Lian-Li cases enjoy the reputation of being some of the top cases on the market today.  This solid reputation was earned through a combination of innovative technique and high quality aluminum design.  Today we will be looking at the latest full size enclosure from Lian-Li's Classical Silent series; the PC-S80.  With the Lian-Li reputation on the line, will the PC-S80 measure up?  Lets find out!

     The PC-S80 comes in two color choices; Silver (PC-S80S) as shown here or Black (PC-S80B).  We will be looking at the black model today.  Measuring in at 21cm X 59cm X 59cm (~8.25in X  23.25in X 23.25in), the all aluminum constructed PC-S80 is one of the larger Lian-Li models and can be considered a full or server tower although it is also marketed as a mid tower.

     The outside surface of our PC-S80 is finished in a black anodized coating with some of the unanodized elements providing a nice contrast.  The small Lian-Li logo on the bottom of the front door is a nice accent as well.  With a weight of 13Kg or just over 28.6lbs  this is one of the heavier aluminum cases we have seen as well, but with good reason as you shall soon see.

Specifications:

• Device: 4x5.25", 5x3.5"internal(crowding shape bracket for internal HDD)

• Fan: 12 cm ball bearing fan x3, 8 cm ball bearing fan x1, Air duct for CPU x 1, Rear sound proof cover x 1

• M/B Type: ATX & pentium 4 (max size: 12"x9.6")

• TOP I/O: USB2.0 x 2 ; IEEE 1394 x 1; MIC x 1; EAR x 1

• DIM: 210 x 590 x 590mm (W,H,D)

• N.W/G.W: 13Kg/15Kg

Features:

• Front door with lock and sound insulate strip helps to prevent noise exudation

• Using all aluminum material of three pieces combination concept for the front door

• Using the exclusive steel ball design for the front door, which is the most stable design in the market

• Double layers side panel helps to prevent noise exudation

• 2 x 12cm ball bearing fans module inhale the air from the both side panels. Behind the fan module is the HDD module, with the crowding shape HD cooler for every hard drive and within a definite space of 1.5cm between each hard drive helps to exhaust the heat from the HD effectively

• 12cm ball bearing fan with air duct at the back panel inhale the cold air directly to the CPU cooler

• One 8cm ball bearing fan in front of the PSU. As the result of the hot air rise principle, this fan can exhaust the heart completely

• The rear soundproof cover helps to separate the heat and cold air, to ensure that the heart will not inhale by the lower fan.

     Probably the first thing that stands out with the PC-S80 design is the large shroud dominating the back of the unit.  The side venting is also distinctive in that the venting does not show any further into the chassis but instead shows another aluminum layer hiding beneath.

     This same venting can be seen on the right side where the second surface can be seen to be the motherboard mounting plate.  From this side you can also see the barrel key lock system that Lian-Li provides to secure the front door from unwanted tampering.

     The case may have been designed with a server build in mind but that doesn't mean the silent title is an afterthought.  The PC-S80 has the same vibration dampening feet found in high end audio equipment serving as it's firm foundation.

The back is dominated by the shroud but the underlying layout is still a traditional ATX setup.

     The front door is lined with a noise insulating seal and covers the four front external 5.25 in drive bays.   The design also features buttons that do not light up but do have a soft membrane button like feel to them.  As with many Lian-Li designs the matching aluminum optical drive cover is included for one drive.  No default floppy bay is included but Lian-Li offers a range of device and bay covers sold separately.  Many can be found on the Silver PC's website.

     Lian-Li doesn't skimp on the install hardware ether; including things like a bag of wire management toys and a motherboard offset screw tool.  There are way more screws than you will ever need in this bag, trust me!