A Closer Look

The PC-A10 has a simple, modern design that is subtle, not flashy. The large sleek panels do not include windows or badging of any kind.


The front door has a black and silver design, which is actually layers of heavy aluminum. In the top left corner is a small Lian Li badge covered in protective plastic. In the top right corner you can make out two small clear dots. These dots line up with the front panel LED’s to allow power status and HDD activity to be seen when the front door is closed. Unfortunately the door is not reversible. Technically one could remove it and flip it upside down, but the lock will no longer function, nor will the LED pass-through, and the Lian Li logo would be upside down. This may be slightly inconvenient for users that have the case placed on the right side of their desk, especially since the door does not swing completely open. Near the front of the top panel is where the front I/O ports are located, underneath a small aluminum cover.


One of the most unique features of this case is the top mounted 120mm fan. This is not a typical “blow-hole” exhaust fan. It is an intake fan, but it is also meant to be used with a single 120mm radiator. Between the perfectly blended mesh grill and the rear of the case there are two small circular knock-outs, which can be removed to allow barbs and tubing to enter the case. I think this is yet another example of how main-stream watercooling has become lately. Unfortunately, the only option at this time is for a single radiator. It would have been nice to see extra knock-outs that could be removed for adding double or triple radiators without having to modify the case. Another issue I've found is that the knock-outs will not line up properly with a Hardware Labs GT Stealth 120, which is the only radiator I have available to test it with. The pass-through holes are too far away from the fan opening. Too bad, as I know these are popular radiators. It remains to be seen if this is an issue with the older Black Ice Pro and Xtreme models, as well as those from other manufacturers.


Turning toward the rear of the case, you will immediately notice the rear 120mm fan included behind another mesh grill, as well as 14 thumbscrews used to assemble nearly everything on the back. That rear fan happens to be installed with some special screws and rubber o-rings to help reduce vibrations. You will probably also notice that the power supply location is at the bottom of the case. There are several advantages to this, including extra stability. Have you ever noticed how top-heavy some cases can be, especially when a heavy power supply is used? Now remember that the PC-A10 can use two power supplies, the second behind the flat plate next to the first. Having that weight at the bottom of the case provides the extra stability.


The front door has a small lock built into the side of it to help control access to the computer. Several other features of the door include vents all along both sides, rubber stripping to help eliminate vibrations and guide airflow, and two large ball-bearing catches that help keep the door closed.


Upon opening the front door we are greeted by seven 5.25” bays, one of which includes a 3.5” to 5.25” converter with the floppy bezel installed. Below the bottom bay lies the power button and reset switch, as well as another 120mm fan with a matching mesh grill. At the top right of the front panel there are the two system LEDs, as well as a small 3-position switch capable of controlling two of the system fans.


Underneath the case you will find four large case feet, with a nice rubber insert. The rubber helps provide more protection against vibration, as well as helps to keep the case from sliding. These are much better than the cheap plastic feet found on many low-budget cases.


The side panels each have three thumbscrews to hold them on, which helps avoid that bulge some side panels get in the middle. After removing the screws on the left panel we can see the spacious interior. The inside has a shiny finish on the aluminum, but it can scratch easily so caution must be used.