Lian Li was founded in 1983 and continues to be one of the premier aluminum case manufacturers in Taiwan.
If you have ever had the chance to build using one of Lian Li’s cases then you know the quality of them. If you haven’t had that chance, I would recommend it.
Today we have the opportunity to look at the Lian Li Pitstop T60.
Currently available for $129.99 plus shipping the Lian Li Pitstop T60 is also available in three colors; red, black, and silver.
Today we will be looking at the red version of the Lian Li Pitstop T60, although aside from the color differences all three versions are identical.
The Lian Li Pitstop T60 is an open air test bench case that allows you to easily access all aspects of the computer system.
It also is designed for the ability to easily change any component within the system.
For those of you that are more daring than I, you can use the Lian Li Pitstop T60 as a permanent home to your system, which will make it an eye catching center piece on your desk.
It’s easy to move around thanks to the Lian Li Pitstop T60 coming with a handle built into the top.
When you take it to the next LAN game it will undoubtedly be the center of attention, well, at least until the fragging begins!
The Lian Li Pitstop T60 has a variety of options that are available to customize it to your particular needs.
The Lian Li Pitstop T60 doesn’t have any places to mount any case fans.
The first available option remedies that issue; the T60-1 is a dual 120mm/140mm fan housing that mounts on the Pitstop T60.
Another available option is the PW-IE5H550. The PW-IE5H550 is a multi-Media port kit that installs in the front of the Lian Li Pitstop T60.
This gives a pair of USB3.0 ports, a single e-SATA header, Audio headers for supports HD Audio or AC97 Audio all right there on the front panel.
These are now fairly standard features that are typically included in a standard PC case, but nice to see as an option on a test bench like the T60.
Lian-Li Pitstop T60 Retail Packaging and Parts
The front of the LIAN LI Pitstop T60 test bench is kept simple and to the point.
Here you can find which version of the Pitstop T60 is within the packaging. In our case we have the T60R, which is the red version.
Lian-Li Pitstop T60 Assembly
Assembling the LIAN LI Pitstop T60 is done with mostly with thumb screws, aside from the base.
On the underside of the LIAN LI Pitstop T60 the uprights and the back plate for the power supply are held together with several 3mm screws.
The uprights and the back plate are held together with the thumbscrews.
Lian Li Pitstop T60: Final Thoughts and Conclusion
When all is said and done, the Lian Li Pitstop T60 is a nice “case” for those that like to be different.
However, if you’re aren’t looking for a case, and you are in need of a test bench, the Lian Li Pitstop T60 may just fit the bill for what you need.
Many people, myself included will tend to use the box that the motherboard came in, a piece of foam, or anything else they can find to set the system up on for testing.
I’m not here to tell you that you (and me) are wrong in doing this. Though if you do this to frequently, your spouse may begin to get upset, especially if you are doing this on the kitchen table.
With a “case” like the Lian Li Pitstop T60 the clean up from the days adventures in hardware becomes that much easier.
When you are set-up on the motherboard box, everything has to be disconnected from the motherboard before anything can be moved.
The Lian Li Pitstop T60 remedies this, all of the system components can stay connected while you move the set-up that you are testing so dinner can be served.
Lian Li Pitstop T60 Open Air Test Bench
When compared to a mid tower case like the Themaltake Element G, the Lian Li Pitstop T60 is noticeably smaller.
At least in height and depth, the width of the Lian Li Pitstop T60 is wider as it has to accommodate a a horizontal motherboard.
Though to my surprise the Themaltake Element G is only four inches narrower than the Lian Li Pitstop T60.
What I like about the Lian Li Pitstop T60, form and function. The Lian Li Pitstop T60 allows you to quickly build a system for testing purposes.
More importantly, it allows you to quickly change out parts when needed, without the need to open up a standard case.
Another great feature, all parts (with the exception of the motherboard) can be removed without the assistance of tools.
What I’m not wild about, the need for options. At a price of $99.99 plus $12.55 shipping in black and $129.99 plus $12.55 shipping in red, the Lian Li Pitstop T60 isn’t exactly a low cost piece of hardware.
Add in the additional ~$45.00 for the fan duct and I/O ports and the price begins to climb.
To be fair, this is a test bench and not designed for a daily driver desktop. Leaving those pieces out isn’t a deal breaker by any means, though if they were included it would have sweetened the pot.
Source:http://www.legitreviews.com/article/1394/1/
