CONCLUSION

   Unfortunately since we currently have none of the high-end mATX mainboards here with us i decided to skip the part where i build a system to showcase interior space since a normal mITX board like the ones we have here would be way too small for the PC-V353A. Of course i did some tests with many graphics cards and as mentioned earlier there's a slight clearance issue with mGPU cards like the GeForce GTX 590 and the Radeon HD 6990 but you can resolve that by using one of the many after-market 6/8pin extension cables out there which are extremely easy to bend. Of course using enthusiast mGPU graphics cards such as the ones mentioned above is hardly the goal for any HTPC enclosure but the PC-353A can take it. Overall i can't really say i found anything bad about the PC-V353A by Lian-Li during all the time i was checking it out. First of all it features excellent build quality and an all-aluminum body that weighs only 4.13Kg. Then we have spots for 7 fans (6x120mm/1x92mm), a movable I/O (left/right), two USB 3.0 ports, an eSATA port, 2 movable (left/right) 5.25" optical drive bays, 300mm of free length for graphics cards, 105mm for CPU Coolers and a removable mainboard tray which can accommodate even the best mATX mainboards with up to 4 PCI expansion slots. True it comes without any fans pre-installed and that will certainly disappoint some users but I’d never choose a PC Case based on whether it came with fans or not, at least not a feature-rich one like the PC-V353A.

   Excellent quality, feature-rich PC Cases unlike any other in the market has always been the main reason as to why Lian-Li has been held in high esteem over the past decade from enthusiasts around the world. However when one decides to get the best there is (applies for pretty much everything in life) that automatically translates to extra cost and the current price tag of USD170 inside the USA and 159.90Euros inside the EU (Caseking) for the PC-V353A is pretty much proof of that. Of course there are many HTPC cases in the market that cost two, three and even four times more but there are also many cheaper ones. Bottom line if you want an all-aluminum HTPC enclosure with plenty of features and great airflow and you're also willing to pay the extra price premium then you just can't go wrong with the Lian-Li PC-V353A which is why it gets our Platinum award.

PROS

- Excellent Build Quality
- Design
- Size & Weight
- 7 Fan Spots With Air-Filters
- Two 5.25" Drive Bays (Movable)
- Two USB 3.0 Ports
- eSATA Port
- Movable I/O
- Room For Long Graphics Cards (300mm)
- CPU Cooler Space (105mm)
- 4 PCI Expansion Slots (High-end mATX Mainboards)
- Easy Removable Side Panels
- Can Fit 4 Disk Drives (2x2.5"/2x3.5") 

CONS

- Price (For Some)
- No Pre-Installed Fans
- mGPU Clearance Issues (After Market Cables Recommended)