Performance TestsOur stress tests compare the cooling performance of the enclosure with the standard included fans to that of all previous cases we have tested with the same hardware since January 2007. We test with different fan configurations to measure the impact; in case of the Lian-Li PC-7 SE-B III we hooked up the 3x120mm to a 5.25” fan controller which allowed us full control from 0 to 12v;
These are three test configurations we used:
- All three fans at maximum speed (Front/Rear/Side)
- Two fans at maximum speed, third disabled (Front/Rear)
- Only one fan at maximum speed, the other two disabled (Rear)
These are the results:
The results of the Lian-Li case might be misleading so let us explain further, with all three fans enabled all components inside remain quite cool, the VGA is running at 81°C but the GTX fan is running at only 71% speed, this results in total system noise of ~41.3dBA, so very quiet!
Second test with the side panel disabled causes a noticeable increase in CPU/Mobo temp, the VGA temperature drops however, but this is misleading, since the inside of the case is now hotter the GTX’s fan ramps up to 84% and thus cools better but at the same time noise increases too, up to 43.1dBA.
The last test with a single 120mm fan (at 1000rpm) doesn’t change the outcome much, CPU, mobo and VGA remain almost the same (VGA now at 87% fan speed), the HDD bay is now noticeable hotter though, 38°C vs 33°C.
In conclusion of the tests we found no advantage in disabling any of the 120mm fans, as even with all of them running the noise level remained low enough to not be disturbing.
Conclusive ThoughtsOur first review of a Lian-Li case result in overall good impression, the reviewed PC-7 enclosure lives up the Lian-Li name of quality at affordable prices. The latest incarnation of the series dubbed PC-7 SE-B III adds a noise vibration reduction system for hard drives, an exhaust grill at the top and does away with the noisier 80mm top fan. Instead you get three low noise 120mm fans pre-installed which offer an excellent performance/noise ratio, keeping high end components installed inside at cool operating temperatures.
With a retail price tag of
€99 @ PC-Cooling.de (
~$100 in the USA) without power supply this Lian-Li is quite affordable being a high quality brushed aluminum enclosure. While there are cheaper mid-tower cases on the market which offer similar features/performance, none are made of light-weight aluminum at this price level.
If you’re in the market for a new mid-size tower case and want a classy classic design which keeps the latest hardware cool, the PC-7 SE-B III should be on your shortlist.
Lian-Li PC-7 SE-B III Recommended for
With a touch of classWe like to thank Do-Woon from
PC-Cooling.de for setting us with a review unit.
, but it really does look better in silver as I have it from PC-Cooling (which is one of the cheapest sites to order cooling gear, cases and power supplies, and they have a huge selection).
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