14 DAY TRIAL // Since new PC hardware is always coming out, makers of PC cases come up with new products as well, so Lian Li's latest announcement isn't really shocking.
Still, there is something particularly enticing about a case which, though very small, can house even the best high-end mainboard out there.
Well, almost. There are platforms larger than the ATX form factor after all.
Still, it is quite a feat for the PC-V700 to house ATX mainboards, since it measures just 8.26 (W) x 15.74 (H) x 19.52 (D) inches (210 x 400 x 496 mm).
It is no wonder that Lian Li describes this as its smallest ATX-compatible case.
That said, there are other perks to buying this thing too, not the least of which is the hot-swappable HDD cage.
Set below the 5.25-inch drive bay (at the top of the enclosure), it can hold up to four 3.5-inch drives.
Not only that, but Lian Li included a removable SSD rack too (for two drives), which can be affixed to the bottom 3.5-inch HDD bay.
There might be a problem when using SSDs though, albeit only if there is a plan to use strong graphics cards. Simply put, the higher-end boards won't fit unless the SSD rack is absent (the maximum length is 17.32 inches / 440 mm with it gone).
The only other spec of the case that isn't generic is the placement of the PSU (power supply unit). Rather than being suspended at the top back, the PSU compartment lies at the front and under the HDD bays.
Everything else is about what one can expect: an I/O panel at the front (three USB 3.0 ports, an eSATA connector, audio ports), a bunch of fans (two 120mm at the top and back, a 140mm on the front with twist motion air filter) and a side panel window (optional).
Finally, the price of the Lian Li PC-V700 is $249 / 189 Euro (black/silver base configuration) and $279 (with a die window). Sales in the US and Canada will begin at the end of the month (April, 2012).