Lian-Li PC-B25

Hot and Noisy

So, to test the heat performance of the PC we have three tests we run. First up is the blend test which stresses both the CPU and the RAM and pushes the CPU temperature high. Next is the GPU test in which we run a graphically complex program to stress the graphics card. Finally, the idle test in which we go make a cup of tea (one sugar, dash of milk, not stirred).

Throughout all of these tests we monitor the temperature of the CPU, the GPU and the case interior – all of which are constantly compared to the ambient temperature in the office. To keep things fair we also ensure there’s no open windows or doors – a light breeze could easily alter the reliability of our results.

So, how did the B25 fare in our heat tests? Check the table below to see the results.

So, as you can see, the B25 held its own fairly well. It wasn’t as thoroughly impressive as we may have been secretly hoping for, but it’s ok and the temperatures never got out of control. In fact, the B25 only did slightly worse than the Coolermaster Cosmos, a case designed from the ground up for extensive cooling.


If cooling is your main concern though, the B25 will probably not be the case for you and we’d recommend you look at either the Cosmos or the Antec P182.

So, what about noise performance? Well, as you’d expect with an all-aluminium case, the case isn’t as silent as it could be, but thankfully the noise isn’t overpowering. The B25 gave out a gentle, constant hum at the worst of times but it was easily within range of what we’d consider acceptable levels.

Again though, if you’re noise is the main worry for your PC then you may want to look elsewhere – the Antec P190 being a good place to start.

Conclusions

So, we’ve looked, we’ve explored, we’ve tested and we’ve discussed. We have, in short, come a long way together and should be sure to stay in touch – you, the B25 and I. Maybe we could form a casual folk band and employ our friends as back-up singers, but I digress.

Now comes the time when the three of us need to head different ways, unless you plan on buying the B25. Before we do though, let’s recap and conclude our incredible journey and examine just what we think of the B25.

Initial impressions of the B25 were good – the case doesn’t just look good, it looks sexy and the even after all this time together I still think the B25 is one of the best looking cases I’ve ever seen. It’s understated black finish feels like it’s a case which is too damn cool to have to prove itself via photographs, especially photographs which don’t do it justice.


Oh, and when that blue circle lights up it’s...well, let’s just say that it’s very, very tempting.

In heat performance the case does OK – good for a case with only three fans, but there are plenty of better cases out there for cooling performance. In noise performance too the case does OK, but there are lots of cases which can perform more quietly.

And this is the essence of the B25 – a case which isn’t about being the coolest or the quietest, just about being the most stylish. The B25 stands out for excellent build quality and design, not for technical performance. There’s no word on pricing just yet, not even any indicated on the official Lian-Li website yet, but it should be coming within the next few weeks and we can hardly wait for a chance to pick one up ourselves.

• Build Quality
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• 10/10

• Ease of Use
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• -
• -
• -
• -
• 6/10

• Features
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• -
• -
• 8/10

• Performance
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• -
• -
• 8/10

• Overall
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• -
• -
• 8/10

What do these scores mean?