LEDspotlight

Most HTPC system users would agree on how the mini-tower form factor has its upside in terms of expandable storage. Lian Li seems to know it well and has finally announced the availability of its much-awaited Mini Q Series PC-V354 desktop/HTPC chassis. The casing was showcased at Computex in June 2010 and its all aluminum fabrication grabbed quite a few eyeballs.

Fitted with a simple front side mount that should accommodate one 5.25” ODD bay and multimedia USB 3.0 I/O ports, the chassis buttresses up to seven 3.5” HDDs. It may also alternatively deliver 350mm space for long VGA cards. The tailoring on the front of this sleek chassis is easy on the eyes and it will be up for grabs in black, silver and red colors. Measuring around 245 x 320 x 420mm in dimensions, the company says it has the functional and user-friendly design users anticipate from Lian Li.

The design interestingly blends in airflow, noise lowering and tool-less mechanisms. With support for Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX and Mini-DTX motherboards, the aesthetic outer-panels should fit any work setting. Featuring anti-vibration rubber ring suspension, two 120mm intake blue or red LED fans on the front side draw cool air in, while one 140mm fan on the top cover exhausts hot air out. Distinct anti-vibration grommet and dust filters mounted with the fans allow a close to silent operation.

The chassis additionally houses HD audio and SD card reader while its PSU mount is outlined with rubber support pads. Supporting a traditional power supply, the PCI brackets are structured with vents, delivering additional cooling.

All set to hit stores by and of this month, the MSRP silver and black versions of this chassis is priced at $179 excluding VAT. Enthusiasts will have to shell out around $199 for the red