This is when the design really starts to make sense. On the wall, that huge glass panel, slim design and horizontally mounted graphics card come together to create what I would call art. Obviously the choice in hardware is key here and I would replace the fan on the Silverstone Argon AR05 with something black or LED lit. Likewise, I installed the Silverstone Strider ST45SF initially, but then changed it for the powerful SX600-G which also features more attractive cabling.

Although hardly small for a Mini-ITX case, the PC-O5S does support an impressive array of hardware. No other case using this form factor can support the Gainward GTX 980 Phantom that I know of. The only limitations are the SFX power supply and CPU cooler height. But if you plan accordingly, you will do just fine when you can install a PSU such as Silverstone’s Strider SX600-G and with support for 240mm radiators, if you are willing to go there. As expected, this beautiful and functional design comes at a cost, a rather big one if we are honest. Lian Li will start selling the PC-O5S next February for $319, by far the most expensive Mini-ITX case we have tested. It seems whenever you add tempered glass to a computer case the price simply skyrockets. In comparison, the Lian Li PC-Q35 costs $175 and that was considered a significant amount of payola for a Mini-ITX case. In Win who has been using tempered glass panels for years now is offering their 901 for just $150. Then for the same money as the PC-O5S, consumers have access to the Cooler Master Cosmos II, Lian Li PC-A79 or PC-V1000L, all of which are high-end full towers.

You should know ahead the PC-O5S is going to make for an expensive build even without taking the case’s cost into consideration. This is because a quality SFX power supply will set you back ~$150 and most will want to opt for a closed loop cooling system. Shopping shortcuts: Ultimately, the Lian Li PC-O5S isn’t for everyone and that’s perfectly fine, but those who can justify the cost and want to think of this as a tech project, we believe you won’t be disappointed. Cons: Expensive affair, for both the case and what implies to make this a beautiful build to showcase. Must fix the motherboard’s tray for ease of installation.