A user emailed me a few days ago with a problem. He needed a case for a new build and he was having trouble finding one he like. This is not an uncommon problem. While a wide assortment of mini-ITX cases are available, very few of them are suitable for a gaming system. To be suitable for a mini-ITX gaming system, a case must have two specific features. First, it requires two expansion slots to allow the use of double-wide video cards which have become the standard. Second, the case must have the ability to utilize an ATX power supply or provided integrated PSU of at least 500w. The Lian Li PC-Q08 includes both of these features and much more.
The Lian Li PC-Q08 has the required double expansion slot and is designed to house an ATX power supply. It also comes in three colors: black, silver and red. The black and silver retail for about $120 and the red carries a $35 premium over them.
I have wanted to utilize one for a build and was waiting on some Sandy Bridge innards to pack into it. Now that I have gathered all of the parts, I can share some impressions about the Lian Li PC-Q08.
It’s a mini-ITX case, but it’s not mini by any means. It is larger than I expected, measuring in at 227mm x 272mm x 345mm (8.9in x 10.7in x 13.6in) and it tips the scales at 2.73 kg (6.01 lbs). However, considering what it can hold, it is relatively compact and well designed.
Removing the case from the box reveals a solid, well built aluminum chassis with a black brushed finish. Be warned, as nice as this case is to look at, by the time I got it out of the box and onto my worktable, I was already wondering how to get all the finger prints off of it. If you’re going to be handling this case a lot, keep something to clean it with nearby.
When it comes to installing hardware into the Lian Li PC-Q08, keep your screwdriver handy. This case is definitely not a tool-free design. Six small screws hold on each side panel, both of which need to be removed for installation. Use a gentle touch on the screws. It’s been heard from others that the screw heads will strip easily.
Once the side panels are off the true beauty of the design can be appreciated, and the few odd choices can also be pondered. The PC-Q08 offers support for six internal 3.5″ drives, as long as you are not using a full size video card. But we’re building a gaming system and need a full size video card. Lian Li has got it covered. Flip the case upside down and remove the four screws from the bottom that hold in the lower drive bay cage.
It will slide out and you replace it with the C-bracket that is included with the case. This removes two drive bays but clears up the whole width of the bottom of the case. Video cards as long as 300mm will fit now.
While you have the case upside down, you’ll likely notice that the entire bottom of the case is perforated with little round holes and the legs on the case are a good 10mm high. These features will allow plenty of airflow for your video card. Beware, there are no dust filters included with this design. If your computer often finds itself in dusty environments, your graphics card can easily suck up dust from underneath the chassis.