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The [Official] Lian Li PC-A05 Club

1M views 3.8K replies 365 participants last post by  Cazimius  
#1 ·
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Welcome to the LIAN LI PC-A05 Club
The Biggest Little Case in the World.

New Revision Out Now! - The Lian Li PC-A05FN

No Longer Inverted ATX
USB 3.0 Support
SSD Support
Top Blow Hole

So should you get this new version? Consensus is to go for the original inverted design.

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Lian Li PC-A05 Aluminum Case

"The Lian Li PC-A05 Aluminum Case is the very first budget style case from Lian Li. This case has four 5.24", one 3.5" and three 3.5" hidden drive bays and One Back fan. This case has been through several different Models since it's inception and a little modding is all you need to allow good air flow. While this case has all the essentials it doesn't have a removable motherboard tray but it's well priced and has great build quality." Rodney Reynold's. Video Reviews.

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Specification

Model.................................................. .................................................. ....... PC-A05N

Case Type............................................ Mini Tower for Full ATX and Large Video Cards

Dimensions............................................. 210mm Wide x 381mm High x 490mm Deep

Front bezel Material.................................................. ....................................Aluminum

Color................................................... .................................................. .. .Silver / Black

Side Panel.......................................Plain No Windows but Windows are easy to install

Body Material.................................................. ..............................................Alum inum

Net Weight.................................................. ...........4kg or 8.8 lbs Very Light and strong.

5.25" drive bay (External)........................................ .................................................. ...2

3.5" drive bay (External)........................................ .................................................. ..1

3.5" drive bay (Internal)........................................ .................................................. .......3

Expansion bay Slots.................................................. ........................................7

Motherboard.................................................. ..........................FULL ATX, M-ATx

System Fan (Top) (Front)........................................... .................12cm Ball-Bearing Fan x 1 (1500RPM)

System Fan (Rear)............................................ .................12cm Ball-Bearing Fan x 1 (1500RPM)

I/O Ports.................................................. .......................USB2.0 x2, HD+AC97 audio

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Post a picture of your Lian Li PC-A05 and Tell a little about the Build Mod or Yourself and you're in.


Lian Li PC-A05 FAQ
PLEASE READ BEFORE ASKING QUESTIONS!

This info is regarding the inverted design PC-A05NB

Q: What is the Direction of the Airflow in the Case?



Quote:
Fresh Air is pulled from the back and exhausted through the vents in the front. This means your CPU gets the coolest air first. There are two 120mm fans in the case: one in the rear Bottom and one in the Center front. Exhaust is via the front 120mm fan and the PSU which sits below it.
Q: Doesn't this mean that the PSU will run hot?



Quote:
Not at all. There is about ½†clearance under the PSU for air if you have the fan face down. There are holes under the 3.5†hard drive cage for airflow if you want the fan facing up.
Q: What about graphics cards temps? Won’t they run hot?



Quote:
Graphics cards will run warmer in this type of case by 5c-10c. This problem is easily fixed. Most of us modify the top and add a Blowhole Fan or buy the replacement top panel (T-LM14B-2) which is a replacement Top and has a cut out and Shroud for a 140mm fan. Unfortunately these seem to be out of stock just about everywhere. It is best to use a 4 1/2 inch Hole saw with a drill attachment.
Q: What is the benefit of inverted ATX?

Quote:
For one, the Hot Video card is up high and away from the CPU Cooler. It allows for a smaller more compact case. It also allows your to run very cool since the heat of the Video card is not convecting hot air up into the CPU like most Cases. Instead very cool air is blown onto the CPU heatsink first. You will not find a case that can provide better temps for your CPU.
Q: What is the longest graphics card that can be installed in the case?

Quote:
This is entirely dependent on the layout of your motherboard. If you look at the pictures of the case you can see that if your first PCI-E slot sits in the first two slots nearest the CPU socket then the max length will be around 10.5†because the card will butt up against the 3.5†cage. 11" if you have HDD in the top slot clear. If your GPU sits in the 3rd or 4th slot than you can fit a GPU that is 13†long.
Q: What about SLI or Crossfire?

Quote:
If you are running higher end GPUs then it is highly recommended that you add a top blow hole. Length of the cards also becomes an issue since the 2nd card might butt up against an optical drive. Normal length ODD will allow two 11.5†cards. Blu-ray drives are longer so they will limit your space to about 10.5â€.
Q: Does the case have a CPU back plate cut out and other cable management holes?

Quote:
The newest A05Ns do have these Cable Management and Heatsink removal holes. You should contact the vendor to confirm if you are buying the newer version with or the older version without. The earlier Version of A05N’s did not have these features. No A05B’s have them.
Q: What is the difference between the A05B and A05NB?

