Lian Li Releases New Mini-Tower Chassis

By Aaron Heibert
published

Lian Li’s new PC-A05N case is small and to the point. Utilizing a front-mounted power supply design, the chassis achieves a unique "short and small" profile with effective air-flow.

The new PC-A05N could be the perfect choice for those that require an attractive, conveniently-sized case, as it packs effective cooling for today’s demanding, heat generating hardware. The new design features the expected Lian Li base qualities such as the brushed aluminum finish, sturdy construction, and ease of use. In fact, everything you would usually expect from Lian Li is here in this new case as well.

Through the use of the new "unconventional" front-mounted PSU design, the internal air flow of the A05N is greatly enhanced. Instead of entering the case via the front grill (and exhausting out the back like most cases currently available), air is drawn into the case from the rear via a 12cm (120mm) fan. Air is then pushed out the front via another 12cm (120mm) venting fan as well as through the PSU fan (if applicable). The front vent fan sits directly behind the hard drive bay to help draw air across the installed drives on its way out.

Other features of the A05N are mostly standard, such as two external 5.25-inch drive bays, one external 3.5-inch drive bay and three internal 3.5-inch hard drive bays. Each HDD bay makes use of rubber anti-vibration grommets to reduce noise. The top of the A05N sports standard multimedia port access like many cases do: two USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire and audio ports.

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The new PC-A05N definitely not a case you want to install your extreme rig into, such as high-end Crossfire or SLI setups and the likes. You probably could with a little mod experience, perhaps cut some vent holes and whatnot, however this case will definitely do just fine for anything else you throw inside. Just don’t forget that fans can easily be changed out for slower or faster models of your choice to go along with your air-flow and/or noise requirements.

And as with other Lian Li cases, you can purchase optional parts to enhance either the look or the functionality of the case itself. Expected pricing of the PC-A05N will be around US$95+VAT.

Aaron Heibert
4 Comments Comment from the forums
  • Pei-chen
    Actually cheap for a Lian Li.
    Reply
  • I'm a bit confused by the design... First off you have hot air venting out the front of the computer. You have the Harddrives getting warm air off the Mobo/CPU/graphic card and whatever rises from the power supply.

    Isn't this away to get more heat to the harddrive and increase chances of failure?

    "The front vent fan sits directly behind the hard drive bay to help draw air across the installed drives on its way out."

    So basically this well help force whatever warm air is in the system to be drawn over/through the drive bay? Not sure I see the logic (especially as the drive bay, and any drives installed in the bay, will be partially obstructing the air flow of the venting fan as well)
    Reply
  • What's the difference between this and my PC-A05B that I've had for over a year?

    FWIW, if you have a longer video card you'll need an additional blower fan (either PCI slot based or the one Lian-Li makes that screws to the back) to keep the video card & everything above it cool.
    Reply
  • zads
    hmmmmYou have the Harddrives getting warm air off the Mobo/CPU/graphic card and whatever rises from the power supply.Isn't this away to get more heat to the harddrive and increase chances of failure?"The front vent fan sits directly behind the hard drive bay to help draw air across the installed drives on its way out."So basically this well help force whatever warm air is in the system to be drawn over/through the drive bay? Not sure I see the logic (especially as the drive bay, and any drives installed in the bay, will be partially obstructing the air flow of the venting fan as well)
    Well, its either hot air from the motherboard/CPU blowing over the hard drives (airflow in this design), or hot air from the hard drives blowing over the motherboard/CPU (conventional case airflow).

    BingoBingoWhat's the difference between this and my PC-A05B that I've had for over a year?FWIW, if you have a longer video card you'll need an additional blower fan (either PCI slot based or the one Lian-Li makes that screws to the back) to keep the video card & everything above it cool.
    I think the only difference is in drive bay mounting.. that's the only difference I see.
    Reply