Topic: Cases
Date: December 8, 2004
Product: Silverstone LC09
Provided by: Silverstone Technology
Author: Kevin Elliott

The Silverstone LC09 is not your typical Mini-ITX computer case and by typical I mean neither a square or rectangular enclosure. Silverstone has opted to go with a design that is entirely different than anything seen in the Mini-ITX market prior to this. I should also mention that due the unique outline of LC09 this case has been dubbed the Piano Master case by some people due to its strong resemblance to a grand piano. The LC09 at first may come off as rather plain looking, but I prefer to think that it is aesthetically pleasing.

The finish on the LC09 is 100% brush aluminum and with it you come away with a look that has a very high-tech appearance. The lines of the case all flow and wrap around the case giving you a perfect fit and finish appearance.  This particular case can be purchased in either silver or black so the choice is yours when it comes to which best matches your particular setting or equipment.

Some people may find the front panel a bit bare since there is nothing there to see until you open the hidden door to expose your CD/DVD drive, but personally I like the clean look that the case offers and the fact that it is bare is something that would make the case even more appealing to me.

On the right-hand side of the case you will find all of the accessory connectors, those being a pair of USB ports, one FireWire Port, Headphone and Speaker jacks.

Located on the left and right side of the case an area approximately 2.5" X 1" has been drilled with 24 holes to allow air enter and exit the case. Looking at these locations it seems these might be the perfect spot to place a couple 40x40mm fans to help with the airflow.

The back of LC09 has your standard opening for placement of an I/O shield, and running length wise across the case is a single slot that allows you to use a single PCI card in your Mini-ITX motherboard thanks to pair of PCI risers provided with the case. This is a very nice addition to any case since it allows you to supplement the standard on-board video with a better PCI video card or a PCI wireless network card so you can surf the Internet wire free.  This alone makes this case worth checking out if your looking for a HTPC case.

By opening the door on the front of the case you can see the slot that is provided for notebook size CD/DVD drive.  This will also keep those little finger of small children from playing with your fragile drive, since out of site is out of mind. I like this feature very much!

Located on the top of the case you have the highly detailed On/Off button, Silverstone wasn't content to just add a plain silver button here they had make sure the edges were relieved to give it a truly professional looking finish. Located next to it are two holes which will allow the light from the LEDs beneath to shine upward to indicate power to your computer and the other indicates activity to your hard drive.

Located on the top panel of the LC09 are three air vents which have been strategically position above the area on the motherboard that will generate the most the heat, and since we know heat does rise it only makes sense that these holes will work.

Flipping the cover over you can see the holes have a foam filter material covering each opening and it should be noted that this material can be removed for cleaning.