SilverStone Lascala LC13-E
Conclusion:
For being a case that retails under $100 USD and does meet the SilverStone build quality standards we have come to know and love over the years, the Lascala LC13-E isn't a bad deal. However, this isn't the perfect case. SilverStone advertises the LC13-E as having a "magnificent front panel design", but frankly, there isn't anything magnificent about the panel. The panel is simplistic and the design works, but it is quite ordinary. This ATX case is also advertised as having numerous drive configuration possibilities, but the design of the drive cages isn't really that different from the Lascala LC20M that we reviewed back in 2006. The drive configuration possibilities were also hampered for us with this case by the dual Radeon HD 4850 graphics cards being too long.
Another feature about the LC13-E that's slated to be special is the next-generation cooling performance. Again, we see nothing "next-generation" about its design as it's identical to the LC20M layout from two years ago. Our cooling capabilities were also decreased by losing the 3.5" drive cage (due to the graphics card situation) that had the 80/92 mm fan mounts.
Even with these issues, you will be hard-pressed to find a better HTPC chassis under $100 USD. SilverStone is well regarded for building structurally sound products and cases that are elegant but functional, and we were once again not let down. Just be forewarned, however, that using a longer graphics card may lead to problems and that you won't find all of the capabilities with the LC13-E that you can find on the more expensive SilverStone models.
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