Silverstone LC17 HTPC Case Review

Cases & PSU/Cases by terangreal @ 2005-11-22

Since their launch in 2003 we?ve seen many innovation and high quality products from Silverstone. Today we take a closer look at one of their most known case series: Lascala or LC for short. With more than 17 variations available their aim is to please almost everybody out there. The LC17 is one of their latest full size ATX HTPC cases, to accommodate standard size computer equipment the LC17 is one of the larger members of the LC family and it comes with the usual splendid looks.

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Introduction & Design

Introduction

Since their launch in 2003 we’ve seen many innovation and high quality products from Silverstone. Today we take a closer look at one of their most known case series: Lascala or LC for short. With more than 17 variations available their aim is to please almost everybody out there. The LC17 is one of their latest full size ATX HTPC cases, to accommodate standard size computer equipment the LC17 is one of the larger members of the LC family and it comes with the usual splendid looks.

We will be focusing on usability, design and cooling power of the Silverstone LC17 in this review, so let’s get started. The LC17 comes without PSU in silver or black color and is shipped in a large, easy to carry cardboard box. It’s yours for ~$140 (NewEgg.com).

Madshrimps (c)


Specifications & Design

Madshrimps (c)


There’s plenty of room in this case, 2 Optical drives, 6 Hard Drive bays and 1 external 3.5” slot (which is occupied by a series of front I/O ports). A maximum of 5x 80mm fans can be installed; two come with the case positioned at the back.

Madshrimps (c)


Featuring a brushed aluminum look the case has ventilation holes at the front, back and at both sides; there is enough room to maneuver a larger ATX board and make it fit well.

The front panel has a clean design, but face plates for the optical drives and a small “door” for the external 3.5” bay. The power and reset button are well placed but the feedback from the power button is a bit week. You also get a Power-on and HDD led in front.

Madshrimps (c) Madshrimps (c) Madshrimps (c)
Madshrimps (c) Madshrimps (c) Madshrimps (c)


The power supply has its in-take fan pointed outwards, drawing in cool air to the PSU, this prevents any ramping up of the PSU fan(s) if such a feature is present on the model you’re using. The downside might be less effective cooling because the in-take fan of the PSU will not take away the heat from your motherboard’s Southbridge and/or video card.

To help cool down these areas in the case 2x80mm fans are installed above the motherboard’s CPU area with a meshed 80mm fan hole in the side (where you can install an addition fan).

The LC17 rests on 4 rubber feet which are hidden by nice looking aluminum cylinders. (check the 1st picture below, you’ll notice that the feet seem to be elevated from the table)

Madshrimps (c) Madshrimps (c) Madshrimps (c)


The two screw holes at the sides as shown in the photo in the middle above are for the optional rackmount handles.

Now let’s get our test system installed ->
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