Features

The Lian-Li PV-1000 is quite a superbly designed chassis with quality written all over it.  Let's take a thorough look at it's features as well as the changes made to accommodate the new Koolance components.

The front and back of the case features an all aluminum mesh design to dissipate heat more efficiently.  It's not "boxy" like your standard case and will impress the minute it is taken out of the box.  You know it's a Lian-Li, right down to the aluminum power button.  Quality and attention to detail is at its best, with only some minor design flaws.  You'll also find the front USB, Firewire and audio extensions on the bottom front of the case, satisfying the gaming community as well. 

Like their previous models, the PC4-1025 has the radiator fans mounted on the top of the case...a total of 3 120mm fans. When looking inside, we see a significant change in the radiator.  It is not only substantially bigger, but sports an anodized black finish that does look appealing and blends in well with the chassis.  It is much longer in terms of size and almost the full length of the chassis itself. 

Unlike the PC3-720 I reviewed some time ago, the reservoir, pump and electronics are now all on a 5.25" enclosure that is roughly the same length as a majority of optical drives on the market.  Now, Koolance claims the PC4-1025 sports a much more powerful pump and improved electronics.  I personally don't see how this is possible considering they managed to fit everything, including the reservoir/tank on the same enclosure.  If you all read the articles on our old flagship case, you'll know why I have a hard time believing this.  However, that is what we'll be testing here anyways.  Also, I absolutely do not like the reservoir on this drive enclosure.  With their previous PC3 series, the reservoir and fill plug was on top of the case for easy filling.  Here, you have to unscrew the unit and pull it out to gain access to the fill plug.  A bad design choice in my opinion.  On the rear of the unit, you'll find three temp sensors, ATX switch, 12V power connector and two 3 pin fan headers.  Why not at least three? 

Now, other than the substantially larger radiator, the fans are also larger for more efficient airflow.  This is a nice change from the four 80mm case fans on the PC3 series.  However, you should note that this doesn't necessarily mean this new model is quieter.  More on that later...

**click to enlarge**

Lian-Li had done an excellent job with the side panel design of this case.  Conveniently, there is only one thumb screw that is used to pull out a latch that will allow you to remove the right or left panels.  While this concept works well, it will require a bit of time for you to get the hang of it.  Just remember, when you unscrew the thumb screw, you need to pull outward in order to unlock and release the side panel.

The hard drive cage supports up to six hard drives and has a tool-free locking mechanism.  The cage is also designed to support the Koolance HD cooler that will be tested along with the system.  However, if you decide to watercool all your installed hard drives, then only four drives can be mounted here.  Unlike your standard case, the PSU is mounted on the bottom of the case and conveniently has a mounting bracket with thumb screws for quick install.  There is a support bracket mounted almost right smack in the middle that at first glance, looks like it will get in the way of installing your power supply, however, the PSU slides in just fine and does end up resting on it.  If you don't like it though, it can be removed.

The 5.25" drive cage can support up to three drives and a floppy or if you're like me, and refuses to use a floppy, then you have a total of four bays.  The first bay is used for the control unit/reservoir/pump.  Also, the second bay has a nice stealth drive cover.  Not sure why it doesn't feature at least two of these.  Most people that would even purchase this case have at least two optical drives and one just doesn't make sense at all!

They include a removable fan shroud for the rear 120mm fan.  It is designed to direct exhaust downward.  This is optional though and I think it looks better without it.

Last but not least, are the super nice all-aluminum rolling casters with brake/lock.  These are the best I've seen on a PC chassis and allows you to move the case around very easily, even on thick carpeted floors.  Also note that this case is vented on the bottom as well to help dissipate heat from your drives and PSU. 

Next: Optional Accessories & Install