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Lian Li Aquarium Side Panel


Date
: 02/2/03 – 09:03:21 PM

Author
:

Category
: Cases

Page 1 : Introduction

Manufacturer: Lian Li
Price: $89.99

Introduction

Case modding has become very popular the past year, as many peeps are now fitting their cases with window kits, neons, cold cathode lights, bay busses, carry handles, blow holes, … you name it. Because of the increasing popularity of case modding, many manufacturers are selling pre-modded cases to help those users who are too afraid to start drilling, cutting and hacking their expensive case. This is even more the case when dealing with those sweet but expensive aluminum cases like Lian Li sells. Not too long ago, Lian Li already released a case with a window pre-installed, the Lian Li PC608/7/9A which we reviewed a few months ago. Today, Lian Li has a brand new "gadget" for your precious aluminum case: the aquarium aluminum side panel! Yes, I really wrote "aquarium" … it even comes with fish, colorful grind and air bubbles! Curious about this new product huh? Let's get the show on the road and take a closer look at this aqua panel from Lian Li.

Page 2 : Specifications & Testing

Specifications & Testing

Let's take a look at the specs of the aqua panel, as I like to call it:

- Fits all Lian Li cases (mid towers not the smaller ones!!)
- Available in grey and black
- Comes with fish (plastic of course), colored glaze, pump, …
- Features a switch to control light and pump
- Cold cathode (blue) included
- Comes with all the necessary accessories to install and use the aqua panel

The box that holds the Lian Li Aquarium Side Panel is about the as high as the average Lian Li case and is about 3" thick. When opening up the box, you'll find the famous side panel, a cold cathode light, a DC12V transformer for the light kit, a power connector to hook the transformer up to the PSU, a switch board for the light, a stand to put the pump and light in, a pump, a power connector for the pump, rubber tube to transport the air from the pump into the window, a cap to seal it off and last but not least a bag of plastic fish and a bag filled with colored glaze.

Here is how this panel works: first you empty both the fish bag and the glaze bag into the window (which is about 1" thick). Once that's done, you must fill the window with clear water until the reservoir is about 80-90% filled with water.
Next, you have to stick the cold cathode light that delivers a light bundle so you can see the fish when it's dark, the pump and the power transformer to the stand. No need to worry, Lian Li has fitted all these pieces with double sided tape so you don't need glue, screws, …

When all of that is completed, you can stick the stand that holds all the above to the bottom of your case, again with double sided tape.
Now you can connect the rubber hose to the pump and guide it through the included panel that fits into the back of the PC (where an add-on card would be installed) to the inlet on the window. The bracket which I talked about also has a switch that controls the cold cathode light!

OK, now that is done, you're all done with installing and the sidepanel can be secured onto the case … power up the system and enjoy your brand new pets keeping you company through those long winter gaming nights ;).

Page 3 : Conclusion

Conclusion

The Lian Li Aquarium Side Panel is a nifty gadget that will please many case modders out there. Imagine what it will look like to have fish swimming next to you ;). This product is not only a sweet purchase for modders, it's also great for people who have kids!! My nephew was over while I was reviewing this aquapanel, and apparently the fish look "real" enough to have him stuck on my case since then ;).

The aquapanel requires some setting up to do, but nothing too hard to pull … You'll have it up and running in fifteen minutes tops. Lian Li includes everything you can possibly need and there's a short but clear manual included so you won't screw up.
One more positive thing … these fish WILL survive if you forget to feed them for a few weeks … so it's the ideal pet for computer geeks out there ;). Many thanks to Lian Li for sending this our way!!