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Test Setup:
Our test installation machine consisted of the following: AMD Phenom II 940 |
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Installation Issues:
As no case is perfect the PC-888 did have some issues during our installation and testing. The first issue we encountered was with connection of optical drives. Since the PC-888 is such a tall case we found it impossible to mount a standard IDE optical drive with standard cables. the cables were simply not lengthy enough to read the IDE port on our motherboard. This may be more of an issue with technology than the case layout but we feel it may have been appropriate for Lian Li to include cables of the right length. Considering the retail of ~$1000 on the PC-888 we don't feel this is unreasonable.
Our second issue also comes as a result of the design of the case and deals with the cable conduit that runs along the front right of the case. This conduit while an excellent idea just didn't provide enouugh room for our cabling needs. Considering the rather basic setup of our components we found it difficult to route all of our cables in the conduit. Most of our cabling issues were wwith power supply cables, as such Lian Li probably should have cut a hole in the bottom of the PSU tray to allow for alterrnative cabling needs. The Tagan BZ 800 provides screw on modular cabling with rubberized, sleeved cables and we still found it difficult to route all of the power adapters.
Our third issue comes with the hard drive bays and also deals with cabling. While the concept of the hard drive trays and unified SATA ports on the rear is great the implimentation of the molex power adapters makes it difficult to power the drives and still keep the molex cables out of view.
Positive Experiences:
The PC-888 was without an equal in the installation of our devices and especially the motherboard. Removal of the motherboard tray was very simple and installation of the motherboard consumed a mere 10 minutes of time. All the necessary hardware, tie down cables, and even tools are provided in the accompanying box witht he case. In fact we never found ourselves searching for methods of removal or installation of any parts, peices, or hardware during our use of the PC-888. The spring mounted thumbscrews for the side panel removal is a delight as is the fit of all of the hardware. Nothing is more frustrating than trying to thread screws into misaligned holes and worrying about the screw threading at an angle or stripping the screw.
Did we mention the AWESOME power button? We absolutely loved the experience of our first power-on of the PC-888 and sitting back to watch the glow from three fans, the Lian Li logo, and the power button. The choice of blue LED's work amazingly well with the case and accent the inside components wonderfully. As we mentioned earlier the PC-888 looks like a work of art and functions like a Bently.
Summary:
If you have the disposable cash and a flair to own an elite case then you can't go wrong with the PC-888. Our issues encountered were small and not serious at all. The PC-888 is a proof of concept product so we don't expect wide spread availability but rather see the PC-888 as a limited edition product. With the associated pricetag its easy to see why this is. While this would be the ultimate eye candy for any LAN party we don't foresee many owners taking the case out for a stroll with concerns about scratching or damaging such an expensive and beautiful case.
Considering the amazing design and unique features of the PC-888 it is well deserving of both our Editors Choice Award and our Awesome Hardware Award. In our history of case reviews we have not come across a more elite case with such a full range of features and exceptional design.
REALTIME PRICING