14 DAY TRIAL // We spoke too soon when we said that Lian Li had finally settled down and begun to do what everyone else on the desktop chassis market was doing. The new PC-D666 is an obvious indicator that that's not really the case.
Looking at the simple press shot of the product might make you think it's actually a small, “cubic” mini PC system enclosure for a second or two.
But the sheer number of drive bays on the right hand-side kind of shatter that idea as soon as you notice them, and the press release easily does away with the rest.
Called PC-D666, the new chassis is actually made in such a way that it can hold two computer systems at the same time, if you can believe it.
The Lian Li PC-D666 computer chassis
It's true, we suppose, that the product is meant to hold a mini gaming PC based on a micro-ATX or mini-ITX motherboard.
However, that only applies to one half of the chassis. The other half has enough room for a “workhorse” computer configuration powered by an E-ATX or ATX motherboard.
The two compartments just mean that you don't need to clutter your workspace or bedroom with two different PCs at once. Side windows on both panels allow you a clear view of the inner workings all the while.
Storage-wise, we're looking at a pair of removable HDD cages with hot-swap backplanes, with the possibility of installing 2.5-inch drives if needed. You probably won't need to though, because of the pair of 2.5-inch bays (tool-less) in the “workhorse” half.
True, most of the other hardware can be installed without tools as well (the pop-off side panels and front bezel, clip-in dust filters, the other HDD bays), but those two bays are specifically sized for compact SSDs and HDDs. Mostly SSDs.
In fact, you can pull out the HDD rack on the right side of the chassis in its entirety, by removing some thumb screws.
As for connectivity, you get USB 3.0 ports on the top (two sets of four, one for each side) and HD audio (again, two sets).
Availability and pricing
The Lian Li PC-D666, developed in collaboration with IDG's PC Welt (PC World) German edition, should be up for sale soon enough for $599 / €599. Thick 480 mm and 360 mm water cooling radiators radiators can be installed, but you'll have to get them separately later.
