Introduction

Self-Built Home Theatre computers typically use mini ITX based motherboards and the power supplies they use are of a similar size that offer at maximum 400 Watts of power at best. A way around this would be to go for the next size up, which is Micro Atx, which offer a wider range of supporting hardware. However this increases the size of the case. Wouldn’t it be nice if there were a case that allows for a Mini ITX motherboard but allows the option of installing a full sized power supply unit? Or even better yet, have the option for either the larger Micro ATX or the smaller form factor without the case resembling a box on steroids in your living room? Lian Li believes they have the answer.

Company Background

Lian Li Industrial Co., LTD was founded in 1983. We are the one of the largest and most reputable manufacturer of aluminum PC case in Taiwan . With over twenty years of experience in the computer products field, our dedicated team of engineers, production specialists and adminstrative staff provide the finest quality accessories available on the market.

In 1993, Lian-Li Introduced the new lines of computer hardware, including bracket (for case & interfaces), Mobile rack(for H.D.D.), mounting kit(for FDD & HDD), aluminum PC cases, IPC, external cases, server cases and more. We also provide OEM & ODM services, you are assured of designs that will meet your exact specifications, innovative ideas in manufacturing that will give your products an essential market edge.

The Lian LI V354R Specifications

Packaging

Coming in a fairly hefty box, we were a little worried that this case may be larger than we expected. The styling on the packaging was attractive and not your usual generic box that you normally encounter with a product from Taiwan. The box however did arrive at our offices looking a little battered as though the delivery company had just slung it onto the van; so its with some trepidation that we open the aforementioned packaging.

Front Styling

Features Displayed

Closeup on the front Panel

Side Panel of the Packaging

Opening up the top flap of the box we were greeted with a calming sight that is there no apparent damage to the contents. With the case in the usual dust bag and encased in protective foam it was a relief to find the contents safe and sound from the battering the delivery people had given it.

Box Opened Displaying Pristine Contents	Foam Protectors
Top View	V354R in Protective Dust Bag

This leads to the Conclusion that though the protective packaging of the LianLi V354R is pretty much standard for all chassis packaging, it does live up to its purpose.

Case Exterior

Lian Li V354R Close Up	LianLi V354R First Angle
LianLi V354R Opposite Angle	V354R Case Front

Once again the red gives this writer the view that it has a sunset feeling and of warmth, rather than that of a ‘loose-woman’ on a night out, looking as though she has put on her lipstick by the use of ‘Bob the Builder’s’ trowel!

Now that we have a look at the basic looks of this chassis lets have a look around the exterior of the case in order to glean some more information. The best way to start is of course with the front panel.

The Front Panel enjoys a rather clean look but sporting only one 5.25″ bay. However for this sector of the computer chassis market, any more would defeat the object and make this case much taller. Indeed the aforementioned bay enjoys a ‘stealth’ cover of which should take the pain out of having to modify a DVD Writer in order to fit in with the looks of the case.

5.25" Stealth Cover

Moving onto the power and reset switches themselves. These are not of the recessed type-normally found in other chassis, rather these sit flush with the front panel-lending the whole case a clean-uniform look.

Power and Reset Switches

The above switches light up a blue, which in all honesty spoils the effect of this case somewhat. Blue LED’s are over used in the computer industry and we are starting to get a little tired of them. A Red or even a white LED would have been better served here. However if the truth must be made clear, this is a very minor complaint at best.

Moving down from aforementioned switches we encounter the memory card reader itself. This can read SD/MMC cards as well as a whole host of others. Depending on card used, access and write times are quick and reliable.

Memory Card Reader

Again we encounter a minor issue. With this plainly being aimed at a home theatre environment,  there is a possibility that this could be placed on the floor. Due to this aspect the chassis itself will be more prone to dust and these particles could find their way into the reader itself. A flap that is a similar concept to the DVD Writer to stealth bay or a rubber grommet would have been better employed here.

Moving further down we encounter the microphone, headphone and USB 3.0 sockets. Lian Li have thought to include a nice internal USB 3.0 to 2.0 converter so you can install them onto your motherboard without using a pass-through cable.

USB 3.0 Sockets

The front of the case utilizes two 120mm fans in order to blow air into the case and to cool your components. The fans are two LianLi 120mm and they are of the Red LED Variety. These fans are audible and one has the opinion that a single 140mm fan would have been better here , in order to cool any internal hard disk drive.

Before we move further a few more shots under slightly differing light conditions reflects the striking looks of this case in general.

First View

Lian Li V354R Looks Two

Case Badge

A wonderful first impression of the case.

After the rather wonderful first impression s of the Lian Li V354R case, let us move on and explore the rear of the case.

Once again, sporting a clean look, the rear of the case has some very handy features. The most apparent of these is the fan controller with ability to control a total of five internal fans (three fans come as standard). The next is that there is room for five PCIE Bays for those whom choose to utilise a MATX motherboard. The next is a rather interesting rear fans grill; rather than employ the usual tried and tested hexagon or circular hole shape, Lian Li have used a more of an oval array on the grill. This allows costs to be lowered (as it is less time on the laser cutter ) than the traditional hexagon shape. Lastly there is a bracket in order to mount a full-sized power supply unit which is held in place by the use of  thumbscrews.

