A Closer Look - Outside

The top (or side, depending on the configuration) is simply a full glass panel that is held in place by four big thumbscrews.


Lian Li tried to add various edgy design elements by integrating non-symmetrical cut outs and bends into the front and rear. While this is certainly nice, the overall design does not really seem to follow a specific direction or purpose. A fine metal-mesh panel covers the large opening in the front, and there is still a tiny gap between the frame and the glass panel. The I/O panels in the rear have been recessed a bit, but everything there can still be accessed through an angled opening.


Both side panels are completely straight and clean. Lian Li placed an air vent on the right side, which is also where the motherboard will be once everything has been assembled.


In the front are two USB 3.0 plugs, the usual audio I/O, and the power button. There is actually no reset switch. To the right of these is a slimline ODD drive bay. It has been recessed slightly as there are two layers of aluminum. These two layers, while a part of the design, do not quite fit since it looks as though the drive has been installed improperly. Lian Li should have angled the opening of the top layer just as they did with the I/O, while enlarging it, to make it go with the rest, which would have also given the chassis that missing symmetrical visual element while standing up or lying down.


You will find the opening for the motherboard tray in the rear and to the left, recessed fairly far into the chassis. This is great as it will hide all the bulky plugs nicely, but such will also make reaching the right connector a bit more difficult. There are also two openings to route cables through and into the enclosure. We will use one of these for the PSU cable.