Lian Li is now producing steel enclosures (gasp), which translates into some more affordable options on the market from this venerable brand that typically produces products from aluminum and glass.
(left to right) Lian Li PC-K5, PC-K6, and PC-K6S
“Lian Li has been known for its signature brushed aluminum aesthetic for decades. For many years, a number of customers have requested more affordable alternatives. The Ebonsteel series is intended to provide this option for those who seek the best value in PC cases. While these chassis are built with steel rather than aluminum, they are still very much Lian Li cases – tool-less building features, grommeted panel cutouts for cable management, vibration-dampened PSU mounts and drive cages, removable mesh filters on fan mounts – they include many of the bells and whistles of a typical Lian Li case!”
The three new enclosures Lian Li is featuring in their news release include the mid-tower PC-K5 and PC-K6, and a silent version of the latter named PC-K6S. Of these the PC-K5 is a budget-minded option, with an MSRP of $56 for the standard version, and $60 if you'd like a side panel window. The PC-K6 is a more premium offering, with an MSRP of $93, with the silent version at $109.
As to availability, I'll quote the press release here: "The Ebonsteel cases will be available in mid June for K5, and late June for K6, K6S."
I’m liking the PC-K5 windowed
I’m liking the PC-K5 windowed model the best out of that set, actually really nice looking for $60
It looks like a Zalman case.
It looks like a Zalman case.
Yea, their GS1200 comes to
Yea, their GS1200 comes to mind.
Most people I see commending
Most people I see commending about Lian Li say:
“This case is great, but the price is ridiculous”.
Good to see them making more affordable cases.
Lian Li has made some steel
Lian Li has made some steel cases in the past. Lancool line I think. I much prefer the aluminum ones. But this give people better options as Lian Li makes great cases.
I’ve often wondered why
I’ve often wondered why people prefer aluminum for cases they don’t actually move around for LAN parties (which don’t really happen anymore anyway). The assertions that it’s better for cooling has been all but completely debunked hasn’t it?
Aluminum definately is better
Aluminum definately is better for cooling. Eg.(Aluminum heads on engines) Does it make a big enough difference is a more relevant question. The main effect of cooling will always be airflow so case material has only a small effect. That and having quality heatsinks properly seated. Actually if case material made a bigger difference copper cases would be all the rage.
This is kind of a throwback
This is kind of a throwback to Lancool in many respects. My system resides in a Lian Li Lancool PC-K7B, and I love it. If I was to built a new system for myself, I think I will likely keep using the case. But those new cases could be tempting. I like that a couple of those models appear to have tall feet, which is nice if you have your computer on the carpet next to your desk. If they retain a lot of the same parts that all of Lian Li’s cases do, that would be great. I hope we can see some reviews here from Sebastian on these.
I don’t mind steel, as long
I don’t mind steel, as long as there’s no plastic involved. Watercooling makes my case completely non-portable anyway, so weight isn’t an issue.