The Rear of the Case	Fan Controller
PCIE Slots	PSU Mounting Plate

Covering the rest of the chassis, one still gets the overall feeling of quality, with the silky-smooth anodised-brushed aluminium feel. The top panel of the case houses a 140mm NON LED fan which by itself is much quieter than the 120mm variety and the grill itself is of the same design as that of the rear panel.

Top Panel with the case laid on its side.

A Closer View of the Top Panels Fan Grill

Moving on to the side Panel the same quality is once again repeated. In order to demonstrate this the side panel was removed and photographed under a series of differing lighting levels.

Side Panel One

Side Panel texture Close Up

Side Panel Differing Light Level

Lastly we come to the base of the chassis. Four Sturdy aluminium feet support the chassis and to minimise vibration.

Chassis Base

Case Interior

Access to the case interior is a simple affair. This consists on unscrewing eight black screws (which sit flush with the case) for both the left panel and the right. The right panel however is also the motherboard mounting tray. Below are a number of photos demonstrating this at differing levels of light.

Motherboard Mounting Panel under Low Light

Motherboard Panel Medium Day Light

Motherboard Panel Under Artificial Light

Motherboard Panel Removed

Now that we have seen the motherboard panel, let us take a look around the internal workings of the Lian Li V354R chassis.

Lian Li V354R First Internal Shot

Close Up of the Internal Workings

So using the same method as the case exterior, let us start from the inside-front panel.

The front panel houses the fans and the hard drive bays, however in order to photograph the fans used, one has to unscrew the ahrd drive bays; thus we shall start with them first. Inside there is space for around seven hard disk drives, in two internal bay holders. The reader may notice that these are bare aluminium and offset the beauty of the case somewhat. Lian Li sell the powdercoated version of the bays as an accessory. However, if one has to be fair, you could possibly get these powder coated yourself for a fraction of the price. Removing the aforementioned bays is a simple affair by the use of four thumbscrews.

The 3.5" Bays

First Holder for the Bays

Second set of Five Thumbscrews In order to mount the bays

First 3.5" Bay

V354R 3.5" Second Bay

V354R Bay Clip

Once these have been removed we have access to the fans themselves. The fans have a chrome grill mounted on them (possibly to protect fingers?) which is unsual since the grill is inside the case. The fans themselves are simply slotted in (rather than screwed) and a simple, swift tug slides the fans complete with dust filters outside of the case. The dust filters are a nice touch and the fans are easy to remove for cleaning, but one has to remove the hard drive bays first in order to get at them.

Mounted Front Fan	Front Panel Fan Removed
Internal Shot of the Front Case Grill	Front Internal Case Fan

Lian Li v354r Dust Filter

Moving onto the next sections of the front panel we encounter the circuit board for the memory card reader, the front USB3.0 slots and the internal wires for the IO panel. It is at this point we must note that there is NO WIRE MANAGEMENT features at all with this chassis, so Lian Li would have been better to braid ALL bare wires, with either red, or black sleeving.

SD Card Reader and USB3.0 ports	A close Up of the Same Area
Printed Circuit Board for the SD Reader	No Braided Internal Wires

Moving onto the rear panel we encounter the ‘runners’ for the power supply unit and the fan controller. The former being mounted onto the rear-base of the case which are coated with rubber so as not to scratch your power supply.

Power Supply 'runners'

Internal Fan Controller

Installing any system inside this case involves lots of prepartion and planning (due to its size). This is not helped by the lack of wire management and the lack of braiding on any internal wires in order to make up for this.

Motherboard Installed

Motherboard Installed Closeup

Motherboard isntallation itself was simply a breeze, simply place onto the panel, use m3 screws and postion the panel. Then just screw into the chassis. However, with the lack of wire manangment in this case the ending result could be messy. In all fairness Lian li have at least attempted to address this issue with a few cable ties and holders. In addition, for those whom do not have a USB 3.0 header on their motherboard; the aforementioned company has provuded a converter kit so at least you can utilise the front ports without using a pass-through cable. Lastly, and we have not touched upon this yet, but even though the case is a small form factor a single loop (with two small radiators) could conceivably be installed here without any case modifications required.

Accesories

A well presented and thought out case.

Conclusion

Manufacturing a small-form factor case is not easy in the least, one has so much to consider in the design scope and a very limited space available to put things in. Lian Li have designed a high quality, high impact case and this is further heightened by the finish on the chassis itself! Installing components into the case was a pleasure to do. The only major hindrance into this otherwise beautiful piece of work is that there is not even a hint of any wire management and there is not even a smidgeon of cable braiding to make up for this. There are one or two more very minor nags with this product, but as mentioned previously the wire management or lack thereof is an issue.

Having said the above it is the highest quality small from factor case that we have worked with to date and the case just oozes appeal. Adding USB3.0 and yet making it backward compatible is just icing on the cake. Care and attention to detail has been ever-present in this product with its silky-smooth finish, its colour and the way everything sits flush with the overall case so as not to spoil its smouldering looks.

Pros:

• Ultra Sexy Looks
• Smooth Finish
• Did we say it looks good yes? Then it looks better
• Small form Factor
• usb 3.0 Backwards compatible.
• Mini ITX Form Factor
• DVD Stealth Bay
• Everything is so……flush
• Attention grabbing
• Can fit a custom water cooling kit

Cons:

• No wire management or braiding to make up for this.

It is with pleasure that we award the Lian Li V354R case a 9.0 out of ten and therefore a gold award

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