Quote:
The A05B was the first revision of this case that was released in 2006 through 2009. The A05N is the newer revision that added a few improvements to the inner design.
These improvements are:
  • A completely Removable top panel
  • A Removable 3.5†Hard drive cage
  • Vented PCI slot covers on the Back
  • Newer HDD cage
  • Cable management holes in the Motherboard Tray
  • Round Status LEDs instead of oval
Q: What are some recommended mods?

Quote:
A top blow hole is the First and most Important thing you can do to make this case great for a enthusiast system. It is also recommended to get fans with a better CFM to noise ratio if you are running higher end hardware. This case is great for modding since it’s made of aluminum which is very easy to cut and the engineering is outstanding.

Window mods are also very simple and easy to buy. The best that I have found is the All in one 10 X 12 inch kit. it fits the case perfectly and only shows the motherboard
Q: What tools do you recommend to mod a top blow hole?

Quote:
The easiest way is to buy a 4.5†hole saw. This is perfect for all Standard 120mm case fans. These are available at any hardware store and cost around $40. I personally prefer using a dremel since it’s a tool that can be used for so many things. Do not get a battery powered version since they don’t have enough torque to cut through the Aluminum. The dremel 300 is a great tool for $40. There are many fan grills that can be Purchased to make these blow holes look very nice. Check out AC Ryan Radgrillz or anything for MNPCtech. These grills usually come with cut outs so you can trace the cut.
Q: What is the longest power supply I can fit into this case?

Quote:
Most times you can use any size from small to large. You can run into a probem with memory slots sitting to high the edge of the Motherboard. The PSU clears the board so if there are no heatsinks/memory slots/24pin power connector close by you can get any size you want. I have seen an Enermax 1250w fit in this case and that is a (7.5in) or (19.05 cm.) long PSU.
Q: What is the tallest CPU heatsink that will fit into Lian Li PC-A05 Case?

Quote:
The A05 is 210 mm wide so it can fit all Heatsinks available at this time.
Q: Does this case have native support for SSDs?

Quote:
No it does not. You can use a 2.5†to 3.5†adapter to put it in the external 3.5†drive bay. You can also just Velcro or tape them behind the motherboard tray since SSD's use very little wattage, heat and have No Moving parts. SSD’s don’t really produce heat so you can hide them just about anywhere.
Q: Why do so many people like this case?

Quote:
This is a hard question to answer. Each users answer will be different of course but, I think most will agree its combination of Small size, elegant looks and uniqueness of the engineering makes this case stand alone in its own Catagory. This is the smallest case that can fit a full size ATX motherboard and for that it is highly regarded. It's straight forward styling makes this case an excellent MOD Case. The Aluminum is easily cut and the case is pretty much a blank slate on to which you can add your own personal touch.

Quote:

Here is a Google SketchUp of the case for all your modding needs

Brought to you by Aerial

Accessories that you can get from Lian Li for the PC-A05

The upgrade top has a 140m fan hole
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Bezels to cover the front optical bezels
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Official Lian Li A05 Side Window
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Nicer case feet
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USB 3.0 Bracket
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USB 3.0 Adapter for Internal Header
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User's Manual Download.

Code for Sig

Code:

Code:
[CODE][URL="http://www.overclock.net/computer-cases/880913-coolest-lian-li-pc-a05-nb.html"][CENTER][FONT=Tahoma][SIZE=2][B][COLOR=Black]The [COLOR="DimGray"][Official][/COLOR] Lian Li [/COLOR] [COLOR=Gray]PC-A05 [/COLOR] [COLOR=black]CLUB[/COLOR][/B][/SIZE][/FONT][/CENTER][/URL]
[/CODE]
 
#2 ·
Members
82 MEMBERS STRONG!
 
#3 ·
PICS OF OUR BUILDS:

If you would like to be added to this list, PM me pictures of your build (two max) that have been resized to 640x480 (or 480x640) and already image hosted (imgur, photobucket etc).

Ikems beautiful candy white A05

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A05 compared to a mid tower
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(courtesy of Ikem)

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996gt2's very nice build

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Sexy Bastards A05Beast

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Sexybastards build for his brother

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OC Maximus's awesome internal watercooled build

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Anthony's Honda Box.

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One of Enigma's PC-05 Builds.. I love this case.
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Laine's next level A05

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esproductions very clean A05

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#4 ·
Modding Ideas as seen here by he1100z LSU Build.







A Great Build by our own Cyber Druid. Have him do a case for you.


Quote:
Window kits are easy with this build. The Aluminum is thin and cuts easily. Here is the size that I like to use but you can custom fit one of the size and Shape you want. The Stop Sign Cut was cut by using an ADT Sign from my front yard. Perfect size. The best wire management for window apps is a small window. just show off what you have to and hide the rest. The small windows really look good on the Case.


