Lian Li PC-V2110

Conclusion

Our time with the PC-V2110 has certainly been pleasurable to this point; we have no major gripes with the case and think it will fill the role demanded from it admirably. However, we do feel that Lian Li should bundle a cross flow fan for the graphics card area of the case, which will increase its appeal to multi-GPU system builders. A more powerful stock exhaust fan also would have been nice, though we accept that Lian Li had quiet operation in mind.

Using the case's stock air-cooling you'll find quad-core processors with a single graphics card solution have just enough leeway for a moderate to high overclock and comfortable temperatures. For those looking to water-cool, the PC-V2110 has ample room in its lower chamber for modification and use of the acclaimed Thermochill PA 120.3 radiators, which will involve the removal or hacking of the hard drive cages. Alternately, if you can't handle taking a jigsaw to a $385 case, a rear-mounted external radiator may be used with tubing fed in through the holes in the top panel of the case.

There is certainly competition in this price class. A few models from Lian Li offer variations in certain departments, mainly airflow related changes appealing to particular usage scenarios like the PC-P80 for gaming enthusiasts. Silverstone cases are also no slouch in this department or price class with cases such as the mighty TJ-07 on offer with pleasing aesthetics and optimized airflow for overclocking enthusiasts, and Gary still swears by his Cooler Master Stacker cases.

There's no doubt that users who see a case as a necessity rather than a stylish addition to their living space won't find the price of the PC-V2110 attractive. Especially as some of the perceived advantages of owning a top-end-top-price case have begun to filter into lower price bracket offerings - ergo all aluminum construction, quick release side panel mechanisms, removable motherboard trays, and independent hard drive and PSU chambers are becoming more common additions to cases at midrange price points (upwards of $150).

For those that demand ultimate quality and class, the PC-V2110 qualifies as the stylish statesman of PC cases. It's ready to accept a hefty processor and high-end graphics card out of the box with no difficulty. If you're willing to add a few more extra fans, it can hold pretty much all the computer you want to throw at it. If you have the money to burn and find yourself partial to Lian Li quality and styling, you won't be disappointed with the V2110.