[PROJECT]: Lemonlime's A05 Adventure

[lemonlime]

Lemonlime's Lian-Li A05 Adventure

It seems like an eternity since I've done any serious PC modding. For the last several years, my primary rig has been a mismatch of new and old. I'd tend to replace parts as I find good deals, and ditched my old Vapochill LS and watercooling parts for more practical air cooling solutions. Although I don't think I'll ever run phase-change cooling again for 24/7 use, I think I can find a nice balance in the H2O realm

Well, practical no more I say! It is time for a new project.

Here is the center piece of this adventure. A lightly used Lian-Li PC-A05N that mattlef took very good care of!



It is in near perfect condition. Although this case may not be for everyone, I love it. I used an old Lian-Li PC-65B for years and this case brings back a lot of memories. As you can see it's not a big case - and this is one of the reasons I love it. Cases like the Corsair Obsidian and TJ07 are great enthusiast watercooling friendly cases, but they are absolutely massive. I'm up for a challenge. I want to put high-end watercooling into a very small package. We're talking triple 120mm radiator, FC video block and the works. I'm going to be going for a minimalist theme here - no LEDs or fancy color schemes - just functional and clean.

Main goals:

1. Compact (100% internal WC)
2. High Cooling Performance (Double thickness triple rad hopefully)
3. Uber clean cable management and simplicity

Parts I have:

• Lian-Li PC-A05N-B Case
• Nvidia GTX275
• Patriot Torqx 120GB SSD
• WD6400AAKS for storage
• Corsair VX550 PSU

Parts Pending Delivery:

• Thermochill PA120.3 Radiator

Undecided:

• CPU/Memory - Time to get rid of my Q6600/EP35-DS4 and move on to socket 1156
• Motherboard - Looking at high-end mATX boards ATM. Needs to be short to conserve space for large rad.
• Optical Drive (may not use one in this build to conserve space)
• Pump - Thinking MCP355 with a reservoir top.
• FC Block - Hoping to find an EK block for the 275
• CPU Block - Undecided
• Tubing - Leaning toward 3/8" ID due to space constraints, but not decided.

Look at all this unused space on the roof!

Stay tuned!

[stoanee]

Awesome pictures! What camera, lighting, background, photo editing do you use?

[Andy]

I've always liked this case, I can't wait to see what you have in store for it.

[lemonlime]

Originally Posted by stoanee

Awesome pictures! What camera, lighting, background, photo editing do you use?

Thanks!

Canon EOS Rebel XS. Lighting is all 5000K full-spectrum fluorescent (six 23W CFL spot lamps + 40W T12s overhead). Background is just a queen-sized sheet draped over a table. I use Paintshop Pro X2 for image editing. With that lighting, just need a minor histogram adjustment and the background is pure white

I have this setup in my basement for writing reviews, so it was easy just to throw the A05 up there for pictures as well.

[headsh0t]

Gonna be keeping my eye on this thread.

[Soultribunal]

SUbbed. Lets see some awesome LL style Modding!

ST

[sswilson]

Looking forward to seeing how much you can ram into that space! I also have fond memories of my Lian-Li 6X series case.

Does this one have a removable motherboard tray?

[mattlef]

I'm insanely pumped to see what you come out with man!

[zoob]

zomg nice! I was tempted to buy his case as I'm planning an A05 system as well!
Since you're in the GTA, let me know if you find some nice parts maybe we can split shipping for some nice rad grills and a res top pump for a DDC :)

[lemonlime]

No removable motherboard tray, unfortunately. That was definitely one of the great features of the PC-6 series

PA 120.3 received! That sucker is thick, but after taking some measurements, it *should* fit!