Lian Li PC-8FIR Review

Performance Analysis

Despite our initial reservations, the PC-8FIR didn't perform too badly, posting results similar to the Cooler Master CM 690 II although it's worth pointing out that the latter costs barely a third of the PC-8FIR's asking price. It wasn't amazing though and was well off the pace of cases we've recently looked at. It managed a CPU delta T of 50°C and a GPU delta T of 42°C, neither of which is spectacular. For example, the CPU ran 8°C hotter than the SilverStone FT02R-W which also costs £60 less. The FT02R-W also managed to knock a further 5°C off the GPU delta T. The NZXT Phantom performed noticeably better however and costs just £109.

Conclusion

Sending your case off to be professionally painted and adding a unique side window design can cost upwards of £100 so at first glance, £250 isn't as horrendous as it sounds. However, this isn't really a reason for case manufacturers to do it for you, since everyone has different tastes. As much as we tried to like the colour, the PC-8FIR is a touch too pink for our liking, but this is usually the result when applying red anodising to bare metal.


The PC-8FIR feels more like a themed case than a standard retail model and, while cases such as the NZXT Phantom managed to turn different into appealing, the PC-8FIR fails in this department. The PC-8FIR's cooling is above average, but the main issue is price. The colour-coded interior and funky side window just aren't worth the huge premium.


Strangely, even the black, windowless version of the PC-8FIR retails for more than £200 so clearly the bulk of the cost is going towards materials and manufacturing. We don't doubt that both of these things are top notch. The finishing, particularly on the roof fan mount and ports is sublime, but it shouldn't take a rocket scientist to see that the SilverStone FT02R-W is a better buy - it offers superb cooling, great looks and is nearly £70 cheaper.

• Cooling
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• -
• -
• 8/10

• Features
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• -
• -
• -
• -
• 6/10

• Design
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• -
• -
• 8/10

• Value
• x
• x
• x
• x
• -
• -
• -
• -
• -
• -
• 4/10

• Overall
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• -
• -
• -
• 7/10

Score Guide