Testing
Test Rig
Processor |
Intel Core 2 Duo Q9450 @ 3.2 GHZ
|
---|---|
Motherboard |
MSI 680i Diamond
|
RAM |
4GB Super Talent DDR2 @ 1066MHZ
|
Graphics Card |
ATI 5770 1GB
|
HDD |
Western Digital Raptor 75GB
|
OS |
Windows 7 Ultimate
|
Methodology
Testing cases is another one of those odd "benchmarks", as the main test of any case, is what features it has, and whether its cooling options are quiet. The features are detailed in the look at the case itself, but individual ones will be looked into during the testing to highlight any problems or particular innovations we liked.
We also have a rather unique test termed the case "strength" test. This involves yours truly standing on said case, and checking how it reacts in terms of flexing. This test is detailed more here.
Results
Strength
The structure of the frame itself is very strong indeed, there’s no moving it. However, the top section of the case is a little vulnerable to pressure; as it encloses the fans, the grill can bend easily. The fact that the front and top panels can be removed so easily does mean that you don’t want to be throwing this case around, or the panels will come away possibly causing damage to them. Structurally the B25F is strong, but it’s appendages have their weak points.
Cooling
Cooling wise the B25F is pretty much unparalleled in the air cooling world. It has two large 120mm intake fans on the front panel, a separate area for the PSU with it’s own intake and exhaust vents, two top mounted 200mm fans sucking air right over the CPU cooler and memory, with another 120mm exhaust fan on the rear panel. The size of the case and it’s cable management (see below)mean the airflow throughout the case is second to none.
When it comes to system and specific component cooling, the B25F can’t be beat.
Noise
Unfortunately the number of fans that this case has does come with a minor noise increase over silent cases. However, because there are so many and they are of a reasonable size, none of the fan’s need to spin at a particularly high speed, which means noise is still kept to a very low hum. It’s obviously audible, but it’s pitch isn’t irritating and only true silence enthusiasts will find a problem with it.
Cable Management
Cable management with the Lian Li is fantastic. There’s a tonne of room behind the motherboard for all the cables you can imagine. All of the fan cables are of a nice length also, so allow you to route them wherever they’re needed.
The Power supply’s plastic cable router is also useful in keeping things neat and tidy. It attaches to the base of the case with a couple of push clips.
Cost
The cost for the B25F is what will turn some off most likely, as it is up there with some of the more expensive enclosures. UK pricing including VAT sees it peak at £150, which will definitely be too much for some. Our neighbors across the pond will no doubt get it for $150, but either way this case isn’t cheap. However, it is most certainly worth it.
Leave a Reply