Here is the one that I last used.
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Quote:
* Laser Cut
* Dimensions: 11.125" (28.2cm) x 8.69" (22.1cm)
* Kit comes complete with pre-cut molding and locking strip, instructions, and hole marking template
* Molding length: 3' (91.44cm)
* Fan that is pictured is NOT included
 
#5 ·
This is probably the best case available IMHO. For 98% of people who don't need water cooling or TRI SLI or 20 hard drives this case will be perfect.

All you need is a dremel and you can make it cool better then most cases. A top blow hole is highly recommended to keep your graphics cool. I modded mine in 10 minutes top and it looks really nice. I also added a cut out behind the mobo to make switching out HSF's much easier.

Here are some pics of my mods:

the full case
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wire management
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the top 2 x 120mm blow hole
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new power buttons and case feet
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cpu cut out
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so quite a bit of modding for me lol. I was making this case more and more amazing
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#8 ·
Quote:

Originally Posted by sexybastard View Post
This is probably the best case available IMHO. For 98% of people who don't need water cooling or TRI SLI or 20 hard drives this case will be perfect.

All you need is a dremel and you can make it cool better then most cases. A top blow hole is highly recommended to keep your graphics cool. I modded mine in 10 minutes top and it looks really nice. I also added a cut out behind the mobo to make switching out HSF's much easier.

so quite a bit of modding for me lol. I was making this case more and more amazing
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So glad you got back with us ... I love this Build.
 
#15 ·
Quote:

Originally Posted by Enigma8750 View Post
Oh they will.. We will show them what to do with this little Beast.
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Quote:

Originally Posted by beldecca View Post
Hey, SB, can we see the other side open so we can see your cable management? Hopefully give me some ideas?

I'm going to put a pair of 120mms in the top of mine and hope I get away with 2x 6870's & an H50 in it.
yessir. check it out here. not really super organized but they are out of view and not obstructing any airflow
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with two top fans it will handle the load with ease. I had two 4870's at one time they ran fine in the case and the 4870s run much hotter then the new 6870's.

Quote:

Originally Posted by godofdeath View Post
wait what is the nb version?
the PC-A05B is the original model introduced in 2006. The PC-A05NB is the updated model released in 09.

Main Differences:

A05N: new hard drive cage, top panel is screwed on instead of riveted, slotted PCI covers and other minor changes.
 
#16 ·
i wanna get this case but i would have to do some modding...If anyone wants to check to see my Sketchup i will include in attachment. I still have to add the fan in the back. I would like to add a fan or two at the bottom...If anyone wants to "CHIP" in or help with Sketchup(i find it a pain in the ...).
 
#17 ·
Quick question; was this approved for official status by another section staff member?
 
#18 ·
No... Can I be official or do you want me to take that Title off.. Please inform.

Quote:
wait what is the nb version?
The NB series is the last Revision of this Case. Its all you can get new on the Egg. Newegg. They made the tool less snap in DvD Bays. and changed to a different Hard drive enclosure. Still same design just one more I think.

I have the PC-05 series and I love it. But the new one is even easier to build and mod.
 
#20 ·
Quote:

Originally Posted by Enigma8750 View Post
No... Can I be official or do you want me to take that Title off.. Please inform.
It's preferred that clubs remain unofficial (without indicator) until they get a decent following maintained. Once you have a good number of club members and general support for the thread, then you may contact one of the section editors (or if they defer you to a moderator you can contact me or SmasherBasher) about making it official since it's mainly their responsibility.
 
#21 ·
Quote:

Originally Posted by Chunky_Chimp View Post
It's preferred that clubs remain unofficial (without indicator) until they get a decent following maintained. Once you have a good number of club members and general support for the thread, then you may contact one of the section editors (or if they defer you to a moderator you can contact me or SmasherBasher) about making it official since it's mainly their responsibility.
OKay.. Done deal Bosses.. Will take away the Official Moniker off until later.
 
#23 ·
The other day I went to my father-in-law's house and he wanted me to install his new 1TB HD in his PC-A05 case. When I asked him to give me the HD screws that came with the case he told me that he lost the whole bag of screws. I tried to contact Lian Li but I have yet to get a response after a week. I was wondering if anyone had some extra HD screws that they could give me? I guess all I need is for like two drives so 8 screws? Please let me know if you guys can help.
 
#24 ·
Quote:

Originally Posted by Ragsters View Post
The other day I went to my father-in-law's house and he wanted me to install his new 1TB HD in his PC-A05 case. When I asked him to give me the HD screws that came with the case he told me that he lost the whole bag of screws. I tried to contact Lian Li but I have yet to get a response after a week. I was wondering if anyone had some extra HD screws that they could give me? I guess all I need is for like two drives so 8 screws? Please let me know if you guys can help.



This would be the best deal for now and just as fast. Just press the picture.