SilverStone Lascala LC20M

Examination:

Since looking at the LC14 last year SilverStone has made some notable improvements to the Lascala series, as is evident from looking at the LC20M. The SilverStone LC20M continues to use an aluminum front panel with contemporary touch, as well as being engineered all around for silent operation. The case also boasts most all of the multimedia features that one would want for their HTPC. Starting on the front panel, the external 5.25" drive bays are now concealed behind an aluminum door. This door should certainly improve the aesthetics of the chassis especially if using any off-colored optical drives. The LC20/LC20M supports two external 5.25" and one external 3.5" drives. There is a second smaller door on this case that conceals four USB 2.0, one IEEE-1394 Firewire, and two audio ports. On the left hand side of the panel is the SilverStone logo, power switch, vacuum fluorescent display, IR receiver, and LEDs for the various functions. The front panel boasts a brushed look as opposed to a smooth or glossy appearance.

On both sides of the chassis are ventilation areas, which are covered by metal mesh. The ventilation area on the left aligns appropriately with the PSU area. On the bottom of the case are some ventilation holes as well as the feet for the unit. At the rear of the chassis are the PSU mount, seven expansion slots, two 80mm fan slots, and the I/O panel. With the SilverStone LC20/LC20M, the PSU has been positioned on the opposite side of its usual placement in most chassis. The placement of the PSU allows better ventilation as well as being a shorter run to the internal 3.5" hard drive bays. The 80mm exhaust fan slots do not come occupied; however, they can easily be added if the need arises.