When you first enter the world of small form factor (SFF) DIY builds, the two things you notice are the limitation in hardware options and extra cramped working spaces. There really is nothing you can do about the former since SFF requires you to use smaller than normal mini-ITX boards and shortened VGA cards (like these MSI Gaming ones that recently launched). The work space issue is another story. But Lian Li has found a way to remedy that with their new PC-Q33 SFF chassis.
Once you see the Lian Li PC-Q33, you’ll definitely wonder why this wasn’t thought of sooner. When opening the case, once both side panels are removed, the top cover flips down to allow easy access to everything. Even the interior HDD cage can be removed by thumb screws which holds two 3.5″ drives (or one 3.5″ and one 2.5″). The add in the front panel wall has room for three more drives and you have up to 5 internal HDDs. You can also install graphics cards up to 220 mm, CPU cooler up to 180 mm in height, and a power supplies up to 200 mm in depth. If you remember the BitFenix Prodigy build video that we did, the PSU depth was an issue, but not in this case
The Lian Li PC-Q33 will be priced at an MSRP of around $99 USD and should be available soon. This a steal for a high quality bushed aluminum chassis that you may just want to take advantage of while there are still some end of the year sales going on. You can watch the full walk-through video below for a better idea of why this is awesome.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyCzV8x8794
If you’re having problems viewing the video above, you can hit it right here. Full press release below.
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Lian Li Releases the PC-Q33 Mini-ITX Chassis in North America
Flip-Open Design and Space Efficient Hardware Support
December 20, 2013 – Lian-Li Industrial Co. Ltd, today announces a new brushed aluminum Mini-ITX chassis – PC-Q33 – with a flip-open design and space-efficient hardware support.
Front Hinge for Easy Access
The PC-Q33 provides plenty of working space for DIY builders. Builders can swing open the top and front panel of this brushed aluminum chassis providing easy access to the internal components.
Space Efficient Hardware Support
At 18L, the PC-Q33 supports a tremendous amount of hardware for its size. Taking advantage of every available space Lian Li’s latest brushed aluminum chassis accommodates CPU coolers up to 180mm (7.0”) in height and ATX power supplies up to 200 mm in length. The latest powerful low-profile graphics cards up to 220 mm (8.6”) easily fit inside the chassis.
Versatile HDD Mounting
The PC-Q33 has a versatile design for hard drive mounting. In the side HDD cage, two 3.5” drives or one 2.5” drive and 3.5” drive can be installed. This side HDD cage can be removed by unscrewing three thumbscrews. The front panel additionally allows for up to three 2.5” drives or one 3.5” HDD with two 2.5” drive.
Water Cooling Support
The fully aluminum PC-Q33 supports 120 mm radiators and AIO liquid cooling kits.
Tool-Less Installations and Features
The PC-Q33 has pop-off side panels for simplified installations, upgrades and maintenance. Hard drives, 3.5” and 2.5”, can be tool-lessly mounted on the front panel with thumbscrews with rubber suspensions. Additionally, the expansion slots are secured by thumbscrews.
Connectivity
The I/O panel is located on the front bezel. Connections include two USB ports and HD audio.
Price and Availability
The PC-Q33 will be available at the end of December for the suggested retail price of USD 99.
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