A Closer Look - Outside

Taking a look at the outside of the case, you may mistake the K7 for a Lian-Li case at first sight. The design is very similar and features straight, simple but elegant lines. Everything is symmetrical with the K7 unlike other gamer cases out there. The small Lancool logo on the bottom lets the viewer know, that it has "metal bones" - a metal interior structure. Lian-Li has decided to go with aluminum side panels and top as well, instead of using steel for these parts. This makes the case noticably lighter. The rear holds nothing unusual.


Both sides are completely clean and do not have any air vents or grills, no fans or windows. Once again, this goes well with the overall understatment, elegant design - a norm for Lian-Li cases.


The front holds three 5.25 inch drive bays. Other cases do feature more, but there is simply no reason for more than two in most scenarios. The bottom half holds the large air vent. Lian-Li has cut it all around and the vent is held in place by a two small connecting points toward the bottom. This makes it very fragile and our unit was slightly bent inward. It may be better to keep it attached at more points, to further increase the integrity.


The I/O connectivity can be found on top of the case, next to the reset and power button. The Firewire, two USB ports and audio plugs are covered by a simple latch. This in turn is secured by plastic pieces. Such a design can also be found on Lian-Li cases and also presents a weak point. The plastic hinges tend to break easily, so you may end up loosing the cover.


You may simply remove the front by pulling it off. This is another feature from the all aluminum cases, which has been implementated in the K7. under the drive bays are two 120 mm fans, which are covered by removable air filters. The fans are not obstructed by any air vents or grill. This is certainly one more great feature passed down from more expensive enclosures.


The rear has the traditional layout, with the PSU bay all the way on top. The middle holds a further 120 mm fan and break outs for water cooling tubes to be routed out of the case. This is certainly a feature sought after by a lot of gamers. The bottom is filled by the easily removable and reusable expansion slot brackets. These also double as an air vent when not installed.