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If the conductors at Lian Li were instructed to think outside the box, it's safe to said they accomplished that task with the company's new PC-CK101. The PC-CK101 is, to the best of our knowledge, the world's first train themed aluminum chassis. It's designed to look like a steam engine train while still functioning as a full-fledged mini tower computer case, and quite frankly is one of the neatest enclosures we've ever seen.
Bear in mind that we've only spied press images (and a YouTube video, embedded below), but from what we can see, the attention to detail is pretty impressive. It looks more like a train than it does a computer chassis.
The PC-CK101 supports mini-ITX motherboards. It comes pre-loaded with a 300W SFX power supply (80 Plus certified), so you're not going to build a high-end gaming machine in this thing. You can, however, put together a nice little SFF system that stands out from the crowd. It has a single slim 5.25-inch drive bay, a 3.5-inch drive bay, two USB 3.0 ports, and a 120mm fan with filter.
"The PC-CK101 is separated into two sections: the car and the engine," Lian Li explains. "In the car a mini-ITX motherboard fits comfortably. A 120mm fan blows cool air across the motherboard. Cable management from the car to the engine is made easy with a tunnel in the front on the car leading into the engine."
Lian Li plans to sell two versions. The first is the PC-CK101 Standard ($229), a stationary model that comes with a label stating that it's a 2012 Special Edition Chassis, and the second is the PC-CK101 Premium ($379) that ships with six interlocking tracks.
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Comments are closed on this article
LeithKemon
September 19, 2012 at 3:49pm
Somebody at Lian Li has been smoking a bit too much crack I think!
Nastyman
September 19, 2012 at 1:56pm
...I guess you could say you are in a lot of trouble if you see smoke coming out of that stack! LOL!
iheartpcs
September 19, 2012 at 11:27am
"It looks more like a train than it does a computer chassis."
lol, really?
Orvtrebor
September 19, 2012 at 10:47am
I'm not really into the whole train theme, but I have to admit they did a great job. I'd like to see them come up with other artistic itx designs.
If not the the high price, it would be a great case for a kid
Zoandar
September 19, 2012 at 9:04am
Sitting here looking at this article, and glanced to the right, noticing a Steam advertisement with its logo. Seems like the two were made for each other! :-)
Brad Chacos
September 19, 2012 at 7:47am
Now we just need someone to come up with a wireless PSU so you can set that bad boy lose on a track and still get your productivity (read: gaming) on.
jgottberg
September 19, 2012 at 8:42am
HAHA! I doubt one could send enough electrical current (safely) through the tracks to power it, like a traditional electric train :) Great idea though!!
Brad Chacos
September 19, 2012 at 8:51am
"Safely" is definitely the key word. If you can wirelessly charge a phone or (soon) an ultrabook using a charging pad, imagine making a whole train track out of the stuff! Choo-choo cases with wireless charging tracks are the future, friends. ;-)
limitbreaker
September 19, 2012 at 7:38am
That's a fun case, sony has a new ps3 case now too. Extra slim
