I just posted a new blog entry: [drupal=156]Bill's Case Dissection For Modding: Lian Li PC-7 Plus[/drupal]

Quote: Something I've wanted to do for a long time is a case review from a Modder's perspective. ...

You can find the [drupal=156]full post here[/drupal].

Lian Li Fans,

jhanlon303 posted this hot tip in mod nation forums the other day

Quote: People, The Best Buy stores are closing out on a case called Rocketfish. It's supposed to be 119.99 but most BB stores are outing it for $49 to $71.99. I picked up a couple in Colorado at the 71.99 price. The SKU # is 842604. Why am I posting BB? The case is all alum. made by Lian-li. I have a quick unbox and pictures on Bit Tech. Rocketfish case - What to do with it? update 03/28 - bit-tech.net Forums It's a full tower and has all the Lian-li build quality. One more tip, if the first store still wants $119.99 ask them to check the SKU and PRICE at stores nearby. I found 3 different prices out of 4 stores near me. The stores that don't have the modder traffic are the ones with the cheapest prices. Try the stores by the "Yuppie Malls" they should be cheap. John

Just for the info Rocket Fish is owned by Best Buy. I didn't know they contracted out to Lian Li but you learn sonemething new everyday. Inside info if you know an employee that owes you a favor you might get it ever cheaper........ssshhhh secret info (yeah right every one knows that best buy employees get a discount on the retail price)

picked one up for que_66 a couple weeks ago for 47.95 +tax.the bar code label on the box mentions lian li as the manufacturer.
this is a monster of a box.........i was laying inside it to route the front panel wiring.

Some other things I myself like about that case...

The PSU mounting bracket is reversible and easy to take the thumbscrews out to remove PSU without removing hardware...

I also like the easy to remove side panels as you do...Especially when water-cooling or using Aftermarket Heatsinks... This case is real easy to put an acess hole on the back of the motherboard tray to get to all those pesky screws that you can usually only install with the Motherboard tray removed...

I also like to put a smaller hole on the top rail in the back to route the wires out...especially the main power plug...It really adds to the hiding ability.

I have modded several of these style cases going back to the 60 series LL....And I must say I agree with you completely. There really isn't an easier case to work with, and the possiblities are endless.

Just a few thoughts.

Digi

Thanks for posting your thoughts guys.

I've gotta pick one up!

Just as a side note to Rocket Fish....

Yes it is Best Buy's name for home brand componets, but.. these "home brand" components are actually name brand with just very small differences.
Case in point...::
My truepower PSU stopped working on two of the rails, just out of the blue. Later found out why, but anyway... needing a fast replacement, i headed to best buy. (closest thing to a computer shop near by at the time) BTW, Central florida SUCKS for comp. mossers!)
Anyway.. I look around and the only 700 or larger that they have is this rocketfish thing. Im looking at it and ask if i can open the box. They gladly said yes and the GeekSquad guy said he swears by them. So, i de-box this thing and low and behold... it looks 100% identical to my gal's Kingwin 750!! So, i purchase it, figure what the hell, will at least get me up and running.
When i got back home, i opened the psu's case, and other than a few color changes, it is the exact same thing inside and out as that kingwin! Now, can I say it is made by Kingwin? No. but i do think that if you were to change the name on the labeling, no-one would ever tell a difference. (inside or out)
Wow, didnt mean for this to be so long, im sorry... but that PSU is still running hard and giving me EXACTLY what it is rated at. and though it isnt modular, it has all of the connections i need including the 8 pin and all wires are very nicely sleeved!
conclusion: GO ROCKET FISH!!!!

Does anybody know what happened to the Best Buy owned specialty stores that were supposed to open? they were supposed to open smaller more focused stores---one for enthusiasts, one for gamers and one for home theater stuff. Maybe I'm just delusional but it sounded like a pretty good idea. Now it sounds like this is what it came to---Best Buy branding on high quality products.

I remember hearing something about that long ago, but was meant to be in "select" areas.
Maybe we just don't live in said "select" areas????
Anyway, the best buy close to me in Altamont Florida(about a 30 minute drive) is decent. they seem to have a decent staff as far as the geeks go, and are pretty good at matching prices.
K. Evans