A Closer Look - Inside

Gaining access to the case is easily done. Simply unscrew a single thumb screw and pull the lock out about half an inch in the rear of the case. This releases the panels which can then be taken off the case with an upward motion. As you can see, the case utilizes compartments. One is intended for the mainboard and ODDs, while the other one houses the power supply and up to six possible hard drives.

An unusual feature is the bar which has been installed in the center of the mainboard compartment. It is used to futher secure any add-in cards with the supplied plastic clips and some long screws. It is hard to explain in words, so we will show you a picture during installation. The mainbord connectors are of the standard variety, to ensure maximum compatibility.


The PSU bay is fairly large and features a ledge with a foam coating. This should ensure that large power supplies do not strain the chassis and should also reduce any vibration of the PSU.This ledge has been placed half way within the compartment, so it will partially cover the fan of most power supplies. While this should not be a problem at all, it would have been nicer to see a rail system instead of this single ledge. The rest of the bottom compartment is taken up by the six hard drive bays. These use the same mounting system as the Lancool Metalboned K7 we reviewed in the past. The drives are cooled by the large 140 mm fan up front. The optical drive bays are very simple, but effective. You require the included screws to secure any external 5.25" device.


Taking a closer look at the front fan, it - like all the fans within the case - ships with a mainboard header and requires 0.24A of current. The fan itself has been placed on a metal frame, which also acts as a removable dust filter. This entire construction is held in place within the V1010 by two thumb screws, which rest on foam pads as well. This should eliminate any vibrations from the cooling unit.


You may connect up to four fans to the fan controller. The PCB itself draws power through a Molex connector. Lian-Li has already connected the rear exaust fan and the larger, front intake unit to the PCB. The 7 PCI brackets are reusable and have been secured by thumb screws - something you will find done this way in every Lian-Li case. They are perforated to allow some air flow as well.


To remove the mainboard tray, you will need to unscrew two thumb screws and take the tray out with a sideways and then upward motion. Lian-Li has taken great care with the cable routing for the functionality of the front buttons and LEDs, but has opted not to use this routing for the I/O panel up top. The drive bay covers are also covered by dust filters, as they have holes to let air pass through. A very nice and thoughtful feature.


There are not too many removable parts within the case. You can only remove the side panels, the mainboard tray and the bar within the case - leaving you with a bare unit.