Lian Li PC-Q08 mini-ITX Case Review

Testing

As we’ve got few comparable results for mini-ITX hardware, we decided to build two system configurations in the PC-Q08, the first using the on-board GPU of our 3.2GHz Intel Core i5-655K and no GPU and then with a Radeon HD 5870 installed, while monitoring temperatures. To place a load on the hardware we ran both the smallfft test of Prime95 and 3DMark 06’s Canyon Flight test at the same time. This would provide a worst-case scenario for the GPU and CPU.

We used a Zotac H55ITX-A-E motherboard, fitted with an Intel Core i5-655K running at 3.2GHz and 4GB of Kingston DDR3 memory. Due to the case’s CPU cooler height restriction, we used the reference Intel LGA1156 CPU cooler.

Cooling

With just the CPU fitted, and its on-board Intel graphics chugging through 3DMark06, the CPU peaked at a perfectly healthy delta T of 41°C. We thought adding a hot GPU such as the HD 5870 would heat things up, but with the graphics card installed and loaded the CPU temperature only rose by 3°C, peaking at 44°C above room temperature. The GPU also performed superbly under heavy load, reaching a delta T of 48°C – that’s 3°C cooler than when we tested the card in our Antec Twelve Hundred graphics test rig.

The key here is the proximity of the cooling fans to the hardware, and the open layout of the case. The front 140mm fan blows directly over the back of the graphics card and over the motherboard, providing very effective airflow. The heavily ventilated floor also means that the graphics card card has easy access to cool air (albeit without a dust filter). The proximity of the fans to the hardware also means they don’t need to blow overly hard to provide good airflow either, with both the included 120mm and 140mm fan pleasantly quiet.

Conclusion

Mini-ITX cases are sure to be an increasingly popular area of PC hardware, especially as more and more motherboard manufacturers are producing high-quality mini-ITX motherboards. What was once seen as the preserve of low-power hardware is now edging towards acceptance as an option for reasonably fast PCs, with cases that can support all the hardware options involved.

On many fronts, the Lian Li PC-Q08 is a sign of things to come, combining support for full sized hardware along with a mini-ITX motherboard in a compact and stylish enclosure. However, offering an open choice of hardware means that the case needs to support a wide variety of kit, something that the PC-Q08 with its potential PSU and drive bay clash doesn't do perfectly.

The issue is frustrating, as in all other respects, the PC-Q08 is a fantastic case. Cooling was superb, especially for the fast graphics card we installed, and the design is attractive, innovative and easy to use, with inclusions like the front-panel USB 3 ports welcome touches. The lack of more than one dust filter on the case’s numerous vent holes is another gripe, but on the balance of things it’s fairly minor.

At £95 the PC-Q08 is even decent value for money, especially as it's an aluminium case requiring such intricate cutting on the panels. In fact, were it not for the annoying PSU issue that could preclude the use of a modular power supply, we’d be giving the PC-Q08 a ringing endorsement as it's easy to use, looks great and performed very well. If you're happy to use a 140mm long PSU, then this is definitely the best mini-ITX case we've seen - that's a fairly big 'if' in our book though.

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Score Guide