TheGreekRob]

im modding an old lian li pc-70 full tower server case :) perfect modder case in my opinion, GO LIAN LI!

[midnightrayuk]

nice review mate as always.

[club4ghz]

nice review shitty case good for office pc

[ddrmegamixer]

Nice compact case like the HDD cages.

I am thinking my PSU is going to die on me, it's making a strange noise on boot, once it's into windows it's fine but on cold boot makes a pretty nasty sound. So right now as much as I want two new gigabyte gtx 560 SOC's in SLI, I am going to have to get a new PSU first :(

[whONeEDZNaDeZ]

I trust your scores because you don't give product's high marks for nothing. Great vid again.

[Lloydburger09]

hey nice vid yet again :P what mini tower or full tower cases do you recommend?

[Eyeball1975]

Nice review Tom. I really like the look of this case, looks simple at first, but as you look around at some of the features you can see the thought that has gone into it. Like you say, with a bit of thought and a modular psu, you could get everything tidy. I was expecting you to say around £100 for it, so £80 - £90 doesn't seem too bad. Nice one! :)

[1timby]

Tom is it small enough for a HTPC?

Good job ....

[EdGeyy]

Not a fan of the case. Its the sort of case that allows you to chuck your components in and it looks alright. It doesnt allow for someone to really build a nice looking PC (hiding every cable etc) its the same for most lian-li cases I find.

But thanks for the video, good review.

[EliteSoldier112]

@EdGeyy If you got a modular PSU, I don't see the issue here PLUS if you single-sleeve the cables, it would look sweet. I'm still not done sleeving my cables though, taking forever to do the 24 pin.

[Lonegraywolf75]

Great Review on Lian Li case. Will you do a video on Sandy Bridge issue. Even if everyone knows all about it, its always nice to hear your feedback on subject etc. :)

A bit off topic: I received my Ripjaws X 1866mhz (2x4gb) and the Noctua DH-14 (its a beast but I love it regardless! ) Now all I need is an 1155 board to purchase but this P67 issue has really changed the game atm. :)

[Luger718A1]

@Lonegraywolf75 wont be able to get a board for about a month maybe even 2!

[Johntmssf]

why are lian li cases so renown, they look so dull and cheap?

[MaximumMT]

@Johntmssf They are really quite well built. Not much steel and more aluminum than most manufacturers. Design and thought that they put into their cases is apparent. Their largest downfall is the price, but in the end you get what you pay for.

[TimeToLiveCustoms]

@Johntmssf its a blank canvas for those of us who want quality and have the imagination to take the blank canvas and make something unique. Its not a kids gamer case, its a quality adult chassis.

[jo05dk]

Hmm.. An interesting case for the money i think. Great review Tom. Now you've got me thinking about what i could do with such a nice little box.

[clanteh]

Awesome Review. Awesome Case. I would give it the Gold award as well. Great little case and exactly what I was looking for. Low profile + Quality + Nice Layout = Win

[Thesharpify]

get strawberryman to hold your camera :P

I realy don't think its worth gold award, personally I don't realy care about the look, but it seems like you do and this looks like my grannys pc...

[Thesharpify]

get strawberryman to hold your camera :P

[medion525]

nzxt vulcan better and cheaper, don't agree with the gold award, good video though.

[dogpad5]

@medion525 that thing is hideous mate :O

[ralmslb]

My head hurts!! This time the camera real shake arround =)

[dexelio]

you should hire a cameraman :P

[joachimk93]

i dont understand why Tom doesn't get more views, because the reviews are the best on Youtube!

[dannycurtean]

@joachimk93 I agree. But you got to understand that TJ Harlow introduced Tom to allot of the fans he has. I myself am a convert :D.

[jonmultimedia]

@joachimk93 Agree, he goes deep into details about everything which is great since i hate having doubts about something so this really helps. Big reviews are the best when its full of good information. Thumbs up for you Tom, keep it coming :)

[behem0th777]

@joachimk93 As long as his video's are extremely entertaining, I don't care if i'm the only person watching them!

Awesome job tom, please keep it up! :)

[gerardbiteme]

@joachimk93 I know he's just such a character I think, and his reviews are so informative and interesting :]

[PSPRYANPSP]

@joachimk93 Woah, I never really noticed that.

Doesn't make sense really, Tom's total video view count is 1,500,000 for 174 videos. All of his videos are professional, informative, honest and awesome.

MY channel is 600,000 for 34 videos, all but one are pretty crap.

[Arwiiss]

@joachimk93 They need little bit more marketing :) But yeah I agree these reviews are by far best. Tom has good charisma and it's not boring to listen to him.

[Icolorimutevoli]

@joachimk93 well, the review is 20 mins long! ^-^"

[manc84]

@Icolorimutevoli Rather too long then too short. it's nice to get all info and possibilites before one buys a case :)

Thanks for review, think I gonna buy this case!

[Snake1979xfire]

Not exactly a case i would like.

But thanks for this review.

[mbuddennn]

Tom, you're awesome. Keep up the great work.

[nLevel20]

awesome case! just what i want!

thank you for the review Tom

[HenkSpankK]

still in 240p >.<

can't wait.

[TheTerriblePuddle]

By the way nice review! :D

[TheTerriblePuddle]

Now nobody can say first.

[TheEuroGamerz]

@TheTerriblePuddle but you did

[jaysanxx]

@TheTerriblePuddle wipe the dribble of your chin

[anonFam]

@jaysanxx of his chin? What is of his chin?

[zalmanusa]

@TheTerriblePuddle first