Features & Specifications
The Lian Li PC-X500 chassis uses an unorthodox arrangement to maximize cooling of the internal components of the computer. It comes in black only and measures 9.06" W x 14.96" W x 23.03" D. The case offers dual external 5.25" drive bays, two internal 5.25" drive bays, one external 2.5" bay and four internal 2.5" drive bays. The case supports mATX and ATX motherboards, is constructed entirely of aluminum, and has sound deadening material.

A total of seven expansion ports are available and the front ports include two USB, one FireWire, one eSATA, and audio ports. The stock cooling system includes four 120mm fans and a built-in fan speed control. The entire chassis is tool-less and is divided into dual heat zones for optimum cooling. The case also features four grommets for water cooling tubes.

Installation & Use
Every Lian Li case I have ever seen or used has had one thing in common -- fantastic build quality. Lian Li is typically the most expensive PC chassis name you can buy, and it shows in the workmanship. Even the inside of the case is anodized with the same brushed black. The finish is flawless, and it looks so much better to have the inside the same color as the exterior. Optional clear side panels are available. The PSU area is large enough for oversized PSUs like some of the big 1KW and over units on the market.

The motherboard tray isn’t removable, but the tray for the PSU is. There are lots of openings inside the chassis to allow for attractive and efficient routing of internal cables and wiring. The cooling system is very robust and the fan speeds can be controlled via a standard switch that allows you more control over the noise the system outputs.

Compared to some cases on the market, the Lian Li PC-X500 lacks external drive bays. I think most PC builders will find there are enough drive bays for their needs. The case layout doesn't put the external drive bays on the front of the case as you see in virtually every other PC chassis available. The external 5.25" and 2.5" drive bays can be oriented on the right or left side of the chassis. This is fine, so long as you don’t plan to place the case in a smaller area where it is surrounded on each side by a desk or wall. The optical drives will need sufficient space to open on each side of the chassis.

The internal space in the motherboard area is very good. Some cases make installing large video cards, like the GTX 280 series for NVIDIA, a chore because of the video card length. The Lian Li PC-X500 will support video cards up to 300mm long. With the external, drives on either side of the case, the front is covered by an aluminum cover that needs no tools to be removed. Under the cover are thin screens to keep dust and debris from the fans.

The internal layout for the case is very good. The PSU is located close enough to the mainboard area that cable length shouldn't be an issue. Building a system in the Lian Li PC-X500 is blood-less as well. Not something I can say about some cases I have used. Nowhere inside the PC-X500 will you find a rough edge or a sharp corner. Both of the 2.5-inch drive cadges are removable as well for easy hard drive installation.

Final Thoughts
The Lian Li PC-X500 is a fantastic case, which cost more than some low-end complete PCs or notebooks at over $350. For some people that amount of money will seem like serious overkill. For the gamer looking for the ultimate PC chassis for their high-end gaming system, the Lian Li PC-X500 may be just the ticket.