Lian Li TYR PC-X500 Chassis

 

The X500’s most striking feature is the front panel, which dominates the chassis, but what lies underneath it? Well, underneath are two 120mm fans, which are controlled by a simple 3 speed switch. But that’s not all, there is also a dust filter, which slides out easily for cleaning. It’s little touches like this that have made my heart warm to this chassis. The dust filter works well, and keeps all but the tiniest specks out of the rig. Even under the front panel, the metal is anodised and has received the same care and attention as the chassis externals. My only quibble is that Lian Li could have found a better location for the fan controller, as you have to remove the front panel and then the dust filter, just to be able to change fan speeds. If, however, this is something you don’t do very often, then it won’t be a problem.

 

 

 

 

  

Now if we work our way around to the sides, and take a look at the side panels. as you can see from the photo above, Lian Li have applied a layer of foam to the inside of the panels, which is intended to aide in reducing noise levels from the fully built system. The side panels can be released quickly and easily with the method Lian Li have used to secure them. There is a sliding mechanism, which when slid, locks the panel in place. You then only need to tighten one single thumbscrew on each side to secure the sliding mechanism. To remove the panel, you just loosen the thumbscrew and pull the lever to release the sliding mechanism. This system works very well and really is quite effortless and hassle free. As the thumbscrew is fixed to the lever, you don’t have to worry about dropping and losing it. 

 

 

 

Now let’s turn our attention to the actual innards of the chassis. Able to house a full ATX motherboard, with space for four hard drives, with two 5.25″ and one 3.25″ bay, the chassis is able to house a decent system and still have room to spare to consider installing a water-cooling loop. The chassis feels roomy and we will see if this is correct when we build the test rig up in the chassis. As was previously mentioned, every inch of the chassis, both internally and externally, is anodised. Nothing looks out of place, and everything looks superb. This chassis is crying out for a windowed side panel to show all the goodness off.

 

 

 

 So let’s now see exactly what this chassis has to offer and take a closer look at the internals on the next page.