A Closer Look:::...

When it comes to integrating a PC based media centre into your living room, possibly alongside other hi-fi or media components, looks become very important and fortunately the LC11 doesn't disappoint. Simple, stylish and clean, it's certainly got the credentials to look at home in any domestic setting, yet there's bound to be a contingent who would far sooner it looked more technical or advanced.

Some people will immediately be turned off this case by the lack of a second 5.25" external bay which means no add-in LCD or VFD display options or memory card readers without some serious modding.

The entire front fasia is made in aluminium with 0.8mm steel used for the rest of the construction.

Case - Front View

Round the back the things look fairly standard with three expansion slots on offer, all of which can be used as we'll see later.

Case - Rear View

Only one of the two internal fans is visibe from outside, this being the fan mounted on the left had side behind a very open grill that should allow for plenty of unhindered airflow.

Case - Left Side View

The audio and Firewire connectors on the side of the corner panel are a nice touch but may be fiddly to use if you keep the LC11 in a cabinet and can't easily see what you're plugging where. Though colour-coded it might have been nice to have the audio jacks labeled too, even if you can't readily see them.

Case - External Connectors

The large, square, mesh style vent on the underside is a clue to the orientation of the motherboard once fitted. Along the underside of the front panel are a row of nine elongated air intake holes which allow the case to breath but which aren't visible from the front.

Case - Bottom View

As is customary, the feet are circular and silver in colour with foam pad inserts to stop sliding and marking the surface beneath, as well as isolating a certain ammount of vibration from the fans, optical and hard drives.

Case Foot Design